Anniversary Jewelry: Gemstones by Year

Gems and previous metals don't just look beautiful; they represent distinct virtues and promote unique healing qualities. Here are the traditional anniversary gemstones by year. Who says it's all about diamonds, anyway?

Gold is precious and pure, which is why it represents the first wedding anniversary. It also symbolizes wealth – something to aspire to down the line!

Pearl symbolizes purity and wisdom. It also comes in many different colors and shapes, much like the varied nature of relationships.

Garnet, with its fiery red color, represents passion and intimacy – qualities firmly established by your second year of marriage. It's believed to boost your sex drive – and your professional drive!

Rose quartz, an opaque pink stone, enhances love, warmth and acceptance and is thought to provide inner peace and stress relief.

Pearl symbolizes purity and wisdom. It also comes in many different colors and shapes, much like the varied nature of relationships.

Jade -- a green stone that's treasured in China for its health -- and wealth-enhancing qualities – is also thought to nurture wisdom, inner peace and good fortune.

Blue topaz is thought to foster success, creativity and humility.

Amethyst, a translucent purple stone, represents tolerance and forgiveness. It is thought to eradicate negative feelings.

Deep blue sapphire is associated with faithfulness: one of the reasons it’s such a popular anniversary – and even engagement -- gem stone. It also symbolizes truth and sincerity.

Opaque turquoise has long been used for protection and cherished by Native Americans for its healing qualities. It also represents courage and truth.

Amethyst, a translucent purple stone, represents tolerance and forgiveness. It is thought to eradicate negative feelings.

Garnet, with its fiery red color, represents passion and intimacy – qualities firmly established by your second year of marriage. It’s believed to boost your sex drive – and your professional drive!

Black onyx is thought to promote happiness and stability. It’s a protective stone and will help ward off negativity in your marriage.

Lapus lazuli -- a deep blue, marbled stone -- is also a protective gem stone, and represents friendship, truth and harmony.

Tourmaline comes in many different colors, including pink, black, green and yellow. Each diverse stone  has its own distinct properties, but in general, tourmaline helps promote openness and reduce stress. It is also thought to enhance love and friendship.

Aventurine is a quartz stone that’s most commonly green, but also exists naturally in several other colors. It is thought to help quell anxiety and promote balance. It’s represents luck and chance.

Lapus lazuli -- a deep blue, marbled stone -- is also a protective gemstone, and represents friendship, truth and harmony.

Tiger Eye is so called because its swirly amber color resembles that of an actual tiger's eye. It's believed to promote balance, strength and confidence.

The diamond is the hardest and most valuable of all gem stones. It represents many things; among them: Wealth, abundance, bravery, love and harmony.

Deep blue sapphire is associated with faithfulness: one of the reasons it's such a popular anniversary -- and even engagement -- gemstone. It also symbolizes truth and sincerity.

Opaque turquoise has long been used for protection and cherished by Native Americans for its healing qualities. It also represents courage and truth.

Citrine, a marbled yellow stone, represents joy, optimism, and confidence. It is also thought to clear the mind.