The Complete Guide to Anniversary Rings

For many couples, buying a new piece of jewelry is a wonderful way to celebrate a special milestone for their relationship. Anniversary rings in particular are a really popular way to show love and devotion towards one another and will stand the test of time.

Unlike how couples might feel about wedding rings, anniversary rings are versatile and don’t necessarily need to showcase diamonds. Carol Offman, founder of New York City-based private jeweler Inner Expressions, explains, “Anniversary rings can have diamonds in combination with colored gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires, or emeralds, or no diamonds at all.” 

Anniversary Rings vs. Wedding Bands

They might sound similar, but anniversary rings and wedding bands are definitely two different types of rings. For starters, anniversary rings don’t have to be quite as subtle as wedding bands. “Usually wedding bands are small because they are meant to complement the engagement ring without being overpowering,” Offman says. “Anniversary bands are meant to celebrate the accomplishment of one’s marriage.” 

If the couple has wedding bands and engagement rings already, Offman says that many like to choose anniversary rings that complement these. However, it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. “There is no rule that says if you have a round diamond in your engagement ring and a plain wedding band, or even a wedding band that might have small round stones, that you must have a matching anniversary ring,” she says. “Sometimes it’s nice to mix it up a bit.”

Still, the rings can look similar to each other. Although, sometimes it’s not about what the anniversary rings look like, but rather what they mean. “The main difference is what it symbolizes to that couple,” Zaven Ghanimian, CEO of Simon G. Jewelry, tells Brides. “Couples may choose to switch up their look entirely so that it presents that moment in time for them.” 

How to Choose an Anniversary Ring

One of the reasons anniversary rings are so fun is that there are no “rules” attached to them—they can be whatever you want. Ghanimian recommends going for something that symbolizes who you are as a couple, saying, “Jewelry should always be reflective of the person wearing it. When looking for anniversary rings, think about what is most important to you as a couple. What about this moment are you hoping to capture?” 

You also don’t need to feel pressured to buy matching rings. “Many people choose a complimentary style instead,” Ghanimian says. “Couples should feel free to mix up metals and stones to best reflect their style.”

Basically, the perfect set of anniversary rings is whatever feels right for your relationship. However, to get you started on your search for the perfect band, see 20 of our favorite anniversary rings below.