Anniversary gemstones by year
Anniversary gemstones are a graceful way to mark the passing years of a marriage, each stone chosen for its color, character and meaning. Unlike birthstones, there is no single official list. This guide follows the anniversary gemstone list published by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which itself notes that no single authoritative list exists. Below you will find the traditional gemstone for every year from the first anniversary through the fiftieth, with its hardness and a few gift ideas.
If you are shopping for a partner's birthday as well, our birthstones by month guide covers the twelve monthly gemstones, and the gemstone hardness (Mohs) scale shows how each stone stands up to everyday wear.
1st anniversary: gold
The first year is celebrated with gold — the metal of warmth, permanence and new beginnings. A gift of gold jewelry, whether a fine chain or a pair of classic hoops, honors both the present and the years ahead.
5th anniversary: sapphire
Sapphire marks the fifth anniversary, prized for its velvety blue and remarkable Mohs 9 hardness. It has long symbolized fidelity, wisdom and a love built to last. Explore its full range of colors in our sapphire color guide.
10th anniversary: diamond
A decade of marriage calls for diamond — the hardest gem known, at Mohs 10, and the enduring emblem of forever. An eternity band or a pair of studs makes the milestone tangible and everlasting.
20th & 25th anniversary: emerald & the Silver Jubilee
Twenty years are marked with emerald, the lush green beryl of growth and renewal, while the twenty-fifth is the celebrated Silver Jubilee — bright, reflective and often paired with a meaningful gemstone.
| Year | Gemstone | Hardness (Mohs) |
|---|