The tradition of giving themed gifts for a wedding anniversary dates to the Middle Ages. It was believed that the symbols were chosen to bring good luck and fortune to the married couple. During the 18th Century presenting wives with a silver wreath on the 25th wedding anniversary and a gold wreath for the 50th anniversary was a European tradition. Still today, the 25th is known as the Silver Anniversary and the 50th as the Gold Jubilee.
On the traditional list, jewelry wasn’t attainable until 25 years of marriage, that is if you were lucky enough to get silver jewelry. Back then it would have more likely been a silver tea set or silver tray. In that case, you would have had to wait 30 years to receive jewelry in the form of pearl jewelry.
In the late 1930s the list was updated and now referred to as the “Modern” Anniversary Gift List, you can find Diamond Jewelry as a gift for the 10th year. At ten years, many women are longing for the diamond anniversary band. This is certainly more appealing than Tin or Aluminum.
Whatever you choose, make sure it comes from the heart and celebrates the beautiful bond of love between you and your partner. Happy Anniversary!
YEAR TRADITIONAL MODERN
1 Paper Clocks
2 Cotton China
3 Leather Crystal/Glass
4 Fruit/Flowers Appliances
5 Wood Silver/Silverware
6 Candy/Iron Wood
7 Wood/Copper Desk Set
8 Bronze/Pottery Linens/Lace
9 Pottery/Willow Leather
10 Tin/Aluminum Diamond Jewelry
11 Steel Fashion Jewelry
12 Silk/Linen Pearls
13 Lace Textiles/Fur
14 Ivory Gold Jewelry
15 Crystal Watches
20 China Platinum
25 Silver Silver
30 Pearls Diamond/Pearl
35 Coral Jade
40 Ruby Ruby
45 Sapphire Sapphire
50 Gold Gold
55 Emerald Emerald
60 Diamond Diamond