If you’re looking for a pearl anniversary gift, this guide is for you. Below we’ll go over 47 gift ideas for your husband, wife, or parents. We’ll start with the classic 30th anniversary gift — pearls — and move on to other categories.
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The pearl is an organic gemstone, and the only precious gem that begins life as a tiny speck, becoming stronger and more beautiful as the years go by.
Pearls as an Anniversary gift symbolize Love, Patience, Loyalty and Integrity.
Beyond the pearl gift itself elements such as color, the number of gems or a play on words can make this anniversary gift absolutely unforgettable.
Up first, we’ll review the classic 30th anniversary gift: pearls.
Before you buy pearls, you should know the pearl industry doesn’t have straightforward quality standards like you’d find for diamonds or other gems. Most companies use an A-AAAA grading scale and price accordingly, but one company’s “A” grade might be equivalent to another brand's AAA.
This makes it hard to compare pearls across multiple brands. For example, you may see an AAA necklace selling for $1000 in one store and an A+ necklace selling for the same price somewhere else. The first option might seem like a better buy, but really it’s impossible to tell. You need more information than just a letter grade and a price.
The best place to start is learning how pearls are graded and how much they should cost. Even ten to fifteen minutes of research will save you time, confusion, and money in the long run. Plus, it’ll help you make sure you’re getting the best deal.
In the meantime, feel free to browse the suggestions below for inspiration. All the pearl pieces below are high quality and worth a look.
And if you don’t find the exact piece you want, check out our complete collection of pearl jewelry in every style and price range: Shop luxury-grade pearls at up to 80% off retail.
One of THE most classic pearl anniversary gifts you can give your wife or loved one on your pearl wedding anniversary is a gorgeous string of pearls.
The most classic option are white pearls, which can be found in Freshwater, Akoya, or South Sea varieties:
Freshwater pearls are beautiful, durable and affordable, making them versatile and perfect for everyday wear. Freshwater pearls are often white, but come in other colors, such as pink and lavender:
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Akoyas are THE pearl most people think of when they picture a radiant string of white gems. Akoyas are harder to produce than freshwater pearls and have higher luster and overall quality, and so they’re a bit more expensive.
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Note: You may see some Akoyas referred to as “Hanadama pearls” or “Hanadama quality.” Hanadama is simply a name for Akoyas that are top 0.1% quality and certified by the Pearl Science Laboratory in Tokyo, Japan.
South Sea pearls are often called the “Queen of Pearls” because they’re some of the most stunning pearls you’ll find anywhere.They’re harder to find or create than other pearls, and typically much larger, so they’re an order of magnitude more expensive.
But for momentous occasions like a 30th anniversary or a once-in-a-lifetime present, nothing can compare to South Sea pearls (especially for pearl lovers):
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Notice that the smallest set of South Sea pearls is 9.0mm in diameter, compared to Freshwater and Akoyas that commonly go as low as 6.0mm.
Tahitian pearls are known for their deep, vibrant colors, ranging from deep blacks to purple and teal-tinted.
Tahitians can range in price from the Akoya ballpark all the way up to South Sea tier, and are popular with pearl enthusiasts and women who want a truly unique accessory.
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Pearl pendants are a great gift choice if your significant other prefers a simple, elegant style. Pendants are also a great way to try unique pearls like Golden South Sea pearls without committing to a multi-thousand-dollar investment.
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If your wife or girlfriend already has one or more pearl necklaces, a bracelet could be the perfect addition to their collection. Pearl bracelets are special because even the wearer sees them constantly (unlike necklaces or earrings that can only be seen in a mirror), so it’s a frequent reminder of your love and relationship.
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Pearl earrings are arguably as versatile as an understated necklace or pendant, working as a standalone accessory or working with a necklace and/or bracelet as part of a larger set.
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Finally, if you want to go all out for your anniversary, nothing will beat an entire set of pearl jewelry.
Of all the suggestions on this list, this is perhaps the best option for a big day, such as your 30th anniversary.
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While it’s traditional for women to receive pearls for their 30th anniversary, that’s not the case for men.
You can find a mother of pearl watch or pearl cufflinks for your man if you’d like to stick to the theme, but it’s not necessary. If you’d like to explore pearls as a gift, we’d recommend starting with Tahitian pearls.
Tahitian pearls are a great gift for men because deep blacks and greens work are often seen as a bit more masculine. Of course, white south sea or other pearls are an option as well, but if you’re on the fence, we recommend you choose Tahitian.
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A watch is a classic gift that works with any man’s style and is an excellent pick for a big anniversary. A watch will always be with your significant other, reminding him of you and the time you’ve spent together.
If you’d like an upscale option, a Hamilton or IWC model will please even the most high-end watch enthusiast:
For a more moderately priced timepiece, check out Seiko. They make quality watches for any budget. For a casual option, try the classic Seiko 5, or for a more formal look try the Presage “Cocktail Time” line.
Scotch gets better over time, with the best bottles being aged for a decade or more. A 30-year scotch is a high-end and full of complex flavor — the perfect drink for mulling over 30 years of laughter, love and memories.
Some of the best anniversary gifts don’t involve spending extravagant amounts of money. Instead, they remind the recipient about fond memories and act as regular reminders of a special event.
That’s what this list of anniversary gift ideas for your parents is all about. You’ll find suggestions ranging from $12 up to more than $250, all with an extra dose of thoughtfulness.
Most of these gifts can also supplement the gifts mentioned earlier in this article if you’d like to gift something sentimental and a bit more expensive. Feel free to mix and match.
Here’s two ways to transform a simple picture frame into an extra meaningful gift:
Together these take a simple picture frame and turn it into a thoughtful anniversary gift that’s a joy to receive.
If your parents already have enough pictures and you want to gift something a bit more unique, try custom wall art featuring their wedding date, a quote, or a simple congratulations:
You can also gift something even more unique, like a garden sundial or custom keychain if they fit your parents’ interests.
Plates, dishes, and other housewares are a great anniversary gift if your parents or loved ones lean more practical. With one of these gifts, your parents will be reminded of your gift every time they open a cabinet or new bottle of wine.
Cake cutting sets are the perfect gift for a 30th wedding anniversary party. You can use the set during the party to make the event more special, then have it act as a reminder of the even afterwards when displayed in a china cabinet or in the kitchen.
If your parents love wine, you can’t go wrong with a decanter. You could spring for a full set if your parents need wine glasses, or get a high-end Waterford crystal piece to upgrade their existing collection.
If a cake-cutting or wine-themed set is too niche, try more commonly used dishes such as mugs or a pearl-themed bowl set.
That pearls are not just for the 30th Anniversary? On modern Anniversary lists, a gift of pearl jewelry is also considered suitable for the 12th Anniversary, too.
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind to help you pick the perfect pearl anniversary gift.
Finding the perfect Pearl Anniversary Gift for your spouse can be tricky; with the endless array of jewelry designs, pearl types and colors to choose from, it can be easy to get hung up on making a decision. Not to worry, though – Pure is here to help!
Think about your wife’s style ...
Does she prefer more sedate, traditional styles, or does she love bright colors and statement jewels?
Does she prefer to wear earrings, pendants, bracelets or full necklaces?
Once you have a clearer idea of what she likes to wear day to day, it becomes much easier to choose something special that she is sure to love.
Below is a helpful list of each anniversary, its associated gifts and symbols to help keep you up to date. Feel free to print this out and keep it somewhere safe so you are always guaranteed to be on point with each one of these special occasions.
Paper has many meanings. It can represent the fragility of marriage – caring for it properly can ensure it lasts for a lifetime. Paper also represents a blank slate, the beginnings of a new life together.
The threads of cotton are woven tightly together and are interconnected, just like your lives together as a married couple.
Leather is rich, warm, rugged and durable. Leather represents how strong your marriage has become and how you care for each other.
Fruit or flowers are the traditional gift for the 4th. Both flowers and fruit represent the blossoming of love and bounty of sweetness your union provides.
Like a tree, your union has grown deep roots and can endure the many storms that life brings.
Iron is a strong, durable metal; a gift of iron represents the strength of your marriage. Candy is also a 6th Anniversary gift, which represents sweetness and to always remember the sweet stuff your marriage is made of.
Copper is a conductive and healing metal; it represents heat and caring for each other.
Bronze is a blend of Tin and Copper and is incredibly strong – just like the two of you are stronger together.
Pottery has been lovingly molded, shaped, and fired into a beautiful vessel or sculpture that will last centuries. At one year shy of a decade, your marriage has also been shaped and fired into a union of lasting beauty.
Tin and Aluminum are durable, flexible materials that do not rust. A successful marriage requires flexibility in order to endure.
Steel is the strongest metal on Earth, and represents the steely resolve you two use to keep your marriage going strong.
Silk and linen are composed of thousands of threads woven together. Your marriage shares many threads of love: days and years and experiences binding you two together.
Lace is elegant and delicate, just like the treasured bond you two share.
Ivory is a rare and sought-after treasure, just as your marriage is. Try looking for Ivory-colored items, or elephant themed gifts to invoke the symbolism of this gift year.
Crystal represents strength, beauty and a crystal-clear understanding of each other. Crystal breaks up white light into its spectral rainbow, symbolizing the many colors and moods of your marriage.
China is both delicate and strong, beautiful and elegant. It symbolizes that you will need to look after your marriage which will remain beautiful if cared for properly.
There are many precious metals in the world, but hardly any are known nearly so well as pure Silver. Silver is a pure metal and shines brightly in any lighting, just like your love after a quarter century together.
Pearls grow over time from a tiny speck into a gorgeous, rare treasure: strong, lustrous and durable. After 30 years together your marriage has also grown to a rare treasure that shines from within. Any color pearl can be gifted. White pearls stand for Purity, Love and Innocence. Gold pearls stand for Wisdom, Wealth and Longevity. Lavender pearls represent Romance, Integrity and Royalty. Black pearls symbolize Sophistication, Elegance and Adventure. Pink pearls represent Love, Femininity and Friendship.
Coral represents immortality and happiness and is said to have healing properties that can protect you from harm. The love you share protects your union and family.
The fiery red Ruby is known as the King of Gems and have been revered throughout history. They symbolize passion, protection and the eternally burning flame of love.
Stunning Sapphire is the stone symbolizing Wisdom, which is what you’ve gained after 45 years married. Sapphire also represents faithfulness, loyalty and sincerity which are all needed to last over four decades of marriage.
Gorgeous Gold is the most precious and treasured of all metals throughout humanity’s history. Gold never corrodes or weakens, and always shines brilliantly throughout the years. It is no surprise then that Gold is used to celebrate a half century of marriage.
Green Emerald is the gemstone of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Emerald is the stone of lovers and represents adoration and devotion.
Diamonds are Forever, and after sixty years of marriage so is your love. Diamond’s strength comes from its purity and the extraordinary forces of time and pressure that the inner Earth uses to create this precious gemstone. Diamond milestone of such epic proportions deserves nothing less than Diamonds. Diamond anniversary gifts typically include a diamond ring as a throwback to a traditional engagement, but any form of diamond jewelry will work.
Let’s recap. If you’re buying pearl wedding anniversary gifts for…
For more information on how to buy pearls as a gift, read more about how pearls are graded and where to buy them.
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