A box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of perfume (or cologne) - all lovely presents to receive but hardly remarkable for a significant occasion, such as your wedding anniversary.

In her 1922 book, Etiquette, a bible of how to behave and the right way of doing things, Emily Post dedicated a chapter to wedding anniversaries and suitable gifts to mark them, suggesting paper for the first wedding anniversary, wood for the fifth, tin for the 10th, crystal for the 15th, silver for the 25th, gold for the 50th and diamond to mark the 75th wedding anniversaries.

Over time the list has expanded to include suggestions for every year up to the 25th wedding anniversary and then every five years thereafter. And in addition to both traditional suggestions for wedding anniversary gifts and modern ideas for anniversary presents, there are now wedding anniversary gemstones associated with each of these marital milestones, in the same way that each month of the year has a birthstone associated with it.

Traditional, modern or gemstone anniversary gifts

Let us ask you - what would you or your spouse prefer as a gift to mark your 4th wedding anniversary - linen (traditional), a new appliance, such as a kettle, (modern) or a piece of jewellery featuring a blue Topaz? Or to celebrate your 8th year together, some salt (traditional), lace (modern) or a Tourmaline?

While the traditional and modern wedding anniversary gifts may be a bit of fun and some, like silver for the 25th or gold for a 50th anniversary, every bit as precious, gemstones offer not only a meaningful and long-lasting way of celebrating your marriage through the years, but also build a superb jewellery collection that can be an investment and a legacy to be passed down the generations.

Wedding anniversary gemstones list

There is no single, definitive list of wedding anniversary gemstones, with suggestions varying across the world. We have therefore amalgamated several to provide a list that includes an anniversary’s recognised gemstone and possible alternatives. Ours is not intended to be a definitive list but a guide to help you decide on the most suitable wedding anniversary gemstone gift for your loved one: