What Is an Anniversary Ring?

If you’ve already found the love of your life, chances are you’re always looking for new ways to express what that person means to you. Now, with an anniversary fast approaching, you’re searching for something just a little more special. Might we suggest an anniversary ring? 

An anniversary ring’s purpose is obvious enough. But if you don’t know much other than that, no worries! Modern Gents is glad to help. 

When Should You Give an Anniversary Ring?

First, you might be interested to know that the origins of anniversary gifts in the United States date back to the 19th century. Until then, most weddings across the world were more akin to business transactions between families than they were commitments of love between two people. When love pairings began to proliferate, however, many critics feared profound changes to society if these unions couldn’t last. It was therefore encouraged to give anniversary gifts as a way of building relationships and celebrating their endurance.  

At that time, it was also widely acknowledged that while a lasting marriage required the efforts of both man and woman, most credit should be given to the wife (apparently not much has changed). As a result, anniversary gifts for her became more common than anniversary gifts for him. Either way, popular lists began to circulate around the U.S. designating specific types of gifts for each annual milestone anniversary: paper for one year, wood for five, tin or aluminum for 10 and so on. To this day, some couples still try to find fun ways to make gifts out of paper, wood and even aluminum (six-pack?).

Not everyone, though, wants to give or get something playful for an anniversary. Rather, they prefer something timeless and beautiful to express their continued love and devotion. This is why anniversary rings became popular in the 20th century. 

Most often, they are purchased to celebrate a marriage’s 10th, 20th and 25th anniversaries. There are no set rules, however, and many people choose to purchase anniversary rings much sooner — to celebrate a one- or five-year anniversary or another significant milestone in the relationship. Perhaps you’re celebrating the birth of a child or you’ve decided to renew your vows. Or maybe, after a difficult year, you just want to reaffirm the meaning of “for better or worse.” Whether you’re commemorating your first anniversary or trying to make amends following a rough year, gifting a new ring is a lovely anniversary gift. Whatever the occasion, a stunning piece of jewelry is always a good idea. 

Shop Stacked Wedding Rings That Make Perfect Anniversary Gifts

What Does a Typical Anniversary Ring Look Like?

The important thing to remember is that an anniversary ring marks the achievement of your relationship and the journey you’ll continue together. Whichever design best symbolizes that to you is the one you should choose. 

Many will wear their anniversary ring in place of their engagement ring or wedding band on their left hand. But just as many choose to wear them together, on separate fingers or their right hand. For this reason, any color, style and setting of an anniversary ring can be right for the occasion.

Types of Anniversary Rings

Anniversary bands are a beautiful way to celebrate your journey and express your enduring love for your partner. But with so many styles to choose from, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a look at some popular types of anniversary rings to help you narrow down your search:

1. Eternity Rings

Featuring a continuous band of gemstones, eternity rings symbolize everlasting love and commitment. Eternity bands are a classic choice for any anniversary and can be worn alone or stacked with other rings.

2. Three-Stone Rings

Representing the past, present and future of your relationship, three-stone rings are a sentimental option for any wedding anniversary. Choose gemstones that hold special meaning to you, like your birthstones or your favorite colors.

3. Birthstone Rings

Birthstone rings incorporate the birthstones of the couple or their children. This creates a unique and meaningful piece that celebrates your family's bond. Since most birthstone rings aren’t designed to wear alongside an engagement ring or wedding band, they’re an excellent option if you’re looking for a ring your partner can wear on a different finger or their right hand. 

4. Stackable Rings

Stackable rings are perfect anniversary bands because they allow you to build a ring collection over time. Choose individual bands with different gemstones, metals or designs to create a unique combination that reflects your evolving relationship and shared experiences. With stackable rings, you can easily blend yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, sterling silver and other precious metals to create a unique, on-trend mixed metal look. Stacked rings look great when paired with a traditional wedding band on your loved one’s ring finger, too. For these reasons, stackable rings are among the most popular choices for anniversary jewelry.

Choosing the Right Ring

When selecting an anniversary ring, some choose a style that mirrors that of your partner’s engagement rings and wedding bands. Maybe you went vintage and want to maintain that look and feel. In that case, stick with a similar style when shopping for an anniversary ring. 

But just as people evolve, so do relationships. And that’s why couples will also choose styles that better represent where they are now versus where they were when they got married. The key is considering your loved one’s preferences and evolving style and, ultimately, purchasing something you know they’ll love.

Finally, it’s always great symbolism when couples purchase rings together and choose designs that complement the other. Having matching (or at least coordinating) rings is a fun way to tell your love story. 

Learn How to Stack Your Rings

Does Modern Gents Have Anniversary Rings?

Definitely! As we said, anniversary rings come in many different styles that can be worn in any number of ways. Our high-quality, hand-crafted collection of classic, modern and vintage-inspired jewelry includes affordable wedding ring sets and stackable wedding bands that are perfect for marriage proposals, anniversary milestones and mixing and matching. So be creative – because at our prices, you can afford to be. 

Stack a band for every fifth year of your marriage, or every new home you’ve shared together. Choose a color to commemorate each milestone year. Add a rose gold band for every daughter welcomed to the family and a silver band for every son. When it comes to the perfect way to wear and style anniversary rings, it all comes down to personal preference. And here at Modern Gents, we have plenty of options to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect piece(s) to celebrate and show off your eternal love. 

Each of our bands is made of 925 sterling silver and finished with glistening rose gold or rhodium plating to ensure your ring is as strong as the relationship it symbolizes. Each of our wedding bands will also pair beautifully with our collection of engagement rings. 

Not sure which ring design to choose? Combine The Star Light and The Eternity in silver to give any woman a stunning and classic look to show off.  

Or pair any of our rhodium-plated wedding rings with The Zoey, featuring a chevron band for a contemporary twist. 

Or for the girl with an old soul, pair The Bliss and The Giselle in rose gold to give her a Gatsby girl feeling at a Modern Gents price.    

Final Thoughts

Society might say we should prove our love with extravagantly priced jewelry. And in truth, there isn’t anything you wouldn’t pay to keep each other happy. But if that’s what it took to prove your love to one another, you wouldn’t be celebrating an anniversary. 

That’s why at Modern Gents, we’re proud to help you say what never has to be said. 

Discover Anniversary Gifts Under $100 That She'll Love

 

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