Buying Guide for Anniversary Bands: A Timeless Symbol of Love

Anniversaries are a big deal and deserve to be celebrated in a big way. One way to wow your loved one is to give them a dazzling piece of diamond jewelry, like an anniversary band. While they look gorgeous, they're meaningful because they signify love and commitment and can help you mark significant milestones in your relationship. If you're considering getting your loved one an anniversary ring, we'll map out what you need to know to pick the perfect band.

Understanding Anniversary Ring Styles

Once you start browsing for rings, you might notice that there are more styles than you thought. We'll cover some common anniversary ring styles to help jump-start your shopping.

• Eternity Bands: Sometimes, eternity bands and anniversary rings are used interchangeably. They feature diamonds, gemstones, or both that go around the band to symbolize never-ending love.
• Half-Eternity Bands: If you like the look of eternity bands, but want a more subtle look, consider a half-eternity band. They feature diamonds or gemstones that go halfway around the band. They have fewer stones, but look elegant and are comfortable enough for everyday wear.
• Stackable Bands: Stackable anniversary bands tend to be thinner, so you can stack anniversary rings as you have more anniversaries or layer them with other pieces of diamond jewelry, like your engagement and wedding ring.
• Three-stone rings: They're timeless and classic; they are said to represent your past, present, and future. You could also get five or ten diamond rings that mark each year with a diamond.
• Gemstone Anniversary Rings: If you'd like an anniversary band with some color, consider getting a gemstone anniversary ring or one with gemstones and diamonds. You could incorporate birthstones, meaningful gems, or colors for a personal touch.

Choosing the Right Metal

Metals impact the look and cost of anniversary bands. If your loved one sticks to wearing one type of metal, go that route. They might want a ring that matches their other jewelry as well. Another option is to get something unique. For a modern look, consider a mixed metal anniversary band. Platinum and gold (white, rose, or yellow) are the most common jewelry types for anniversary rings.

Selecting the Right Diamonds or Gemstones

The quality of the diamonds or gemstones affects the look of the anniversary ring. The quality isn't as crucial with smaller stones, but for larger stones, you might want higher-quality stones that look bright and emit brilliance. You might wonder how quality is measured in lab and natural diamonds, graded for cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—also called the 4Cs. Lab diamonds are generally more affordable and offer an ethically sourced, sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. You can typically find natural and lab diamond anniversary bands.

Beyond adding color to your anniversary ring, some milestone anniversaries are represented by specific gemstones. The 5th anniversary is celebrated with sapphire for loyalty, the 10th with diamond for strength, the 15th with ruby for passion, and the 20th with emerald for growth and harmony. These are only a few examples!

Personalization & Customization Options

Retailers like With Clarity allow you to customize diamond jewelry, including anniversary bands, so your loved one's gift will look like it was custom-made just for them. Once you find a design you like, you can choose the metal, total carat weight, and the stones in the ring. You can select the quality level of diamonds you want and incorporate birthstones or other gemstones to make it look one of a kind.

Budgeting & Value Considerations

Budget could come to mind while you're shopping for rings. You don't want to overspend, but also get something special for your loved one to celebrate your anniversary. It’s a delicate balance! You’ll have to look at quality pieces that still fit within your budget. Remember that some items, like platinum and natural diamonds, could increase your budget. Plenty of quality anniversary rings that use gold (rose, white, or yellow), lab diamonds, and gemstones. Another tip is to look at the best time of year to buy jewelry—look for holiday sales, after-holiday sales, or special promotions. You can find some great deals year-round and get an incredible anniversary gift.

Wrapping Things Up

Anniversaries are a big deal! Celebrating your love and commitment to one another with a stunning anniversary ring is a meaningful gesture. Choose a ring that meets your loved one’s taste, coordinates with the jewelry they wear the most, and reflects your love story as a couple. Look for reputable retailers with plenty of anniversary band options that can be customized to fit your preferences and budget. Giving an anniversary ring to your loved one is a thoughtful, sentimental investment in your relationship.