Choosing the Right Anniversary Gift

The biggest question most people have when purchasing jewelry for anniversary gifts is, “How do I pick the right piece?” With so many amazing options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and spend hours browsing through gorgeous, sparkling gems and gleaming metals. You may think you need expert help to find the perfect gift, but we have good news. 

More important than being a jewelry expert, the best gifts come from understanding your recipient's taste and style. You could spend a lifetime studying cut, color, clarity, and carats and still completely miss the mark. But spend just a little time studying your loved one and thinking about the relationship you’ve built together, and you have everything you need to know.

What to consider when choosing the right anniversary gift

Choosing the right gift for an anniversary is not as hard as it might appear. No one is as qualified as you to select the perfect jewelry gift to represent your relationship. But it can still feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.

There are a few common factors to consider, including the recipient’s personal style, their lifestyle, the occasion, and the gift’s symbolism. You can choose the right gift every time by carefully thinking about these aspects and applying your understanding of your partner to the problem. The more thought and understanding you put into it, the better your gift will be.

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FINDING THE RIGHT PIECE OF JEWELRY

Of course, choosing a jewelry gift is about more than these few considerations. Yes, you need to think about the person your gift will adorn and their tastes and preferences. You need to consider your relationship, the occasion, and more. But other factors are equally important as you shop for anniversary jewelry.

First, make sure that the piece you are purchasing is of good quality and reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship and design. You want something that will stand the test of time, just like the relationship you’re celebrating.

Next, think about your metal and gemstone choices. Some people have a preferred metal that they wear all the time. Others like to mix and match. Don’t purchase an emerald necklace for someone who doesn’t like the color green, and avoid rose gold for the recipient who exclusively wears white gold jewelry. You should also look into the meanings behind various gems and metals. For instance, ruby jewelry is often representative of love, while emeralds were once known as the gemstone of the goddess of hope.

Finally, any unique or personal touches you can add will only make the gift that much more special. Consider having the piece engraved or choosing a design with a deeply personal message. Consider something that has symbolism relating to your first date or another special moment in your life together. A favored gift is inclusion of your kids’ names via an engraving. The more thought you put into your gift, the more it shows you value the relationship.

HOW TO MAKE THE GIFT SPECIAL

If you haven’t been paying attention to your loved one’s jewelry tastes, you may now have a challenge. Even the most observant gift giver may need to do a little espionage to pick the right ring size. How do you find out your partner’s preferences without ruining the surprise? If you live together, this is very simple. If you don’t live together, you might have to get a bit sneakier to gain unsupervised access. 

Take a peek into their jewelry collection while they’re not around and think about which pieces they wear most. Measure any rings they currently own and wear, and as a fallback, choose a ring which can be resized or exchanged for the correct size. In any case, Ylang 23’s Concierge service can assist. Take note of color, metal, and gemstone preferences, along with style choices and other preferences. 

Next, consider ways to personalize the jewelry and the gift. You may purchase something that references a special moment the two of you shared. Put together a charm necklace with several designer charms representing your special someone’s favorite things. Or do something as straightforward as engraving your anniversary date on the inside of a ring or the back of a pendant.

Be sure to add a heartfelt message to your jewelry gift. If you’re also giving a card, write something meaningful about your relationship inside. If not, consider enclosing a love letter or some other special message that will tell your loved one how much you value and appreciate them. This is the perfect time to get as sappy as you please and pour out your love for your partner!

ANNIVERSARY GIFTS AND JEWELRY BY YEAR

First-Year Anniversary Jewelry

The first anniversary is considered the paper anniversary. Most people choose to get pretty creative with this. You might purchase tickets to a big event or write your loved one a love letter or poem. Another way to interpret this is that the message is more meaningful than the paper itself. A personalized piece of jewelry is an amazing way to memorialize a significant message, date, or initials that can be cherished for years to come.

5-Year Anniversary Jewelry

The fifth anniversary is the wood anniversary. It is also represented by sapphires or pink tourmaline. There are plenty of fun ways to present these two concepts together. Consider a stunning pair of sapphire earrings presented in a hand-carved jewelry box or a pink tourmaline pendant with a custom-engraved wooden gift box. 

10-Year Anniversary Jewelry

The 10 year anniversary is represented by tin, aluminum, or diamonds all of which symbolize longevity. There is no better way to commemorate a special anniversary than with diamonds. A beautiful diamond bracelet is an excellent option that is sure to delight. A new diamond band that pairs perfectly with the engagement ring and wedding band is another meaningful gift that will be worn for years to come.

25th-Anniversary Jewelry

The 25th anniversary is the silver anniversary, representing the value of a long-term relationship. You can also represent this year with any silver-tone jewelry, such as white gold. By this time in your relationship, a romantic getaway is probably the perfect gift. Perhaps revisit the place you spent your honeymoon or book tickets for your fantasy destination. Present your partner with white gold jewelry they can wear on your trip. 

30th-Anniversary Jewelry 

The traditional gift for a 30th anniversary is pearls, symbolizing honesty and wisdom. Many couples also plan dates that involve water in some way for this anniversary. Buy your sweetheart a beautiful pearl necklace with or without diamonds and take a romantic (and private) sunset cruise for a celebration you won’t soon forget.

40th-Anniversary Jewelry

The 40th anniversary is symbolized by rubies, meant to bring the burning flame of passion to mind. Consider a wine tasting featuring your favorite reds, a hot air balloon ride, and some stunning ruby jewelry. 

50th-Anniversary Jewelry

The 50th anniversary is called the golden jubilee, and it stands for prosperity and lifelong love. The celebration should always be special — it’s truly an occasion to celebrate! Most couples choose to have a large anniversary party, bringing together their extended family and long-time friends in celebration. Give gifts of gold jewelry and other golden items to represent the milestone.

Personalized Anniversary Jewelry & Gifts

Some of the best gifts are the most personal. Anyone can go out and purchase a bouquet of red roses, a scented candle, or a box of chocolates, but at this point, such gifts are almost cliché. When you take the time to personalize a gift, it makes the whole experience that much more special and meaningful. 

When you’re looking for a personalized gift, jewelry is the perfect way to go. It’s incredibly easy to have a necklace, ring, earrings, or bracelet personalized. Most jewelry lends itself to engraving, and if not, you can always add an engravable charm or accent. Engrave initials, a meaningful date, or a message of love, and your recipient will always have a meaningful memory of your care and devotion.

When celebrating an anniversary, it’s hard to go wrong with luxury designer jewelry. Choose the perfect gift by carefully considering your recipient, the occasion, and the hidden meanings behind various types of jewelry. Personalize it with a meaningful message or engraving to make the gift extra special. Pair this delightful gift with an unforgettable and romantic experience to remind your partner why they fell in love in the first place.

Whether online or at our boutique in Dallas, Ylang23 has stunning jewelry that will delight and inspire, and our team has been providing top-end service and care for more than 35 years. Trust us with your anniversary gift selection. We love to help our clients and customers choose the perfect piece!