Selecting an 11th Anniversary Gift

Let us be the first to congratulate you on your upcoming 11^th anniversary! Celebrating your wedding anniversary is a momentous occasion, no matter what year you have reached. Each marks a special milestone and is traditionally commemorated with a special anniversary gift by year. 

But have you ever wondered where this tradition originated? We’ll share a bit about this romantic tradition and some of our favorite steel anniversary gift ideas for your significant other!

How Did the Tradition of Anniversary Gifts by Year Start?

The long-standing tradition of giving a designated anniversary gift by year is believed to be traced back to the medieval period. Then, gifts were a token of prosperity and continued good fortune upon the couples’ marriage.

It wasn’t until the Victorian era that this tradition began to become more popular. This was when the anniversary gifts by year began to increase in value. It was believed another year invested into the relationship should be well recognized, and a gift was the reward for another successful year. With an additional year spent growing the bonds of the marriage, the gifts’ value should gradually increase in value. 

 

What Are the Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year?

While not everyone follows the traditional gift list, it’s always interesting to take a peek and see what gifts represent each year of marriage. And, of course, take special note of the traditional 11-year anniversary gift so you can shop accordingly. Traditional anniversary gifts by year include:

• 1^st Anniversary: Paper
• 2^nd Anniversary: Fiber
• 3^rd Anniversary: Leather
• 4^th Anniversary: Flowers
• 5^th Anniversary: Wood
• 6^th Anniversary: Candy
• 7^th Anniversary: Copper
• 8^th Anniversary: Bronze
• 9^th Anniversary: Pottery
• 10^th Anniversary: Aluminum
• 11^th Anniversary: Steel
• 12^th Anniversary: Silk
• 13^th Anniversary: Lace
• 14^th Anniversary: Ivory
• 15^th Anniversary: Crystal
• 16^th Anniversary: Wax
• 17^th Anniversary: Furniture
• 18^th Anniversary: Porcelain
• 19^th Anniversary: Bronze
• 20^th Anniversary: China
• 25^th Anniversary: Silver
• 30^th Anniversary: Pearl
• 35^th Anniversary: Coral
• 40^th Anniversary: Ruby
• 45^th Anniversary: Sapphire
• 50^th Anniversary: Gold
• 55^th Anniversary: Emerald
• 60^th Anniversary: Diamond 

What is the Traditional 11-Year Anniversary Gift?

If you’ve been wondering, “What is the 11^th anniversary gift?” now you know! The traditional 11-year anniversary gift is steel. While a steel anniversary gift may not sound romantic, you may just change your mind. Steel is known for being a strong metal. In fact, it is the toughest metal in existence.

What Does the Traditional 11-Year Anniversary Gift Symbolize?

Steel, the traditional 11-year anniversary gift, is a symbol of your bond’s strength and resiliency. Having surpassed a decade together, opt for steel as a reminder that your bond has become unstoppable.

What are the Top Steel Anniversary Gift Ideas?

While there are many incredible steel anniversary gift ideas to consider for your significant other's traditional 11-year anniversary gift, we can’t help but root for the romantic gesture a steel anniversary gift offers. So, in keeping with this meaningful tradition, we'd love to introduce you to some of our favorite steel anniversary gift ideas that symbolize your love and can stand the test of time!

Steel Anniversary Gift Ideas for Her

Make her traditional 11-year anniversary gift unforgettable with this stunning Cartier Tank Francaise Medium Steel Watch. The octagonal steel crown gives this chain-link bracelet timepiece a modern design aesthetic she’s sure to love. Cartier truly knows how a timepiece should grace a woman's wrist; it’s designed with a curved case at the center of the steel bracelet.

For the woman with various precious metals in her jewelry collection, we suggest a beautiful two-tone watch to meet all her needs. Cartier’s Panthére de Cartier Medium Steel and Rose Gold Watch will make a lovely traditional 11-year anniversary gift and pair well with everything. In addition, the gold and steel bracelet design offers a contemporary look she can wear for any occasion

If your significant other prefers a leather timepiece, this Tudor 1926 will make an ideal steel anniversary gift for her! The 28 mm steel case, boasting six accent diamonds and a silver domed dial with beautifully embossed decoration, will rest perfectly on her wrist. The self-winding mechanical timepiece is a classic she’ll appreciate in her collection.

Steel Anniversary Gift Ideas for Him

As jewelry experts, we know all too well how attached men can become to their timepieces. And we understand! An exceptional watch from designers such as Longines is timeless and becomes part of your daily wardrobe.

 

That’s why we believe the traditional 11-year anniversary gift is ideal for adding a new watch to his collection. A stunning Breitling or sporty TAG Heuer are fantastic steel anniversary gift ideas to consider for him. 

The Breitling Superocean Heritage ’57 Steel with Blue Dial and Leather Strap combines a sleek appeal, brilliant color palette, and Swiss watchmaking functionality. The eye-catching design gives a nod to the surfing lifestyle of the 1960s. He'll love this watch's versatility when paired with casual or dressy attire for any event or appointment.

Help him celebrate your milestone with a sleek and sporty TAG Heuer traditional 11-year anniversary gift. We adore the Aquaracer Men’s Professional 200 Date Watch and think he will, too! This stunning timepiece makes a bold statement of strength at first glance. The black dial is striking against the finely brushed and polished steel and sure to command attention.    

Is Routine Watch Service Necessary?

To keep your steel anniversary gift, or any timepiece you own, in the best possible working condition, it’s imperative that you have it serviced regularly. We have a skilled watch repair specialist in many of our locations. Our certified experts can provide routine services and watch repairs for all your Swiss-made timepieces.

We know your luxury timepiece is as priceless as your traditional 11-year anniversary gift, so we are more than happy to provide you with cleanings, inspections, and repairs, regardless of where you purchased your watch. Our watch repairs and services include:

• battery changes
• polishing, cleaning, and lubricating parts
• removing, adding, and inspecting watch links
• repairing or replacing clasps
• performing certified manufacturer's warranty repairs on luxury brands 

Additional 11^th Anniversary Gifts to Consider

If you’re not one to follow the traditional anniversary gift-by-year guide, we’d love to recommend a few of our favorite ideas for the special celebration. As diamond jewelry specialists, we have an incredible selection to show you and are always open to sharing our knowledge on selecting your ideal diamond. From selecting the perfect diamond stud earrings to pairing a birthstone jewelry gift with her current collection, we're here to make your experience memorable.

If renewing your wedding vows is something you have in mind, perhaps you’d like to take a look at our favorite diamond wedding bands for women. Our 26 Diamond Double Row Wedding Band makes an exquisite gift option as an anniversary band.

Whether she prefers bracelets or bangles, our experts can help you decipher the difference and show you our favorites. We think she’ll love opening a 14K Yellow Gold Round Bezel Set Diamond Bangle for your anniversary.

We invite you to visit one of our locations and allow us to help you find a traditional 11-year anniversary gift (or something entirely different!) that celebrates your strong bond.