Your Guide To Anniversary Gemstones & Jewellery Making

Gemstones are a great way to mark a milestone during marriage. Whether you're after new jewellery design ideas to add to your collection or you're on the hunt for the most perfect handmade anniversary gift, this will give you some lovely ideas on how to get started. There are many traditional gifts, however on this particular post, we're focusing on anniversary gemstones.

Celebrating a milestone in any relationship is something really special and what better way to show your love through a meaningful gemstone to symbolise the love between two people.

We usually think of the silver or gold anniversary, but each anniversary has its own special gemstone or metal attached to it. Take a look below at the gemstones associated with a particular anniversary below, along with some handmade jewellery design ideas too.

Thinking of making a special piece of anniversary jewellery?

It might be easier than you think! At Kernowcraft we offer a stunning range of gemstones and all the supplies and tools you need to make your own jewellery designs. Head to our jewellery making kits for beginner friendly designs and don't forget to check out our jewellery making tutorials for step by step

We hope our inspirational ideas gives you a few ideas to create a sentimental piece of jewellery that can be cherished forever. Or perhaps you'd rather commission a piece of jewellery using your anniversary stone of choice? Browse our range of gemstones or explore a particular anniversary stone below.

Need advice?

If you need any advice or guidance on choosing a gemstone or creating something special, contact our friendly team - we’d love to hear from you!

1st Anniversary Gemstone: Gold

Gold metal is traditionally used for the first wedding anniversary but that doesn't mean you have to use metal!

Golden gemstones could also be used such as citrine, amber and topaz to create something special. Or why not incorporate gold beads and charms into a piece of jewellery? There are so many possibilities!

2nd Anniversary Gemstone: Garnet

Garnet is also January's birthstone and is extremely popular within jewellery design. Garnet is mainly a deep dark red colour, but the gemstone can also be found in a variety of colours such as Tsavorite garnet which is a gorgeous green and Rhodolite garnet, a pretty pinky plum colour.

3rd Anniversary Gemstone: Pearl

Pearls are such a classic and elegant gemstone. They come in a whole range of shapes and sizes so you can create something that fits your style. Natural pearls are rare, however there are many cultured pearls available which come in different varieties, colours and are affordable too - making them a great anniversary gift.

Read our information page on how cultured pearls are formed

Peridot is the alternative 1st anniversary gemstone. Featuring our leaf charms and peridot beads, wire wrapped onto hoop earrings.

These topaz faceted stones are so popular! Browse our range of faceted stone settings and create an easy piece of jewellery such as a pair of earrings or ring.

Read our advice page: types of settings & how to use them

4th Anniversary Gemstone: Blue Topaz

We absolutely love blue topaz here at Kernowcraft, it has such a beautiful intense colouring and would look lovely as earrings or a simple pendant. The stone is said to aid communication, prosperity and also banish any negativity - great for any relationship. Topaz is also November's birthstone and comes in a variety of colours such as pink, orange and yellow.

Take a look at our limited edition topaz stones to really give the wow factor!

Check out the alternative anniversary stone, blue zircon!

5th Anniversary Gemstone: Sapphire

This valuable, precious and durable gemstone could symbolise the strength within a relationship - it is also said to bring joy, peace and fulfil dreams! Usually a blue gemstone, it can also be found in every colour except red, a great choice for any piece of jewellery due to its durability.

6th Anniversary Gemstone: Amethyst

This romantic gemstone is thought to of been worn by Saint Valentine, set with an amethyst carved with the image of Cupid. It is said to relieve physical, emotional, and psychological stress.

7th Anniversary Gemstone: Onyx

Onyx is a popular, durable stone and is often used within men's jewellery - making it a great choice for an anniversary gift. We just love how beautiful and bold this gemstone is, a truly eye catching stone great for all kinds of jewellery.

We also have a beautiful selection of green onyx.

8th Anniversary Gemstone: Tourmaline

This is a beautiful gemstone, which comes in a vast array of colours and is often known as the 'gemstone of the rainbow'.

9th Anniversary Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli

Lapis luzuli is such a stunning stone made up of the royal blue mineral lazurite, white calcite and gold specks of pyrite. The gemstone is said to aid truth and communication - a great thing to have after 9 years of marriage!

10th Anniversary Gemstone: Diamond

What an incredible milestone! 10 years of marriage means diamond - one of the most sought after gemstones due to its lustre and hardness. A perfect chance to add a diamond ring to go alongside a wedding band. Diamonds are said to bring balance, clarity and abundance.

11th Anniversary Gemstone: Turquoise

We love turquoise's unique colour, it's an ancient gemstone and was first brought to Europe from Turkey. It is known as the master healer stone and is very popular among modern jewellery designs.

Keep it simple...

This elegant design features a single black diamond bead wire wrapped onto a bracelet chain

If you're searching for a gift idea, why not commission a piece of jewellery using a limited edition stone?

It will be the only one of its kind...

12th Anniversary Gemstone: Jade

The most valued jade gemstone is an emerald green colour, the stone is said to attract love, which is a perfect gemstone to use when thinking of an anniversary gift.

13th Anniversary Gemstone: Citrine

Natural citrine is rare and most gemstones you find will be heat treated amethysts or smoky quartz. Citrine has a beautiful yellow colour and is said to be great for energising.

14th Anniversary Gemstone: Opal

Opal is such a magnificent gemstone, with its amazing play of colours and flashes.

Here at Kernowcraft, we have a huge selection available, you may even find some limited edition Australian boulder opals too. If you're looking for a gift, why not commission a piece of jewellery using a unique stone? It will be the only one of its kind.

15th Anniversary Gemstone: Ruby

Ruby is a beautiful gemstone, representing love and passion. Recognised by their bright red colour and lustre, it's one gemstone you can't ignore. Rubies are usually a darker brownish hue and are often heat-treated to bring out the red even more.

16th Anniversary Gemstone: Peridot

This ancient gemstone dates back to Egyptian times and is well known for its bright grassy green colour. Peridot is said to represent compassion and brings harmony to relationships - making it a great gift choice for a loved one.

17th Anniversary: Watches

Watches are traditionally given on 17th wedding anniversaries, a thoughtful gift to give a loved one. There is no particular gemstone associated with this anniversary.

18th Anniversary Gemstone: Cat's Eye

A cat's eye gemstone is really interesting! It can be found in various gemstones, resembling the slit eye of a cat making it a really beautiful and intriguing gemstone to use in your jewellery designs.

19th Anniversary Gemstone: Aquamarine

This blue variety of beryl is extremely popular in jewellery making. Aquamarine is said to symbolise peace and love, making it a lovely gift idea for an anniversary.

20th Anniversary Gemstone: Emerald

This eye-catching gemstone is one of the most expensive gemstones due to its unique colour and rarity. Rich greens are more sought after and are said to represent protection - a lovely hidden message to go alongside the piece of jewellery.

21st Anniversary Gemstone: Iolite

We love iolite's purple hues, it has many similarities to the sapphire gemstone and is known as 'the water sapphire'.

We just love these simple emerald cabochon stud earrings! It's so easy and perfect for beginners, or for someone wanting to make a special handmade gift for a loved one.

Shop our range of earring settings

22nd Anniversary Gemstone: Spinel

The spinel gemstone comes in a whole array of colours including reds, pinks, purples and blues. The ruby spinel has a deep red and is the most valued spinel gemstone, a great alternative to ruby.

23rd Anniversary Gemstone: Imperial Topaz

Imperial topaz is the most sought after natural topaz, it's a rare gemstone and has more value than others.

24th Anniversary Gemstone: Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a popular and unique violet gemstone, discovered by Masai tribesman in Northern Tanzania. 

It's said to be the stone of magic - so make something special and keep the magic alive with Tanzanite!

25th Anniversary: Silver Jubilee

Use sterling silver and create something elegant for a piece of anniversary jewellery. Perhaps use a silver chain and incorporate a birthstone into the design by using a setting?

30th Anniversary Gemstone: Pearl Jubiliee

Pearl is also used to celebrate the 3rd anniversary along with the 30th milestone.

35th Anniversary Gemstone: Emerald

Emerald is also the gemstone of 20 years too, a popular gemstone but also expensive due to its rarity.

40th Anniversary Gemstone: Ruby

Also the gemstone of 15 years, ruby is a beautiful red coloured stone that is extremely popular among jewellers.

45th Anniversary Gemstone: Sapphire

Sapphire is also the gemstone of 5 years, if you went for the classic blue sapphire why not go for a different variation such as pink sapphire?!

50th Anniversary: Golden Jubilee

50 years, wow! The possibilities are endless, perhaps a gold watch or gold cuff? Gold earrings or a simple necklace would also work a charm.

55th Anniversary Gemstone: Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a rare and valuable gemstone and is known as the colour changing gemstone, sometimes appearing as a dark yellow green and other times a pink. This could be a great gemstone to use in jewellery making to add some fun into the design.

Cubic zirconia is the finest diamond simulation you can buy!

Add sparkle to any gemstone lover's life with one of these beautiful stones.

60th Anniversary Gemstone: Diamond

Diamond is also the 10th anniversary gemstone but why not celebrate with it again 50 years later? It's the perfect excuse to add some sparkle!

70th Anniversary: Platinum Jubilee

Platinum is a rare and precious metal, this time you could go for a ring or bangle to mark the celebration?

75th Anniversary Gemstone: Sapphire

Sapphire appears once again on this amazing milestone! A beautiful stone for a beautiful couple - why not mix it up with different coloured sapphires in one special piece of jewellery?

80th Anniversary Gemstone: Ruby

Finally, ruby - shine bright with the stunning lustre and deep red that this gemstone brings.

Be Inspired By Jewellery Making Kits

Our jewellery making kits are the perfect place to find inspiration. They are beginner friendly, with online step by step instructions and a handy one-click shopping list that you can customise yourself.

Learn How To Make Jewellery With Free Tutorials

Follow our free guides and step by step tutorials on a range of jewellery making techniques including wire wrapping, beading to stone setting.

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to give you advice over email or on the phone.

You can learn more and find inspiration by visiting our Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Kits and YouTube Channel. Don't forget to follow us on social media and tag us in your designs on Instagram & Facebook, we would love to see!