You could celebrate your first anniversary with paper, or come up with the perfect fifth anniversary gift for wood, but why not acknowledge these milestones with something a bit more sparkly (if a bit less practical). In addition to the traditional anniversary gifts, there are also jewelry anniversary gifts by year, with metals, stones, and gems chosen to represent each year that passes.

These gifts are the starting point for a collection of heirlooms you’ll build over the years, each representing the feelings and values that go into cultivating a lasting relationship, day by day and decade over decade.

First Anniversary: Gold

The fitting way to ring in the first anniversary is with a metal that represents a solid, steady future. Solid gold is the gift of choice to celebrate year one, and it’s also the metal that is gifted for year fifty, making it a strong and symbolic way to begin a marriage and usher it into its later years.

Fifth Anniversary: Sapphire

Sapphires represent loyalty and wisdom, a fitting tribute to a relationship that’s coming up on half a decade. By year five, you’ve stood by each other through a few ups and downs, and you’ve learned a lot along the way. A classic blue sapphire symbolizes the work you’ve put into your marriage in the first five years.

Tenth Anniversary: Diamond

What should you get for ten years other than diamonds?! Diamonds represent strength and love, which is, of course, fitting for celebrating a decade together. This is the anniversary to invest in a new diamond band, a pair of diamond studs, or even a necklace.

Twentieth Anniversary: Emerald

Emeralds represent rebirth and prosperity, both of which could be taken as guiding lights as you enter your third decade together. They’re unique yet classic, and a simple emerald ring or solitaire pendant is a piece you’ll treasure.

Twenty-Fifth Anniversary: Silver

The silver jubilee! This is when you’ve made it to a quarter of a century, and the strength of silver represents all of those incredible years spent together.

Thirtieth Anniversary: Pearl

Pearls represent wisdom and wealth, and by thirty years together, you’ve accumulated a richness of memories together that are absolutely irreplaceable. These sophisticated stones are fitting for three decades spent married.

Fortieth Anniversary: Ruby

Once you’ve made it to four decades, the passionate red of rubies is the only way to celebrate this incredible milestone. Rubies are a classic symbol of love, and an investment gemstone that will become an heirloom you’ll pass down.

Fiftieth Anniversary: Gold

We’re back to gold for the amazing accomplishment that is fifty years! A strong, solid way to commemorate half a century.