Anniversary rings are a popular option for people looking to make their partner say “Wow!” They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles—the only limits are your imagination and your partner’s taste. Essex is proud to offer assistance from our expert jewelers to help you pick the perfect ring, and we hope you’ll use this guide as a launching point for your ring search.
When Should I Gift an Anniversary Ring?
We’re all about gifting jewelry every day of the week if budgets weren’t a factor, but anniversary rings are typically gifted for milestone years. Traditional wedding gift etiquette used to dictate the following gift guide, based on the anniversary year:
First Anniversary – Paper
Fifth Anniversary – Wood
Tenth Anniversary – Tin or Aluminum
Fifteenth Anniversary – Crystal
Twentieth Anniversary – China
We don’t know about you, but we don’t know anyone who wants something made of paper for their first anniversary—unless it’s the wrapping paper surrounding a special bauble. We’ve found updated lists across the web, recommending everything from silverware to clocks, but jewelry is forever, and a memorable way for your partner to look back on your lives together. We’ve updated the anniversary gift guide as follows:
First Anniversary – Gold
Fifth Anniversary – Sapphire
Tenth Anniversary – Diamonds
Fifteenth Anniversary – Ruby or Morganite
Twentieth Anniversary – Emerald or Yellow Diamond
Choosing a Ring
Type
There are three main types of rings you can choose from: vintage, designer and custom. Vintage rings are a great way to bring a timeless, unique piece into your partner’s life. Designer rings are made by brands like Tiffany’s and Cartier and are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face with the reputation attached to the brand. Custom rings allow someone to create a piece as unique as their partner.
Material
This is entirely based on your partner’s likes and dislikes, but we recommend silver, platinum or gold for their availability and durability. When choosing gold, there are several types to consider (you can read our more comprehensive guide here), but you’ll most likely find yellow, white and rose gold pieces.
Setting
Anniversary rings typically come in four types of settings:
Channel – This style is composed of two pieces of metal that form of channel in the middle, allowing you to add stones as your marriage progresses.
Pave – Small diamonds are tightly paved together to form a continuously glittering band.
Bezel – Stones are elevated and set into an edging that surrounds most, if not all, of the stone.
Prong – This is the most common setting, composed of little claws thar grip the ring. It allows for the most light penetration, making the ring sparkle.
How Should I Wear My Anniversary Ring?
The sky really is the limit. Traditionally, wedding rings are worn first, followed by the engagement ring and an anniversary ring, but with the various styles available, anniversary rings have been worn in place of engagement rings, on the right hand’s ring finger or on either index finger. The sky really is the limit. Some people will want a simple band to add to their wedding set (see the Tiffany gold band or stackable diamond bands above) while others want something a little bigger. Really think about your partner’s likes and dislikes, and remember, there’s nothing wrong with bringing them into the buying process.
Hopefully this helped you choose the perfect anniversary ring for you. If you have more questions, reach out to your local fine jewelry experts at Essex Fine Jewelry at our website or call us at 404-481-5555!