Anniversary Ring: A Dual-Purpose Gem For Your Wedding

Wedding and anniversary bands are often confused with one another, but they are distinct. An anniversary ring is a wedding band given on an anniversary instead of on the wedding day. It is a symbol of everlasting love and a celebration of the milestones achieved as a couple. Anniversary rings are usually given to women, but some couples exchange matching bands. They are typically worn on the ring finger of the right hand, but there is no set rule.

A wedding band, on the other hand, is exchanged at the wedding ceremony and represents the official bond of marriage. It is usually a simpler ring, such as a classic plain metal band, or one with small diamonds. Wedding bands are usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand.

Anniversary ring styles

Anniversary rings are a meaningful way to commemorate your love and commitment to your partner. They can be given on any anniversary, but milestone anniversaries such as the 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th are often chosen for this special gift. There are no set rules, however, and you can give an anniversary ring whenever you want to celebrate your relationship.

Anniversary rings can be given to men or women, and there are no strict rules on how to wear them. They can be worn on any finger, on either hand, and can be stacked with an engagement and wedding ring, or worn on the opposite hand to showcase the new piece of jewellery.

When choosing an anniversary ring, you may want to select a style that reflects your current taste. If you plan to wear the ring on its own, a statement ring might be a good choice. If you want to stack it with your wedding and engagement rings, you may prefer a complementary design, such as an eternity band featuring diamonds or other gemstones.

There are many different styles of anniversary rings available, including:

• Diamond anniversary bands, which are a timeless and popular choice.
• Gemstone anniversary rings, featuring gems such as emeralds, sapphires, opals, garnets, or amethysts. You could choose your partner's favourite gemstone or represent your children's birth months.
• Gold anniversary bands, which are the traditional choice for a first anniversary.
• Platinum anniversary bands, a classic and durable option.
• Rose gold or yellow gold anniversary bands, which can create an on-trend mixed metal look when paired with a white gold wedding ring.

Wearing an anniversary ring

An anniversary ring is typically given to commemorate a milestone anniversary, such as the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th or 25th anniversary. It is a way to symbolise the joy and milestones you have accomplished as a couple. The design of an anniversary ring can vary, from a simple band with diamonds or gemstones to more ornate vintage or classic styles. It is often reminiscent of the couple and their relationship, and some choose to incorporate their children's birthstones into the design.

When it comes to wearing your anniversary ring, you can get creative. Unlike a wedding band, it doesn't have to be worn on the ring finger of your left hand. You can wear it on any finger, on either hand, and many people choose to wear it on their right hand. You can stack it with your engagement and wedding rings, or wear it separately. If you want your anniversary ring to stand out, wearing it on a different finger or hand is a great option.

If you want to keep things traditional, you can wear your anniversary ring on the same finger as your engagement and wedding rings. Many people choose to stack all three rings together, creating a substantial and eye-catching look. If you're concerned about your rings not matching, you can always work with a jeweller to create a cohesive look.

Ultimately, the way you choose to wear your anniversary ring is a personal preference. There is no right or wrong way, and you can even decide to wear it on special occasions only.

Anniversary ring vs. wedding ring

An anniversary ring is a wedding band given on an anniversary instead of on the wedding day. It is a symbol of everlasting love and a celebration of the milestones a couple has achieved together. Anniversary rings are usually given to women, but some couples choose to mark the occasion with matching bands.

An anniversary ring typically features a traditional band style with diamond or gemstone accents, or it may be a simple gold or platinum band. There are no set rules for when to give or receive an anniversary band, but many couples choose to commemorate milestone anniversaries, such as the 10th, 15th, 20th, or 25th, with a ring.

A wedding band, on the other hand, is exchanged during the wedding ceremony and represents the official bond of marriage. Wedding bands are usually less elaborate and less expensive than engagement rings, often featuring a simple metal band or a pave band with small diamonds.

The biggest difference between wedding bands and anniversary bands is that anniversary rings do not have to be worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Anniversary rings can be worn on any finger of either hand, and they do not have to replace wedding bands. Couples can wear them as an extension of their wedding rings, stacking them together or wearing them on separate fingers or hands.

Some couples choose to replace their wedding bands with anniversary bands, especially if their style preferences have changed over time. Others opt to wear their anniversary rings with their wedding rings, upgrade their original wedding bands, or wear the anniversary band on another finger.

In summary, an anniversary ring is a wedding band given on a wedding anniversary, and it can be worn in a variety of ways to suit the wearer's preference. A wedding band is exchanged during the wedding ceremony and is typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand.

Choosing an anniversary ring

Anniversary rings are a wonderful way to celebrate your love and commemorate your marriage. They are a reminder of the milestones you have achieved as a couple and are often given on milestone anniversaries, such as the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th or 25th anniversary.

When choosing an anniversary ring, the first thing to consider is how you plan to wear it. You may want it to replace your existing wedding ring, or stack it with your engagement and wedding rings. If you plan to wear the anniversary ring by itself, you might opt for a bolder design. If you plan to stack it with your existing rings, you may want to choose a ring that complements them. An eternity band, featuring diamonds all the way around, is a symbol of everlasting love and tends to coordinate well with most wedding ring settings.

Next, you'll want to choose the gemstone and metal. Diamond anniversary bands are a timeless and popular choice, but you can also choose from a variety of other gems, such as emerald, sapphire, opal or garnet. You could select your spouse's favourite gemstone or one that correlates to your children's birth months. If your wedding ring is a white gold eternity band, for example, you could opt for an anniversary band in yellow gold or rose gold to create a mixed metal look.

You could also choose the gemstone that traditionally corresponds to your anniversary year. For example, sapphires are associated with the 5th anniversary, rubies with the 15th, and emeralds with the 20th.

There are no rules when it comes to choosing an anniversary ring—it's all about personal preference and what will have enduring meaning for you and your spouse.

Anniversary ring history

The history of anniversary rings is closely tied to the history of wedding rings. The tradition of exchanging rings as a symbol of commitment in a marriage can be traced back 4,000 years to Ancient Egypt. While there is no documentation of the first use of these symbolic rings, evidence suggests that Egyptians wore rings made of reed and hemp to signify their supernatural belief in a marriage of endless love. The Egyptians also believed that a vein ran directly from the third finger of the left hand to the heart, which symbolised love and passion. This is why the ring was placed on this finger.

Over time, the custom of exchanging wedding rings spread beyond Egypt. In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great took up the Egyptian practice and brought it to Greece, from where it was eventually picked up by the Romans. However, in Roman culture, the wedding ring often signified ownership rather than love, as marriage was seen as a legal agreement in which the woman was the property of her husband.

Today, anniversary rings are given to commemorate milestones in a marriage, such as the first, fifth, tenth, and fifteenth anniversaries, among others. They often feature diamonds or other gemstones and can be worn in addition to or in place of the wedding band and engagement ring.

Frequently asked questions