An anniversary band is more than a ring. It’s a symbol of every milestone you’ve celebrated together, every challenge you’ve overcome, and every year that has strengthened your bond. Whether you’re marking your first year or your fiftieth, an anniversary band becomes part of your story, worn alongside the engagement ring and wedding band that started it all.

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For more than 100 years, we’ve helped couples find pieces that honor their journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing an anniversary band, from understanding the different styles to selecting the right gemstone for your milestone year.

What Is an Anniversary Band?

An anniversary band is a ring given to celebrate a wedding anniversary or significant relationship milestone. Unlike your wedding band, which is exchanged on your wedding day, an anniversary band marks the years you’ve built together. It’s a way of saying, “I’d choose you all over again.”

Anniversary bands typically feature diamonds or gemstones set along part or all of the band. They can be worn stacked with your existing wedding set, on your right hand, or even as a standalone piece. The beauty of an anniversary band is its flexibility: there are no strict rules about when to give one or how to wear it.

Many couples choose to commemorate milestone anniversaries like the 5th, 10th, or 25th, though an anniversary band can be given at any point. Some also mark special occasions beyond anniversaries, such as the birth of a child, a career milestone, or simply a moment when one partner wants to say, “I love you, and I’m grateful for our life together.”

Anniversary Band vs. Eternity Band: What’s the Difference?

The terms “anniversary band” and “eternity band” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different designs. Understanding the distinction will help you choose the style that best fits your lifestyle and preferences (and both work equally well for a milestone ring).

An eternity band features diamonds or gemstones set continuously around the entire circumference of the ring, with no beginning or end. This unbroken circle symbolizes everlasting love. Because the stones encircle the full band, eternity rings cannot be easily resized, so it’s crucial to know your exact ring size before purchasing.

An anniversary band, sometimes called a half-eternity band, features stones set along only the top portion of the ring, while the underside remains solid metal. This design offers several practical advantages: it’s more comfortable for everyday wear since there are no stones pressing against adjacent fingers, it can be resized if needed, and it typically costs less than a full eternity band while offering the same visual impact when worn.

We carry both styles in our women’s wedding band collection, including eternity bands from designers like Memoire, Tacori, and A.Jaffe.

When to Give an Anniversary Band

There’s no single right time to give an anniversary band. The tradition has evolved over the years, and modern couples often choose the timing that feels most meaningful to them. That said, certain milestones are particularly popular choices.

Common Milestone Anniversaries

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• 1st Anniversary: The first year is often called the “golden anniversary” in reference to the traditional gift of gold. A simple yellow gold band or a delicate diamond band can mark this new beginning.
• 5th Anniversary: Traditionally associated with sapphire. Reaching five years is a meaningful milestone, and many couples choose to add sparkle to their ring stack at this point.
• 10th Anniversary: The diamond anniversary. A decade of marriage calls for celebration, and a diamond anniversary band is a fitting tribute to ten years of partnership.
• 15th Anniversary: Ruby is the traditional stone, symbolizing passion and enduring love.
• 20th Anniversary: Emerald represents growth and prosperity, making it ideal for celebrating two decades together.
• 25th Anniversary: The silver anniversary often inspires an upgrade or addition to the wedding set, frequently with white gold or platinum bands.
• 50th Anniversary: Gold marks a half-century of love. Many couples at this stage choose meaningful pieces that can become family heirlooms.

Beyond these traditional milestones, anniversary bands can mark any occasion that feels significant to your relationship. We’ve helped couples celebrate promotions, the purchase of a first home, becoming empty nesters, or simply a year that tested them and left them stronger.

Anniversary Gemstones by Year

Traditional anniversary gifts include specific gemstones for each year of marriage. While these traditions offer helpful guidance, the most meaningful choice is always the one that resonates with you and your partner. According to the International Gem Society, here are the gemstones associated with key milestone years:

• 1st Year: Gold
• 2nd Year: Garnet
• 3rd Year: Pearl
• 4th Year: Blue Topaz
• 5th Year: Sapphire
• 6th Year: Amethyst
• 7th Year: Onyx
• 8th Year: Tourmaline
• 9th Year: Lapis Lazuli
• 10th Year: Diamond
• 15th Year: Ruby
• 20th Year: Emerald
• 25th Year: Silver
• 50th Year: Gold

Our colored gemstone wedding bands include sapphire, ruby, and other precious stones that align with these traditional anniversary gifts.

Popular Anniversary Band Styles

Anniversary bands come in a wide range of styles, from understated elegance to bold statement pieces. The right choice depends on your personal aesthetic, how you plan to wear the ring, and how it will complement your existing jewelry.

Channel-Set Bands

Channel-set bands feature diamonds or gemstones nestled between two walls of metal, creating a smooth, sleek surface with no prongs. This setting protects the stones from everyday wear and is an excellent choice for those with active lifestyles or hands-on professions. The clean lines of a channel setting give the band a modern, sophisticated look.

Pavé Bands

Pavé-set bands feature tiny diamonds set closely together, held in place by small prongs or beads of metal. The result is a surface that appears encrusted with sparkle. Pavé settings maximize brilliance and create a look of continuous shimmer across the band.

Milgrain Bands

Milgrain bands feature delicate beading along the edges of the metal, a decorative technique that dates back centuries. This vintage-inspired detail adds texture and visual interest, creating a ring that feels both classic and richly detailed.

Curved and Contour Bands

Curved bands are designed to nestle against the shape of your engagement ring, following the curve of the center stone. If your engagement ring has a distinctive silhouette, a curved anniversary band can complement it beautifully while fitting flush against the band.

Stackable Bands

Stackable bands are slim, straight rings designed to be worn in multiples. Many couples add a new stackable band for each significant anniversary, building a collection over time that tells the story of their marriage. This approach lets you mix metals, alternate between diamonds and colored gemstones, or combine different textures for a look that’s uniquely yours.

How to Choose an Anniversary Band

Selecting the right anniversary band involves balancing practical considerations with personal style. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.

Consider Your Existing Rings

If you plan to wear your anniversary band stacked with your engagement ring and wedding band, think about how the pieces will look together. Consider the metal color, the width of each band, and whether the styles complement each other. A highly detailed anniversary band can look beautiful paired with a simple solitaire, while a delicate pavé band might get lost next to an ornate vintage setting.

Think About How You’ll Wear It

Will you wear your anniversary band every day, or save it for special occasions? If it’s an everyday piece, prioritize comfort and durability. Channel settings and bezel settings protect stones well. If it’s a statement piece for evenings out, you might choose something with more height or sparkle.

Some people wear their anniversary band on their right hand rather than stacking it with their wedding set. This can be a good option if your engagement ring is already quite elaborate, or if you simply prefer the asymmetry of rings on both hands.

Know Your Ring Size

Ring size can change over the years due to weight fluctuations, temperature, or simply aging. Don’t assume your anniversary band should be the same size as your wedding band from years ago. We recommend having your finger measured before purchasing, especially if you’re considering an eternity band that cannot be easily resized. Visit any of our showrooms for a complimentary sizing, or check our ring size guide.

Set a Budget

Anniversary bands range widely in price depending on the metal, the size and quality of the stones, and the designer. We also offer financing options to make your purchase more manageable.

Choosing the Right Metal

The metal you choose for your anniversary band affects both its appearance and its long-term wearability. Here’s a quick overview of your options.

• Yellow Gold: Classic and warm, yellow gold has been a wedding jewelry staple for centuries. It pairs beautifully with vintage-inspired designs and complements warm skin tones. Available in 14k and 18k.
• White Gold: Contemporary and versatile, white gold offers the look of platinum at a lower price point. It’s rhodium-plated for a bright white finish and pairs well with colorless diamonds.
• Rose Gold: Romantic and distinctive, rose gold has surged in popularity in recent years. Its warm, pinkish hue flatters a range of skin tones and adds a modern touch to classic designs.
• Platinum: The most durable and prestigious of the precious metals, platinum is naturally white and will never fade or tarnish. It’s hypoallergenic and holds stones securely. Platinum bands carry a premium price but will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

If your existing wedding set is in one metal, your anniversary band doesn’t necessarily need to match. Mixed metals are increasingly popular, and combining yellow gold with white gold or rose gold can create a visually interesting stack.

Featured Anniversary Band Designers

We partner with some of the most respected names in bridal jewelry to bring you anniversary bands that combine artistry with exceptional craftsmanship.

• Tacori is known for intricate details and signature crescent silhouettes. Their anniversary bands often feature hand-engraved metalwork and precisely set diamonds.
• Verragio brings Italian design heritage to every piece, with bands that emphasize sculptural metalwork and unique profile views.
• A.Jaffe has been crafting fine jewelry since 1892, with anniversary bands that showcase exceptional diamond quality and classic silhouettes.
• Memoire specializes in diamond eternity bands, with pieces that highlight the beauty of perfectly matched diamonds in clean, contemporary settings.
• Sethi offers a modern perspective on classic designs, with anniversary bands that balance timelessness with fresh, contemporary details.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

For more than 100 years, we’ve been helping couples celebrate their love stories. When you shop with us, you’re not just buying a ring. You’re gaining access to our expertise, our lifetime warranty that covers cleaning, inspection, and repairs, and our commitment to guiding rather than pressuring. Only 1 in 10 diamonds meets our rigorous standards, and every piece we sell reflects our belief that exceptional service and craftsmanship never go out of style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anniversary Bands

What is the difference between an anniversary band and a wedding band?

A wedding band is exchanged during the wedding ceremony and is typically worn daily as a symbol of marriage. An anniversary band is given to commemorate a specific milestone in the marriage, often featuring more diamonds or gemstones than a traditional wedding band. Anniversary bands can be worn alongside your wedding set or on a different finger.

What anniversary do you get an anniversary band?

There’s no single “right” anniversary for an anniversary band. Popular choices include the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 50th anniversaries, but many couples choose to mark any year that feels significant. Some give anniversary bands for non-anniversary milestones as well, such as a career achievement or the birth of a child.

Which finger do you wear an anniversary band on?

Most people wear their anniversary band on the left ring finger, stacked with their engagement ring and wedding band. However, wearing it on the right ring finger is also common, especially if your existing ring stack is already substantial or if you prefer the look of rings on both hands.

Can an eternity band be resized?

Full eternity bands, which feature stones all the way around, are very difficult to resize because the continuous setting leaves no plain metal section to work with. Half-eternity or anniversary bands with stones only on the top portion can typically be resized. If you’re considering an eternity band, we recommend having your finger professionally measured before purchasing.

Does Robbins Brothers offer anniversary bands with colored gemstones?

Yes. Our colored gemstone wedding band collection includes bands featuring sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones. These can be a meaningful choice for milestone anniversaries that correspond to specific gemstones.

Do I need an appointment to shop for anniversary bands?

Walk-ins are always welcome at any of our showrooms across Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington. However, we recommend booking a personalized consultation to ensure you have dedicated time with one of our jewelry consultants who can help you explore options and find the perfect anniversary band.

What warranty comes with anniversary bands from Robbins Brothers?

Every piece from Robbins Brothers is backed by our lifetime warranty, which covers complimentary cleaning, inspection, and repairs at any of our showrooms. This commitment to long-term care is part of what has made us a trusted name in fine jewelry for more than a century.

Ready to Find Your Anniversary Band?

Whether you’re celebrating your first year or your fiftieth, an anniversary band is a beautiful way to honor the love you’ve built together. Explore our collection online or find a Robbins Brothers near you to explore our collection with expert guidance.

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