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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
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.
What Is an Anniversary Ring?
An anniversary ring is a ring that one gives to their partner to celebrate their wedding anniversary, particularly for milestones like 10, 15, or 20 years.
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.”
Meet the Expert
Carol Offman is the founder of Inner Expressions, a private jeweler based in New York City. She has been designing and manufacturing diamond and gemstone jewelry for over 25 years.
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.”
Meet the Expert
Zaven Ghanimian is the CEO of Simon G. Jewelry. The brand designs engagement rings, wedding rings, and fine jewelry.
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.
Simon G. Simon-Set Anniversary Ring
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Courtesy of Simon G.
This wide band ring will definitely make a statement. The white gold band boasts over 2.5 carats worth of small princess-cut diamonds and the ring is accented with yellow gold for a unique look.
SHOP NOW: Simon G. Jewelry, $10,780
Kay Jewelers Diamond Anniversary Ring
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Courtesy of Kay Jewelers
This band is both subtle and romantic. Sparkling round diamonds are set in a rose gold band with X shapes throughout that distinguish it from any other anniversary band.
SHOP NOW: Kay Jewelers, $99.99
½ Carat T.W. Diamond Five Stone Anniversary Band
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Courtesy of Zales
There’s plenty of sparkle here, without being too overwhelming. Five small diamonds are embedded in a white gold band with tons of shine.
SHOP NOW: Zales, $399.98
Charles & Colvard Marquise and Round Accented Anniversary Band
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Courtesy of Charles & Colvard
A mix of marquise and round stones create a beautiful and interesting band. These are moissanite stones, which give off a brilliant shine and a similar look to diamonds at a much lower price point.
SHOP NOW: Charles & Colvard, was $1279, now $1,023
Robert Pelliccia Amore Yellow Gold Anniversary Band
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Courtesy of J.R. Dunn
Five small diamonds that come out to 1.38 carats line a yellow gold band beautifully. When you look at the side of the ring, you’ll notice small hearts along the setting for an adorable touch.
SHOP NOW: J.R. Dunn, $7,550
Simon G. Anniversary Ring
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Courtesy of Simon G. Jewelry
If you want an anniversary ring that features a colorful gemstone, this one is worth looking at. Three different bands, two featuring blue sapphires, come together to create a trendy stacked look.
SHOP NOW: Simon G. Jewelry, $5,236
Anna Sheffield Perfect Pair No. 05
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
With a ring design like this, you won’t even miss a large gemstone. This matching pair features a Victorian serpent band with tiny diamonds.
SHOP NOW: Anna Sheffield, $2,160
KatKim Marquise Cove Ring
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Courtesy of KatKim
This ring, featuring all marquise diamonds around the entire finger, is a true stunner. It has a unique shape, tons of sparkle, and an edgy look to it that really stands out.
SHOP NOW: KatKim, $16,200
RooRingCo Vintage Alexandrite Ring
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Courtesy of Etsy
Alexandrite stones are special because of their unique shade. This stone sits on a rose gold band in a vine and flower shape that looks pretty and delicate.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $366
Simon G. Anniversary Band
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Courtesy of J.R. Dunn
Yellow and white gold intertwine perfectly in this alternating band. Small diamonds sit along the entire band, and it’s edged in milgrain for a bit of beautiful detail.
SHOP NOW: J.R. Dunn, $2,596
Tiffany T Diamond and Mother of Pearl Wire Ring
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Courtesy of Tiffany and Co.
Diamonds and pearls are two classics, so why not mix them together? This ring does exactly that with a bold “T” design that symbolizes connections we feel but can’t always see.
SHOP NOW: Tiffany & Co., $1,900
Cartier Trinity Ring, Classic
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Courtesy of Cartier
Cartier’s Trinity ring is a symbol of life’s most important relationships. This one features three interlaced bands in pink, yellow, and white gold that symbolize love, fidelity, and friendship. What could be better for your anniversary?
SHOP NOW: Cartier, $12,400
Jared Diamond Anniversary Band
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Courtesy of Jared
Keep things simple, elegant, and classic with this diamond band. The brilliant round diamonds come out to a total of 1 carat and it’s perfect for stacking.
SHOP NOW: Jared, $2,499.99
Anna Sheffield Perfect Pair No. 14
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Courtesy of Anna Sheffield
This matching set features yellow gold and black diamonds for a very unique look that will definitely catch the eye. One is a delicate attelage French cut pavé band, while the other is a more simple single cluster celestine band.
SHOP NOW: Anna Sheffield, $4,200
Charles & Colvard Forever One Round Moissanite Double Row Anniversary Band
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Courtesy of Charles & Colvard
For a wider band, try this double row anniversary band. 22 sparkling moissanite stones line the band for something that is simple, but not so subtle.
SHOP NOW: Charles & Colvard, was $1019, now $815.20
Tiffany Nova Horizon Ring
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Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Opt for a stone much more colorful than a diamond or moissanite with this ring. A super thin gold band lined with tiny diamonds shows off a bright emerald-cut ruby.
SHOP NOW: Tiffany & Co., $2,400
Lizzie Mandler Pavé Knife Edge Band
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Courtesy of Lizzie Mandler
The knife edge of this band gives it a completely different look that still manages to be subtle. You can choose between white or black diamonds for the band.
SHOP NOW: Lizzie Mandler, $4,340
Jemma Wynne Anniversary Triple Band Diamond Ring
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Courtesy of Jemma Wynne
For something different and slightly bohemian, there’s this triple band diamond ring. It features a small baguette diamond and tiny stars, but is quite large on your finger.
SHOP NOW: Jemma Wynne, $9,870
Mociun Pink Opal Five Triangle Ring
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Courtesy of Mociun
This ring stands out, yet looks understated and elegant. Luminous pink opals look gorgeous next to sparkling white diamonds in a fun triangle cut.
SHOP NOW: Mociun, $2,600
Jemma Wynne Anniversary Emerald and Diamond Gypsy Ring
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Courtesy of Jemma Wynne
Very different than many others on this list, this one features a chunky yellow gold band with a sparkling emerald center stone. Glittering stars dot the ring to add some flair.
SHOP NOW: Jemma Wynne, $8,610