What is more joyous and heartfelt than giving your loved one a special gift each year to commemorate a wedding anniversary? Traditionally, every anniversary is celebrated by giving a gift made from a different material. It isn't clear when this traditional list came into existence.It probably originated in the Middle Ages when very few people could afford rare stones and jewelry and it evolved over time. But these days, giving paper, cotton or glass somehow don't seem to capture the significance of the happiest day of your life.

There is a new tradition gaining popularity, however.And it will please your loved one a whole lot more than paper or glass.It's the growing trend of giving a lasting gift of beautiful gemstone jewelry for your anniversary.Here is a list of gemstones that are quickly becoming the accepted norms to commemorate each anniversary year.

1st Anniversary – Mother of Pearl.Alternate:Peridot

2nd Anniversary – Garnet

3rd Anniversary – Pearls. Alternate: Jade

4th Anniversary – Blue Topaz. Alternate: Blue Zircon

5th Anniversary – Sapphire. Alternate: Pink Tourmaline

6th Anniversary – Amethyst. Alternate: Turquoise

7th Anniversary – Onyx. Alternates: Yellow Sapphire, Golden Beryl

8th Anniversary – Tourmaline. Alternate: Tanzanite

9th Anniversary – Lapis Lazuli. Alternates: Amethyst, Green Spinel

10th Anniversary – Diamond Jewelry. Alternate:Blue Sapphire

11th Anniversary – Turquoise. Alternates: Citrine, Yellow Zircon

12th Anniversary – Jade. Alternate: Opal

13th Anniversary – Citrine. Alternates: Moonstone, Hawk's Eye

14th Anniversary – Opal. Alternates: Agate, Bloodstone

15th Anniversary – Ruby. Alternates: Rhodolite Garnet, Alexandrite

16th Anniversary – Peridot. Alternate: Red Spinel

17th Anniversary – Watches. Alternate: Carnelian

18th Anniversary – Cat's Eye or Chrysoberyl?. Alternate:Aquamarine

19th Anniversary – Aquamarine. Alternate:Almandine Garnet

20th Anniversary – Emerald. ?Alternate: Yellow or Golden Diamond

21st Anniversary – Iolite.

22nd Anniversary – Spinel.

23rd Anniversary – Imperial Topaz.

24th Anniversary – Tanzanite.

25th Anniversary – Silver Jubilee. Alternates: Tsavorite , Green Garnet

30th Anniversary – Pearl Jubilee.

35th Anniversary – Emerald.

40th Anniversary – Ruby.

45th Anniversary – Sapphire.?Alternate: Cat's Eye

50th Anniversary – Golden Jubilee. Alternate: Imperial or Golden Topaz

55th Anniversary – Alexandrite.

60th Anniversary – Diamond Jubilee. Alternate: Star Ruby

If you are a purist and don't want to break with tradition, however, there are other creative ways to satisfy your traditional inclinations with modern flair.For instance, you can always tuck a ring inside a leather wallet, tie a cluster of roses together with a bracelet, or hide a necklace inside the pocket of a silk robe.You'll be following time-honored tradition while delivering an anniversary gift that engenders deep feelings for years to come.