< Engagement Rings & Weddings / Guides
Diamond Anniversary Rings Don’t Have to Play by the Rules
From bold bands to unconventional silhouettes, diamond anniversary rings are rewriting what milestone jewelry looks like.
Published: February 13, 2026
Written by: Anouare Abdou
Every piece of natural diamond jewelry tells a story, but some jewels hold more personal meaning than others, like engagement rings or family heirlooms passed down for generations.
Among those pieces, anniversary rings stand out as tokens of love that honor the journey of a couple well beyond the moment they say “I do.”
What is the etiquette for giving an anniversary ring? Traditionally, specific gifts were used to mark specific marriage milestones, like surprising your spouse with a diamond ring for your 10-year anniversary. These days, there are no rules. Choosing a ring that reflects your unique relationship and personal style is what matters the most.
“As engagement rings become more personal and less traditional, anniversary rings are following suit,” says Megan Kothari, founder of AARYAH, who adds that chunky settings, naturally colored diamonds, and bespoke designs are some of the most common anniversary ring requests right now.
Meet the Experts
Megan Kothari, the creative force and founder of AARYAH, grew up in a family of diamond wholesalers, learning the business from her father and grandfather at an early age. AARYAH is a jewelry brand focused on empowering women by bringing a fresh perspective to the bridal jewelry space with unconventional cuts, rare natural diamonds, and alternative settings.
Katherine Kim is a Los Angeles–based fine jewelry designer and founder of KATKIM, a modern luxury brand she launched in 2015–2016, known for its clean lines, architectural silhouettes, and sustainably made pieces handcrafted in LA. Trained at Central Saint Martins in London and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.
With more couples embracing authentic self-expression over tradition, choosing a diamond anniversary ring can feel both exciting and daunting. From antique diamond cuts to modern architectural silhouettes, there are many stunning possibilities to choose from.
Ahead, find everything you need to know while shopping for diamond anniversary rings.
What Is an Anniversary Ring?
An anniversary ring is a wedding anniversary gift that can be given at any point of your marriage, whether you’re celebrating your first year together or a big milestone like a 20-year anniversary. It’s often meant to complement a wedding band and engagement ring – and some people wear all three rings as a stack – but it can be worn as a standalone piece too.
A diamond eternity band is a classic choice for an anniversary ring, symbolizing never-ending love and commitment, but many couples opt for less traditional options, as anniversary rings offer an opportunity to style natural diamonds in unexpected yet timeless ways.
Anniversary Rings vs. Wedding Bands
If you’re wondering about the difference between an anniversary ring and a wedding band, it all boils down to the purpose of the ring: one marks a beginning, the other celebrates the evolution of a relationship. “Anniversary rings feel like part of a story rather than a single moment,” says Katherine Kim, designer and founder of KATKIM.
In terms of design, while bold diamond wedding bands are having a moment, many couples still tend to go for simpler wedding bands and more unique anniversary rings that let them “explore silhouettes or stone arrangements that feel less conventional,” adds Kim.
Can anniversary rings replace wedding bands? Sometimes, as some people choose to upgrade their wedding band with a bigger diamond anniversary ring down the line. Others wear their anniversary rings alongside their wedding band and engagement ring on their ring finger, or alone on another finger. Again, there are no rules.
Key Characteristics of Anniversary Rings
From vintage-inspired rings with bezel settings to diamond eternity bands that make a statement, anniversary rings can take on many forms – and that’s part of the excitement of choosing one. Their defining details have less to do with specific design elements and more to do with the meaning they carry and how they’re typically worn.
Symbolism
Whether you pick an east-west diamond setting to represent the tradition-defying spirit of your relationship, a vintage eternity band to symbolize everlasting love, or a five-stone ring for your five-year anniversary, the beauty of an anniversary ring lies in its rich symbolism.
Personalization
From custom engravings to details with personal significance and unique natural diamonds, an anniversary ring is meant to be a personalized gift. “Even choosing a diamond with a specific hue or character can feel deeply intentional,” says Kothari.
Stackability and cohesiveness
Stacking an anniversary ring with an engagement ring and wedding band isn’t a must, but many anniversary rings are chosen to complement those rings. They might mirror some elements of the other rings in “shape, scale, or overall vibe,” adds Kothari. They can also provide contrast, like intentionally mixing metals to create a versatile stack.
Diamonds
Most anniversary rings feature precious gemstones, and natural diamonds remain a top choice for their beauty, timelessness, and the meaning that they carry. Oval, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds can appeal to those with more traditional taste, while step-cut diamonds provide a bolder alternative with a different kind of sparkle.
“Emerald, Asscher, and carré cuts have been highly requested, as they carry a beautiful sense of structure,” says Kim. “Clients are also drawn to mixed shape arrangements or designs that create movement across the finger.”
Diamond Anniversary Rings: What to Look For
If you’re celebrating a special marriage milestone and want to mark the occasion with a diamond anniversary ring that truly delivers a wow factor, think beyond the obvious ways to personalize a piece of jewelry.
“Personalization doesn’t always mean engraving or adding obvious symbolism. Sometimes it’s about choosing a stone arrangement that represents milestones or incorporating shapes that hold personal significance,” says Kim.
Once you narrow down the choices that will help the ring feel deeply personal, it’s important to prioritize comfort and wearability. A large diamond ring can be impressive, but it needs to feel and look good on its wearer’s hand without rubbing against other rings. An antique ring can be meaningful, but it can be too fragile to wear daily.
There’s no single way to wear a diamond anniversary ring, but considering how it will interact with existing pieces can also help guide your decisions. “Play with metal tones, finishes, diamond shapes, and even color to create something cohesive yet distinct,” suggests Kothari.
It’s your ring – and your story to tell.
Shop Diamond Anniversary Rings
Get inspired by natural diamond styles from designers we love.
KatKim Éternal Cloud Pavé Ring, $10,200, katkimfinejewelry.com
AARYAH Alaya Multishape Diamond Band, $19,000, aaryah.com
David Yurman Chatelaine Ring, $6,300, davidyurman.com
Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock by Tiffany Wings Wide Ring in Platinum with Diamonds, $22,000, tiffany.com
Ashley Zhang Jewelry Diamond Carré and Star Chess Band, $10,500, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
Cartier Paved Trinity Ring, $27,800, cartier.com
Brent Neale One-of-a-Kind BNS Double Morse Code Ring with Diamonds, Price Upon Request, brentneale.com
CECE Never Ending Ring, $10,253, cecejewellery.com
ZAHN-Z Big ZAHA Baguette Ring, $23,000, zahnzjewelry.com
Claudia Mae 5 Marquise Classic Nomad Ring with Diamonds, $9,850, claudiamae.com
Lionheart Fancy Cut Double Row Diamond Ring, $9,800, lionheartjewelry.com
