20 Pleasing Pearl Anniversary Gifts for Him, Her or Them

Woo your love with a classic (and classy) bauble.
Four pearl anniversary gifts
Photos, clockwise: Anthropologie, Uncommon Goods, XISSJEWELLERY, Neiman Marcus
christin perry the knot
by
Christin Perry
christin perry the knot
Christin Perry
E-Commerce Contributor
  • Christin specializes in writing gift guides and shoppable articles for The Knot.
  • Christin is a freelance writer, also covering lifestyle, health, and parenting.
  • She has written for such publications as The Bump, Parents, VeryWell, Parade and LittleThings.
Updated Jan 02, 2024
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Another year of marriage, another opportunity to give your spouse a wonderful gift. Whether you're celebrating an important milestone anniversary and are looking for a symbolic anniversary gift, or your spouse happens to love pearls, maybe this year has you hunting for the perfect pearl wedding anniversary gift.

Rest assured, you've come to the right place. In this article, we're talking only about pearls—what they mean, why they're significant, and of course, why they make a fabulous anniversary gift. What's more, we've rounded up 20 wonderful pearl anniversary gifts to help you in your search. You'll be celebrating your anniversary in classic style in no time.

In this article:

    Pearl Anniversary Gift Meaning

    Pearls are one of the most symbolic gemstones and have had close ties to marriage dating back to the ancient Greeks. They believed pearls would bestow the newlywed couple with good luck and prevent the bride from shedding tears in married life. Today, they symbolize purity, honesty and wisdom, and many brides incorporate pearls into their wedding-day attire (if their dress doesn't already include them!). It's fitting, then, that pearls would be a popular gift for an anniversary. Even better, pearl anniversary gifts aren't just limited to jewelry and accessories. Modern (and creative!) interpretations can find you shopping for everything from home decor to food.

    Which anniversary is associated with pearl gifts?

    Pearl is the 3-year anniversary gift gemstone, the modern 12-year anniversary gift and the traditional 30-year anniversary gift. That means there are plenty of opportunities to shop for pearl items for that special someone, whether you're just kicking off your marriage or you already have decades under your belts.

    The Best Pearl Anniversary Gifts

    Shimmery and light, pearls are simply beautiful. They're a perfect anniversary gift, whether you opt for a traditional pendant or strand necklace, or something that simply gives a nod to the stone, like a "pearlized" item. Here, we've collected twenty of our favorite pearl anniversary gift ideas that are as classic as they are chic.

    1. Trendy Candle

    Pearl candle anniversary gift
    Photo: Anthropologie

    This wildly popular candle brand from Anthropologie seems to be on everyone's list of dream gifts. And this one, with clean-burning wax that's carefully nestled in a pearlized honeycomb jar, makes a great pearl anniversary gift for your special someone. The iconic scent can be enjoyed for 85 hours (regular size) or 120 hours if you opt for the larger candle.

    2. Mother of Pearl Initial Necklace

    Mother of pearl initial necklaces
    Photo: Bauble Bar

    This pretty bauble makes a great pearl anniversary gift for anyone who loves monogrammed items. A gold initial gleams against a mother-of-pearl background, and is surrounded by a channel of tiny faux diamonds that add a touch of shimmer. This dog tag-style pendant hangs from a 17-inch chain.

    3. Chic Pearl Bag

    Pearl bag anniversary gift
    Photo: Anthropologie

    For a clever (and totally chic, if we may say so) spin on a pearl anniversary gift, this pearl embellished bag from Anthropologie will ensure she's best accessorized every time she goes out. The boxy silhouette with a magnetic closure will keep her wallet, lip balm and phone secure as a clutch or she can use the chain strap as a crossbody.

    4. Cute Catch-All

    Mickey Mouse pearl catch-all anniversary gift
    Photo: Bauble Bar

    Looking for something unique for your Disney lover? This pearl-covered catch-all is shaped like Mickey and allows them to store their most sacred tiny objects. It's a cute nod to this milestone anniversary, making it one of our favorite pearl anniversary gift ideas.

    5. Milestone Tree

    Mini tree pearl ornament anniversary gift
    Photo: Uncommon Goods

    This tiny tree from UncommonGoods features pearl-like leaves in honor of the pearl anniversary, making it a unique twist on the traditional material. Gift it to the person who has everything or isn't really "into" jewelry—they can keep it atop their desk or nightstand as a sweet reminder of your love.

    6. Phone Case

    Personalized pearl phone case anniversary gift
    Photo: Bauble Bar

    Stylish and functional, this simple and elegant smartphone case features mother-of-pearl lettering. Customize with their name or nickname (up to 12 letters) for a personalized pearl anniversary gift that's sure to be appreciated. Fits a variety of iPhone models.

    7. Bubble Tea Kit

    Bubble tea kit anniversary gift
    Photo: Uncommon Goods

    Looking for something a bit different? Bubble tea—a wildly popular drink—contains tapioca pearls, which we say totally count as a pearl anniversary gift! Give this DIY kit to your special someone so they can make their own beverage from the comfort of home.

    8. Photo Frame

    Pearl photo frame anniversary gift
    Photo: Macy's

    On this milestone anniversary, grab your favorite photo of you and your partner, and slip it into this beautiful mother-of-pearl frame. It's a heartfelt pearl anniversary gift that's sure to be a huge hit, especially if you two don't print off pictures nearly as much as you should.

    9. Unique Necklace

    Pearl necklace anniversary gift
    Photo: Uncommon Goods

    It's possible to give pearl jewelry that's more funky and less preppy. Need proof? This cool necklace from Uncommon Goods that states, "The world is your oyster." Since many oysters have pearls, this makes a great pearl anniversary gift if you're looking for a piece of jewelry that's a bit more casual.

    10. Ring Dish

    Pearl ring dish anniversary gift
    Photo: XISSJEWELLERY

    For a simple, inexpensive pearl anniversary gift that's pretty and functional, wrap up this pearl ring dish for your spouse. It's a catch-all for all those tiny accessories that can easily get lost or create unnecessary clutter.

    11. Sweet Studs

    Pearl earrings anniversary gift
    Photo: David Yurman

    This stunning set of 6mm cultured freshwater pearls is ensconced in an 18-karat gold infinity-style setting for an elegant look. The combination of smooth and cabled gold adds visual interest to these beautiful post earrings from David Yurman.

    12. Classic Clock

    Pearl clock anniversary gift
    Photo: Neiman Marcus

    Clocks and timepieces are a classic anniversary gift as they nod to the passing of time side-by-side—not to mention all the happy moments yet to come. This handsome desk clock is silver with mother-of-pearl accents, with a sturdy square shape and simple design that make it suitable for a variety of decor styles.

    13. Chocolate Pearls

    Chocolate pearls anniversary gift
    Photo: Sugarfina

    These tiny milk chocolate pearls are the perfect pearl anniversary gift for the sweet tooth in your life. Imported from Greece, these blue and white confections are (almost!) too beautiful to eat. Buy the box solo or pair it with other delectable treats from the Sugarfina brand (we love the champagne gummies) for a true celebratory treat.

    14. Pearl Tie Clip

    Pearl tie clip anniversary gift
    Photo: Nordstrom

    This handsome gunmetal tie clip features a mother-of-pearl inlay, making it one of our favorite pearl anniversary gift ideas for any partner who enjoys donning a suit from time to time. It's a subtle yet elegant addition that works for the office or a night on the town. Maybe plan an anniversary date night so they can rock it right away?

    15. Wow-Worthy Accessory

    Black pearl necklace anniversary gift
    Photo: Bloomingdale's

    For a bold, dramatic look that's a break from the norm, choose this black pearl necklace to give as a pearl anniversary gift. Suspended from a 14-karat gold, 18-inch chain, this generously sized 10mm pearl is a stunner. It's a beautiful choice for anyone who doesn't totally identify with the "sweetness" that most pearl jewelry conveys.

    16. Unisex Watch

    Unisex pearl watch anniversary gift
    Photo: Vanna

    This elegant watch from Vanna is suitable for either partner as a pearl anniversary gift. The face features an off-centered mother-of-pearl shape set against a lapis lazuli background, which lends a funky vibe to the overall piece. A wide band and minimalist features make this unisex watch a great gift for anyone.

    17. Sleek Knife

    Sleek pearl knife anniversary gift
    Photo: ColoradoJewelryShop

    This pocket knife is one of the most unique pearl anniversary gift ideas. The handle features mother-of-pearl detailing with optional engraving on one or both sides. It's a heartfelt gift for this milestone anniversary that also happens to be pretty handy.

    18. Pearl Necklace

    Pearl necklace anniversary gift
    Photo: David Yurman

    No list of the best pearl anniversary gifts would be complete without a simple yet statement-making pearl pendant—and this one from David Yurman doesn't disappoint! Featuring an 8-mm freshwater pearl nestled in a sterling silver setting, this pendant hangs from an adjustable, 16- or 17-inch chain.

    19. Pearl Belt

    Pearl belt anniversary gift
    Photo: TheLittlePower

    Celebrating a pearl anniversary with a fashionista by your side? This trendy pearl belt is sure to please. A thin line of pearls adds flair to any dress or pair of pants, while a silver or gold chain hangs down for an edgy and fashionable look.

    20. Guitar Pick

    Pearl guitar pick anniversary gift
    Photo: TimberTonesShop

    If your spouse is a guitar player, then your search for pearl anniversary gifts is over. This simple pack of mother of shimmery pearl guitar picks checks the box as a meaningful gift that's functional and likely much needed, since picks always seem to go missing!

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