Reaching a 40th wedding anniversary is no small feat. It marks decades of waking up every day and choosing each other through the rough and the smooth.
Traditionally known as the ruby wedding anniversary, this milestone is associated with one of the most captivating and rarest gemstones of all - a very fitting reflection of a relationship that has stood the test of time, if you ask me.
If you’re looking for a gift to mark the occasion, jewellery is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate. It becomes part of your story and the perfect memento to celebrate 40 years of love.
In this blog, I'll share some interesting history and facts about this stone and occasion, as well as offering some of my favourite 40th wedding anniversary gift ideas to inspire you.
Why does ruby represent 40 years of marriage?
Ruby has long been associated with love, passion, and enduring strength. If you're approaching 40 years of marriage, I'm sure you have all those qualities in spades!
Its deep red colour, reminiscent of blood, has historically symbolised the heart, vitality, and lasting emotional connection, making it a natural choice for an anniversary that celebrates longevity and depth of feeling.
In many cultures, rubies were believed to hold protective qualities, safeguarding both love and life, as well as bringing good fortune to the wearer.
This symbolism lives on today, making ruby jewellery a meaningful way to honour a relationship that has grown and endured over time.
A brief history of ruby
Named after the Latin word ruber - meaning red - rubies have been treasured for centuries, often considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.
In ancient India, they were known as the “king of gemstones” and were believed to bring prosperity, protection, and peace. In medieval Europe, rubies were worn by royalty as symbols of power and passion.
Their rarity, durability, and unmistakable colour have ensured their place in jewellery throughout history.
And speaking of that rich, romantic colour…
…You may not realise just how varied that colour can be!
From deep, velvety reds to brighter crimson and softer pink-toned hues, each ruby has its own personality, which you can see reflected across the different pieces shown in this blog.
Did you know rubies and sapphires are actually the same gemstone?
They’re both forms of corundum, but when the stone appears red, it’s classified as a ruby. Every other colour is known as a sapphire.
Famously, Elizabeth Taylor was gifted a Van Cleef & Arpels ruby ring from Richard Burton
He spent years looking for the "world's most perfect ruby", with the red representing his homeland of Wales. He eventually gave her the ring on Christmas Day in 1968, and she later wrote:
"I’m sure I almost fainted. I screamed, which probably echoed over the mountains, and I couldn’t stop screaming. I knew I was staring at the most exquisite ruby anyone had ever seen."
Ruby is also the birthstone for July, adding another layer of meaning if your partner has a summer birthday.
Ruby vs garnet: a thoughtful alternative for 40th wedding anniversary gifts
While ruby is the traditional choice for a 40th anniversary, it isn’t the only option!
Garnet, with its similarly rich red tones, offers a beautiful and meaningful alternative. It has its own symbolism rooted in love, protection, and commitment, making it especially fitting for an anniversary gift.
There are also practical considerations:
Ruby is one of the hardest gemstones (9 on the Mohs scale), making it highly durable and suitable for everyday jewellery.
Garnet is slightly softer (typically 6.5–7.5), but still well-suited to jewellery with thoughtful design and care.
Garnet is often more accessible in price, allowing for larger stones or more elaborate designs within a given budget.
Both stones can create a deeply meaningful piece, so it's down to personal preference and budget.
Choosing a ruby anniversary gift
After 40 years together, my customers tend to come to me looking for something that feels personal and reflects their shared story. They want it to be a one-of-a-kind that's built to last and be passed down through generations to come.
Bespoke jewellery is the ideal choice in this case.
A bespoke design allows you to create something entirely unique; a piece that speaks to your relationship.
This could include:
• Incorporating a ruby or garnet into a new design
• Redesigning existing jewellery into something more wearable
• Combining sentimental elements (like the birthstones of you and your children) into a single piece
• Creating a design inspired by shared memories or meaningful details.
Rather than choosing a gift, you’re creating one that can't be replicated.
How I work with ruby and garnet
At Kate Smith Jewellery, my team and I regularly work with both ruby and garnet in bespoke and remodelling projects.
Each stone is carefully selected and considered within the design, ensuring it complements both the piece and the person who will wear it.
Ruby offers exceptional durability and vibrancy, making it ideal for heirloom-quality jewellery.
Garnet provides a beautiful alternative, with its deep, rich tones and versatility in design.
Each piece is created with longevity, wearability, and meaning in mind.
A 40th anniversary gift that becomes part of your story
Forty years of marriage deserves more than a last-minute rush job. Take the time to choose something thoughtful and personal.
If you’re exploring ideas for a ruby wedding anniversary gift, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Whether you’d like to commission a bespoke piece, remodel existing jewellery, or simply talk through ideas, we can help you create something that feels right for both the occasion and the person you’re celebrating.
