The 10th wedding anniversary is traditionally known as the tin or aluminum anniversary. However, more recently, diamond jewelry has become a popular gift to celebrate a decade of marriage.
What are the traditional and modern 10th anniversary gifts?
Traditionally, the 10th wedding anniversary is associated with tin or aluminum. These materials represent the durability and strength of a marriage after 10 years. Tin and aluminum are malleable, bendable metals that symbolize a marriage’s flexibility and adaptability after a decade together.
Some classic 10th anniversary gifts using tin or aluminum include:
- Tin or aluminum jewelry
- Home decor items like candlesticks or photo frames
- Kitchenware like tin cookie sheets or aluminum pots and pans
- Tin or aluminum trays or containers
However, more recently, diamond jewelry has become a popular modern gift for the 10th wedding anniversary. Diamonds represent clarity, brilliance, and enduring strength – all qualities of a marriage after 10 years. Some modern 10th anniversary diamond gifts include:
- Diamond earrings, necklaces, or bracelets
- A diamond engagement ring or anniversary band
- Diamond cufflinks or money clips for him
- Diamond jewelry boxes or jewelry cleaners
Diamonds make a glamorous and meaningful way to celebrate achieving such a significant marriage milestone.
Why are tin and aluminum the traditional materials?
Tin and aluminum became linked with the 10th wedding anniversary in the early 20th century. Anniversary gift traditions began in medieval Germany, where husbands crowned their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold wreath on their 50th. The tradition expanded to include other major milestone years.
By the 1920s, the American National Retail Jeweler Association had compiled a list associating every anniversary year with specific metals, stones, or materials. Tin and aluminum were chosen for the 10th anniversary as they were inexpensive, readily available metals at the time. The malleable properties of tin and aluminum were thought to mimic the pliability, flexibility, and durability of a marriage after 10 years.
Properties of Tin
- Soft, silvery-white metal
- Low melting point
- Easily shaped and molded when heated
- Doesn’t corrode/rust easily
- Commonly used to coat or line other metals like steel (i.e. tin cans)
- Naturally occurring element
- Relatively abundant and inexpensive
Properties of Aluminum
- Silvery-white in color
- Lightweight but strong
- Highly resistant to corrosion
- Extremely malleable and ductile
- One of the most abundant metals on Earth
- Moderately priced and widely available
Both tin and aluminum could represent the flexibility, durability, and strength required for a marriage to thrive over a decade. They were affordable and accessible materials, making suitable gifts for 10th anniversary celebrations.
When did diamond become popular for 10th anniversaries?
Diamonds first became commonly associated with 10th wedding anniversaries in the late 20th century. By the 1980s-’90s, evolving anniversary gift guides, especially from jewelry retailers, started recommending diamonds for the 10th year. The diamond’s brilliance and clarity seemingly epitomized the growing strength, clarity, and sparkle of a marriage after 10 years. Diamonds quickly gained popularity as the modern 10th anniversary gift.
There are a few key reasons diamonds became linked with 10th wedding anniversaries:
- Marketing: Jewelry retailers promoted diamonds as the ideal 10th anniversary present to boost diamond sales.
- Affordability: By the 10th anniversary, many couples found themselves in a better financial position to invest in diamond jewelry.
- Marriage milestones: The 10th anniversary was seen as a significant milestone deserving of a special, luxurious gift like diamonds.
- Shift in gender roles: As more women worked outside the home, they were buying diamonds for themselves, including as 10th anniversary gifts.
The diamond industry capitalized on its role as an enduring symbol of love and commitment. A decade of marriage seemed the perfect occasion to gift diamond jewelry in celebration of achieving such a milestone.
What are some 10th anniversary diamond gifts?
There are endless options for diamond 10th anniversary presents. Here are some popular diamond gift ideas for her or him:
For Her
- Diamond earrings – classic studs or dazzling drops
- Diamond necklace – solitaire pendant or tennis bracelet style
- Diamond bracelet – tennis bracelets or bangles with diamond accents
- Diamond anniversary ring – with 10 stones or one large diamond
- Diamond jewelry set – matching earrings, necklace and bracelet
For Him
- Diamond cufflinks – oval or round brilliant-cut diamonds
- Diamond money clip or tie tack
- Diamond watch – accenting the watch face or encrusting the band
- Diamond wedding band – as an update or addition to his current ring
Choose a style that suits your spouse’s personality – bold and sparkling or simple and elegant. Diamonds are a thoughtful way to celebrate 10 treasured years together.
How much should I spend on a 10th anniversary diamond gift?
How much to spend on a 10th anniversary diamond gift depends on your budget. Some guidelines on spending:
- Plan to spend more than a typical birthday or anniversary gift, given the major milestone.
- Aim to spend around 1-2% of your annual household income.
- Consider splitting the cost if purchasing a higher value item like diamond jewelry.
- Set a spending range you’re comfortable with as a couple and go from there.
Here are some examples of spending ranges for 10th anniversary diamond gifts:
| Annual Household Income | Recommended Spend |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $500 – $1,000 |
| $75,000 | $750 – $1,500 |
| $100,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| $150,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Focus more on selecting a gift with meaning vs. cost. Splurge within your means to celebrate 10 incredible years together.
Should I give diamonds for a 10th work anniversary too?
Diamonds are less common for 10th work anniversaries. Instead, consider these 10th work anniversary gift ideas:
- Classy pen or briefcase
- Leather portfolio or planner
- Engraved desk accessories
- Tech gifts like a tablet or e-reader
Or give a gift using the traditional 10th anniversary materials like tin or aluminum:
- Custom tin or aluminum business card holder
- Engraved aluminum pen/pencil set
- Tin cubicle or desk signs
While less personal than wedding anniversary gifts, still select meaningful, useful 10th work anniversary gifts. Engraving names or a personal message can add a nice touch.
What are some key 10th anniversary traditions?
Some traditions for celebrating 10 years of marriage include:
- Exchanging gifts made from tin, aluminum or diamonds
- Gifting diamond jewelry like earrings, rings or necklaces
- Taking a trip somewhere meaningful, like your honeymoon destination
- Enjoying a nice dinner out or weekend getaway together
- Reminiscing over wedding photos, memories and mementos from the last 10 years
- Renewing your vows with asmall ceremony or intimate backyard party
However you choose to celebrate, make the day special with thoughtful gifts, activities, or quality time with your spouse. Aim to commemorate the milestone, reflect on fond memories, and reconnect as a couple.
What are some unique 10th anniversary gifts besides diamonds?
While diamonds may be the modern traditional gift, consider these unique 10th anniversary gift ideas as well:
For Her:
- Personalized photo album or memory book
- Couples massage or spa package
- Custom art piece with wedding date or love lyrics
- Travel to your dream destination
- Vow renewal ceremony and reception bash
For Him:
- Tickets to a sporting event or concert
- Luxury watch with engraved message
- Personalized barware with wedding date
- Tech gadgets like wireless earbuds or drone
- couples cooking or cocktail class
Tailor your 10th anniversary gifts to your spouse’s hobbies, interests or bucket list spots. Splurge on an experience or romantic getaway as you enter your next decade together!
What stone is given for 10 year anniversary?
There is no traditional gemstone associated with the 10th wedding anniversary. Tin and aluminum are the traditional materials given. However, diamonds have become the popular 10th anniversary stone in modern times due to their brilliance and everlasting qualities.
Significance of Diamonds
- Reflect and refract light for unparalleled brilliance and “fire”
- Extremely hard and durable – can last “forever”
- Require time, heat and pressure to form – like a strong marriage
- Rare and precious
- Universally valued as a symbol of enduring love
Diamonds make meaningful 10th anniversary stone options. Their radiance and strength parallel a marriage thriving after a decade together. An elegant diamond gift celebrates your journey so far and bright future ahead.
How should I celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary during COVID?
The COVID-19 pandemic poses challenges for celebrating relationship milestones, but there are still creative ways to mark 10 years married:
- Have a nice dinner at home – cook your first meal as newlyweds or order takeout from a favorite restaurant
- Have a virtual party – connect with loved ones via video call to share memories
- Enjoy a joint activity at home – make a photo memory book, do a couples’ puzzle, mix cocktails
- Plan virtual date nights – order the same meal kits, Netflix movie night, online concert or class
- Get dressed up for a photo shoot – capture the occasion even if you can’t go out
While staying safe at home, focus on meaningful moments and gestures. Splurge on anniversary gifts to exchange and display around the house. Get reminiscing over your decade of married life and dreams for the future.
Conclusion
The traditional 10th anniversary gift may be tin or aluminum, but diamonds are today’s popular modern gift choice. Diamonds symbolize the clarity, sparkle, and enduring strength of a marriage after a decade. While diamond jewelry is a traditional gift for wives, men can receive diamond accessories like watches and cufflinks. Splurge within your budget – 1-2% of annual income is a recommended spend. Ultimately, choose a gift that suits your spouse’s style – glitzy or understated. Skip diamonds for a 10th work anniversary, opting instead for useful office gifts or tin/aluminum desk accessories. However you celebrate your major milestone, let your 10th anniversary gifts reflect your joy, gratitude and everlasting love after 10 wonderful years together.