Anniversary rings are a gift that sticks around. They don’t wilt like fresh flowers or disappear in a matter of hours like a fancy dinner and cocktails. You catch a glimpse of the sparkle on your hand months or even years later, and suddenly, you’re right back in that moment! A lot of couples look for anniversary rings by year, but there isn’t really a set of rules out there that you must follow! Everything we suggest here comes from the actual cases at Bridal Rings, so you can picture it without having to guess.
First, What Is An Anniversary Ring?
Basically, it’s a ring you choose to celebrate a milestone year in your marriage. Most people wear them alongside their wedding ring, usually on the same hand. But if you want a little space (or balance) it works just as well on your right hand.
And no, these rings don’t replace your wedding band. They sit beside it and bring some extra sparkle to the mix.
Some couples build out a whole stack ring by ring, adding one at each big anniversary. Others find one perfect band that tells the story all on its own. Either way, it should feel like you…fitting your style and your wedding set!
Anniversary Ring Ideas (By Year)
We tell clients it’s best to think about three things before anything… how high and how wide the ring sits, and which setting style works best for your partner’s life.
- Height affects how your ring fits with other rings, and under gloves!
- Width changes how bold the stack feels.
- Setting style? That’s a bit of everything. Shared prongs tend to sparkle the brightest. Channel settings are great for protecting your gemstone. U-prong and scalloped styles feel a bit…airy?
Year One: A Slim White Gold Band That Catches the Light
A couple’s first anniversary either calls for something simple or crazy bold in our experience. Most people go for a delicate band, something that feels almost invisible until the light hits it just right.
White gold is a solid choice. It keeps things sleek without adding bulk. A good example? A diamond band from Scott Kay. It’s low-profile and smooth on the inside, fitting neatly with a solitaire.
Look for something around 1.5 to 2mm wide. Micro-pavé settings give you a subtle sparkle. And if you prefer a warmer tone, yellow gold makes those diamonds glow and pairs nicely with white gold when you mix metals.
White gold is usually finished with rhodium to keep that cool tone. It’s easy to refresh over time. Just use a little dish soap and a soft brush to keep it clean (and skip any harsh soaps, especially on pavé rings.)
Five Years: Rose Gold With a Bit of Texture
At five years, a lot of couples want something a little more romantic. Rose gold captures a bit of vintage, and it wears beautifully over time.
A twisted ArtCarved diamond ring in 14k rose gold curves softly and pairs well with a straight wedding band. You can get the same style in white or yellow gold too, but rose gold has a way of flattering all kinds of skin tones and develops this soft patina that gives it character.
Rings in the 2 to 2.5mm range feel just right here. Add in some texture (we love a rope or twist design) and you get a lot more depth without bulk.
If you work with your hands, look for low-domed profiles or bezel settings that sit closer to the skin. And if you’re mixing metals now, that opens up even more stacking options down the line. A rose band next to white or yellow gold? Gorgeous in photos.
Ten Years: A Ring With Real Presence
Ten years is a big one. The ring should feel that way too.
This is when a lot of our clients start to go for more diamonds. At ten years, something bold is due. A three-row diamond band from ArtCarved in white gold gives off steady sparkle and fits nicely next to most wedding bands!
If you want a bit more design, go for rope or infinity patterns that still wear comfortably. At this point, you’ll want to think carefully about the ring’s height, shape, and feel.
Widths between 2.5 and 3.5mm work well for multi-ring stacked styles. Try each one on next to your engagement ring… if you feel like there’s a tight gap, our jewelers can make a small tweak in the band’s shape. It can make a big difference in your whole ring stack without touching the diamond count!
For Him: A Ring He’ll Actually Want to Wear
Guys deserve a milestone ring too. A clean, comfort-fit band in white gold says “ten years” without shouting. Benchmark’s 4mm band is a solid go-to. It’s easy to clean and goes with everything, which means it holds up to your husband’s everyday life.
If he wants something different, two-tone styles bring variety without clashing with his wedding ring. Not sure what width to get? Start with 4mm for a modern, slim profile. Go 5–6mm if he likes something more substantial. Brushed or satin finishes are great if he’s not into high shine.
After Ten: A Wedding Ring Stack That Tells Your Story
Once you’re past ten years, the stack really starts to speak. You probably couldn’t even wear all the rings together if you tried, so now, the focus moves toward refining your anniversary collection.
Some couples use metal colors to mark each chapter after a decade. Others add color with gemstones. A white gold infinity band with blue sapphires from ArtCarved is a great way to add something personal without clashing with the rest of your rings.
Got heirloom stones tucked away? We can actually turn them into an anniversary band that fits your set and brings your family history to life!
Where Do You Wear an Anniversary Band?
Most people wear it on the left hand, stacked with the wedding and engagement rings. But if your stack is getting crowded (or you like symmetry) wearing it on the right hand works too.
Try different orders. Most people start with the anniversary band closest to the hand, then wedding band, then engagement ring… see how it looks! A little reshuffling can completely change the vibe.
Eternity bands can feel snug since the stones take up space inside the band. If your fingers swell during the day, size the ring based on how your hands feel most of the time (not just for those five calm minutes at the jewelry counter.)
Mark the Moment With Precious Metals You’ll Actually Wear
Go with what feels good on your hand. A slim white gold band is perfect for year one. A rose gold twist adds warmth at five. A strong diamond row or solid gold ring makes a statement at ten. For him, a simple Benchmark band keeps things classic.
Add to your story as life moves forward. When the next chapter comes, we’ll help you find the perfect ring to match!