What Is an Anniversary Ring?

Each year with your spouse deserves to be celebrated. Anniversary rings are a common gift to celebrate your love for one another. Keep reading to learn more about anniversary rings.

What is an anniversary ring?

An anniversary ring is typically a diamond band given to celebrate your anniversary; however, other gemstone rings can also be given. Eternity rings are one of the most popular choices for anniversary rings, as well as 5-stone and 9-stone rings. Some couples choose to update their engagement ring entirely for their anniversary.

Common Anniversary Ring Styles

Eternity Rings

Eternity rings feature diamonds going all the way around the band for a gorgeous, luxurious look. The diamonds can be any shape, but round-cut diamond eternity rings are the most popular. The downside to eternity rings is that they cannot be resized.  

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Diamond Bands

Diamond bands feature diamonds set in the band, but not all the way around the band, leaving a space of metal that allows for the ring to be resized. Thinner diamond bands will be easier to stack with your bridal set.

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5-Stone Rings

5-stone rings feature five prominent diamonds. Since most of the band is metal, it allows for a super comfortable fit.  

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9-Stone Rings

9 diamonds are set in the band. Like the 5-stone ring, the metal sides of the band will provide a comfortable fit.  

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Does an anniversary ring replace your wedding band? 

Anniversary rings are often stacked with the engagement and wedding ring. It’s not necessary for your anniversary ring to replace your wedding band, however, if you would like to use it instead of your wedding ring, go for it! 

What finger do you wear an anniversary ring on?  

You can wear your anniversary on any finger that you want. Typically, people stack their anniversary ring with their engagement and wedding ring on their left ring finger, or they wear it on their right ring finger. When worn on the left ring finger, the traditional order to wear your rings is to put your wedding ring first so it is closest to your heart, followed by your engagement ring, and then your anniversary ring last.  

What anniversary do you update your wedding ring or engagement ring?

Milestone anniversaries, like your 10th, 20th, or 30th anniversary, are common occasions for people to upgrade their wedding ring or engagement ring. However, you can update your rings whenever you please; there is no set timeframe to do so.  

How much should you spend on an anniversary ring?  

It’s up to you and your budget. There is no set amount or formula to determine how much you should spend. If you are on a tighter budget, you can save 30% (or more!) by choosing a lab-grown diamond anniversary ring. 

Traditional Anniversary Gifts  

Here is a list of traditional anniversary gifts by year. It’s not essential that you follow these, but it can help if you’re not sure what to get for your significant other.

1st Anniversary: Paper

2nd Anniversary: Cotton 

3rd Anniversary: Leather 

4th Anniversary: Fruit or flowers 

5th Anniversary: Wood 

6th Anniversary: Iron or candy 

7th Anniversary: Wool or copper 

8th Anniversary: Bronze 

9th Anniversary: Pottery 

10th Anniversary: Tin or aluminum 

11th Anniversary: Steel 

12th Anniversary: Silk 

13th Anniversary: Lace 

14th Anniversary: Ivory 

15th Anniversary: Crystal 

16th Anniversary: Wax 

17th Anniversary: Furniture 

18th Anniversary: Porcelain 

19th Anniversary: Bronze 

20th Anniversary: China 

25th Anniversary: Silver

30th Anniversary: Pearl

35th Anniversary: Coral

40th Anniversary: Ruby

45th Anniversary: Sapphire

50th Anniversary: Gold

55th Anniversary: Emerald

60th Anniversary: Diamond 

Up Next: How to Buy an Eternity Ring