10 Best Ways to Pick Anniversary Rings

THE BASICS --

An anniversary ring can mean many things, from marking a special milestone to reaffirming heartfelt vows. But how can you pick the perfect anniversary ring to be just as significant and beloved as the initial engagement ring and wedding band?

NEED TO KNOW --

• Choosing an Anniversary Ring?
• History
• 10 Ways To Pick The Perfect Anniversary Ring
• Matching The Wedding Set
• Retiring Another Ring
• Marking a Milestone Year
• Acknowledging An Event
• Coordinating With A Location
• Creating a Stack
• Following a Trend
• Recreating a Piece
• Embracing an Era
• Customizing a Ring
  
• Choosing The Perfect Anniversary Ring

Choosing an Anniversary Ring

Just as the engagement ring and wedding ring were chosen with great care and thoughtfulness, so too should an anniversary ring be chosen carefully and thoughtfully. The personal style and fashion preferences of the wearer must be considered, and the reasoning behind the ring should be taken into account. An anniversary ring meant to be worn alongside the engagement ring or wedding band, for example, needs different consideration than a standalone piece. Note which finger the ring will be worn on, how often it is meant to be worn, and what the budget may be, and keep all these considerations in mind when investigating different ring styles and options.

History

Anniversary rings have long held special meaning across cultures, symbolizing the never-ending nature of love. In ancient India, couples exchanged ornate gold bands on milestone anniversaries to honor prosperity and lifelong connection. In Victorian England, lovers believed that gifting a gemstone-studded ring each year would protect their union and reflect the growing beauty of their shared journey. Across the world, from East to West, the tradition of anniversary rings speaks to a universal desire to mark time, memory, and enduring commitment with something tangible and timeless.

10 Ways to Pick the Perfect Anniversary Ring

There is no single right or wrong way to choose an anniversary ring. Just as every couple’s relationship is unique and worth celebrating, every anniversary ring can be just as unique. Popular options for picking a meaningful anniversary ring that will be treasured for years include…

1. Matching the Wedding Set

An anniversary ring can be used to complete the initial wedding set, adding extra sparkle to commemorate the successful years of marriage. In this case, the ring is often thinner and chosen to closely coordinate with the engagement ring and wedding band for a cohesive look without too much added bulk.

2. Retiring Another Ring

Some couples choose an anniversary ring to retire either the initial engagement ring, the wedding band, or both. This might be done as those rings are passed to a new generation, or just because tastes and fashion  may have changed. This is also a great opportunity to upgrade to a new ring design that may not have been practical or possible in earlier years.

3. Marking a Milestone Year

Many anniversary rings mark milestone anniversaries, whether the fifth, tenth, twenty-fifth, or any other significant number. These rings might feature a specific number of stones to celebrate the year, or could be connected to traditional anniversary gift options. A vintage openwork ring, for example, can be a lovely option for the traditional thirteen anniversary gift of lace.

4. Acknowledging an Event

An anniversary ring can be a great way to celebrate a significant event during the year, such as the birth of a child, completing an advanced education degree, buying a house, retiring from a career, moving to a new place, or any other event the couple has worked hard for and enjoyed.

5. Coordinating With a Location

A unique way to make an anniversary ring even more meaningful is to pick the ring to coordinate with a significant location. An emerald anniversary ring, for example, might connect to an amazing trip the Emerald Isle, Ireland.

6. Creating a Stack

Choosing an anniversary ring as part of stacking rings is a great way to completely customize the look of a piece and build on it for many anniversaries to come. The initial engagement ring or wedding ring could be the base of such a stack, or the anniversary ring could be the beginning of a new jewelry tradition to celebrate every year.

7. Following a Trend

While many couples prefer timeless, traditional styles for their engagement ring and wedding band, an anniversary ring can be an edgier, trendier style. This allows for more indulgence in unusual styles, particularly if the ring won’t be worn continuously. Popular options include celebrity-inspired rings or jewelry fashions designed around hot television shows or movies.

8. Recreating a Piece

An anniversary ring can be designed to recreate a favorite piece of jewelry that may have become lost, damaged, or otherwise unable to be worn, perhaps because of sizing difficulties or delicacy. Recreating that very special ring in an updated or more durable anniversary ring is a great way to bring continuity to the jewelry style.

9. Embracing an Era

Couples with a love of specific eras might pick an anniversary ring to pay homage to that era with a vintage or antique ring. This infuses the ring with all the glamor and significance of the era, including the rich history the ring will represent and how that history will grow with the couple for future anniversaries.

10. Customizing a Ring

A customized ring can be a beautiful anniversary piece layered with meaning and intimacy for the couple. The stones in the ring could be carefully chosen for their meaning, or the ring could be engraved with a private message for the couple to share. Denoting which anniversary the couple is celebrating is a great way to customize an anniversary ring.

Choosing the Perfect Anniversary Ring

An anniversary ring is just as meaningful and celebratory of couple’s continuing union as the rings that first began that union with a question and a vow. Choosing an anniversary ring thoughtfully and for the greatest significance demonstrates the ongoing connection between partners, including all they have accomplished and all that is yet to come for them to celebrate together.

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.

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