Have you ever wondered why some friends throw a big party for their 25th wedding anniversary, while others celebrate 50 years with an intimate dinner? The answer lies in a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages: wedding anniversaries.

The word "boda" (anniversary) comes from the Latin vota, which means "promise". And that is exactly what is celebrated at each wedding anniversary: the renewal of the promise made at the altar, the confirmation that love remains strong, day after day, year after year.
The tradition began in medieval Germany, where a silver crown was offered to couples who reached 25 years of marriage, and a gold crown to those who reached 50. Over time, symbolism was created for every year, following a simple logic: the more years of marriage, the more resistant and valuable the material that represents it.

In this article, we will explore the meanings behind each stage of marriage – and, of course, suggest the perfect piece of jewelry to celebrate each of these dates. Because love deserves to be toasted with something worthy of it.

Wedding Anniversaries


The first decades: from fragility to solidity

1 year – Paper Anniversary

The first year of marriage is represented by paper. Why? Because the beginning of life as a couple is still fragile, full of discoveries and adjustments. Paper is a blank page, ready to be written on – and the couple is exactly at that stage, building their story together.

Suggested jewelry: a minimalist 925 silver pendant – simple and elegant for the beginning of a story. Something that symbolizes the "first chapter" they are writing together.

5 years – Wood Anniversary

Wood is a resistant and solid material, used as a structure in many constructions. At 5 years of marriage, the couple has already put down roots and the relationship has gained strength. This is the time when love is no longer a blank page, but a tree with firm roots.

Suggested jewelry: Portuguese filigree earrings – an ancestral technique that, like wood, is made to last.

10 years – Tin Anniversary

Tin is a malleable metal, representing the couple's ability to adapt, to give in, to deal with differences and daily challenges. At 10 years, the marriage is already mature, but still flexible.

Suggested jewelry: a stainless steel bracelet – as resistant as tin, but modern and versatile, ready for the years to come.

15 years – Crystal Anniversary

Crystal is transparent, solid, elegant – and that is exactly what a 15-year marriage represents. Transparency, clarity of feelings, the nobility of a relationship that has been through a lot and remains firm.

Suggested jewelry: Rainha (Queen) silver earrings – the traditional Portuguese design, with its lacy filigree that lets light through. Just like crystal.

20 years – Porcelain Anniversary

Porcelain is sophisticated and delicate, but requires care. Likewise, a 20-year marriage is the result of a lot of work, patience, and dedication. It is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated with something very special.

Suggested jewelry: a 19K Gold pendant like a Coração de Viana (Viana Heart) – the ultimate symbol of Portuguese love, to celebrate two decades of partnership.

Wedding Anniversaries


The great celebrations: Silver, Gold, and Diamond

25 years – Silver Anniversary

This is probably the most celebrated anniversary of all. Silver is a noble metal, malleable, and strengthens when combined with other metals. And that is exactly what happens in a 25-year marriage: the couple has been through so much together that they have become a stronger, more resistant alloy.

Suggested jewelry: two renewed 925 silver wedding rings – many couples exchange rings again when they reach 25 years of marriage. And we can help you find the perfect pair.

30 years – Pearl Anniversary

Pearls form at the bottom of the sea, over years, with patience and dedication. They are rare, precious, and beautiful. At 30 years of marriage, love is also all of that: something built over time, rare, and that shines with its own light.

Suggested jewelry: a pearl necklace (of course!) or, if you prefer something more lasting, a 19K gold bracelet with pearls – the perfect balance between tradition and the preciousness of this date.

40 years – Emerald Anniversary

The emerald is a precious stone that symbolizes preserved feelings, strengthened love, and overcome adversities. Forty years of marriage is an impressive milestone – and it deserves an equally impressive piece of jewelry.

Suggested jewelry: a Portuguese Gold ring with an emerald – to symbolize everything that has been cultivated over those four decades.

50 years – Golden Anniversary

Half a century of marriage. This is the most emblematic anniversary, the one everyone knows. Gold symbolizes the nobility of the union, the richness of the story built together. It is the celebration of a love that has become precious, just like the metal.

Suggested jewelry: a new pair of 19K Gold wedding rings – to renew vows and celebrate 50 years of love. The medieval tradition of the gold crown has today transformed into the rings that symbolize that eternal love.

60 years – Diamond Anniversary

The diamond is the most precious and hardest stone in nature. At 60 years of marriage, love has reached that level: unbreakable, eternal, brilliant. The couple has been through everything and remains together.

Suggested jewelry: a pair of gold earrings with diamonds – to shine as much as the love that has united them for six decades!


And what about the other dates? Tradition hasn't forgotten them!

The tradition of wedding anniversaries is so rich that it created symbolism for every year. Curious? Here are some of the other celebrated dates:

Years Anniversary Meaning Recommended Lusijoia Jewelry
2 years Cotton Softness and the transformation of love Silver filigree earrings
3 years Wheat or Leather Prosperity and protection Silver wheat pendant
4 years Flowers and Fruits Love that blooms and bears fruit Colored stone earrings
6 years Sugar or Perfume Sweetness and harmony in the relationship Silver bracelet with zircons
7 years Wool or Brass Comfort and resistance Stainless steel ring
8 years Clay or Poppy Malleability and fertility Filigree necklace
9 years Ceramic or Wicker Patience and harmony Small Rainha earrings
11 years Steel Stability and strength Stainless steel bracelet
12 years Silk or Onyx Elegance and depth Silver necklace with onyx
13 years Lace or Linen Sincerity and delicacy Silver lace earrings
14 years Ivory Longevity and durability Silver ring with vegetable ivory
16 years Tourmaline Joy and vibrant colours Bracelet with tourmaline
17 years Rose Love and passion Gold rose brooch
18 years Turquoise Protection and good luck Necklace with turquoise
19 years Aquamarine Beauty and tranquillity Aquamarine earrings
21 years Zircon Resistance and trust Gold ring with zircon
22 years Crockery Enduring the phases of marriage Silver set
23 years Straw Renewal and versatility Silver straw bracelet
24 years Opal Shine and reflection Opal ring
26 years Alexandrite Adaptability and value Alexandrite necklace
27 years Chrysoprase Rarity and value Chrysoprase pendant
28 years Haematite Courage and protection Haematite ring
29 years Grass Healing and harmony Silver grass set
31 years Mother of Pearl Resistance and shine Mother of pearl earrings
32 years Pine Honesty and longevity Pine medal
35 years Coral Strength and colour Coral necklace
45 years Sapphire or Platinum Stability and preciousness Sapphire ring
55 years Amethyst Harmony and evolution Amethyst earrings
65 years Black Pearl Rarity and exoticism Black pearl necklace
70 years Wine Maturation and flavour Silver goblets
75 years Diamond Consolidation of love Diamond ring
80 years Oak Nobility and resistance Oak brooch
85 years Sunflower Loyalty and vitality Sunflower earrings
90 years Poplar Resistance to intense temperatures Gold wedding rings
95 years Sandalwood Spiritual connection and longevity Sandalwood necklace
100 years Jequitibá The longevity of immortal love Silver trophy


The right jewelry for your anniversary

At Lusijoia, we believe that every wedding anniversary deserves to be celebrated with something worthy of the date. That's why we have a special selection of jewelry for each type of anniversary:

  • Stainless steel jewelry – modern, resistant, perfect for the 11th anniversary (and for everyday wear).
  • 925 Silver jewelry – elegant, versatile, ideal for the 25th anniversary.
  • 19K Gold jewelry – the Portuguese tradition, certified by INCM, for the 50th anniversary and beyond.
  • Precious stone jewelry – for the 40th, 45th, 55th, 60th anniversaries and all those that deserve extra sparkle.


Conclusion: love is celebrated every day

Wedding anniversaries are much more than a list of materials. They are moments to pause, to look back and see the path travelled. They are the perfect opportunity to say "yes" again, to remember why we chose that person for life.

And at Lusijoia, we are here to help eternalize those moments. With handmade jewellery, jewellery with soul, jewellery with the certification that guarantees quality, and with the passion that only those who love Portuguese jewellery have.

" And you? Have you celebrated any of these anniversaries? Which piece of jewellery did you choose to mark your date? Share your story with us.
We would love to hear it (and who knows, inspire those who are yet to celebrate). "

Wedding Anniversaries

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