30th Wedding Anniversary Gifts: 25 Thoughtful Pearl Anniversary Ideas
Whether you're looking for a gift for a special couple you know or you're celebrating your own 30th wedding anniversary, here are the best 30th wedding anniversary gift ideas
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Congratulations on hitting your 30th wedding anniversary – after all, this is a huge milestone to reach! We've rounded up the best 30th wedding anniversary gifts to inspire you.
The traditional gift for 30 years of marriage is a pearl – something extra special that takes time to grow. Historically, wives celebrating their 30th year of marriage were often presented with pearls, as natural pearls were hard to find. Like pearls, it was relatively rare for couples to reach their 30th anniversary, so this jewel appropriately symbolizes the beauty of this exceptional milestone.
Pearls make a lovely addition to homeware and jewellery. Whether it's your 30th wedding anniversary or the anniversary of someone you know, we have some of the best pearl wedding anniversary gift ideas for all budgets.
30th Wedding Anniversary Symbols
Whilst pearls are the traditional and a popular gift for 30th wedding anniversaries, there's also a modern alternative:
- Traditional Gift for 30th Wedding Anniversary: Pearls
- Modern Gift for 30th Wedding Anniversary: Diamonds
- Gemstone for 30th Wedding Anniversary: Jade or diamond
- Flower for 30th Wedding Anniversary: Lilies or sweet peas
Ready to buy a 30th wedding anniversary present? Hop to the section that suits you best using the links below:
- 30th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
- Unusual Pearl Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas
- Pearl Wedding Anniversary FAQs
30th Wedding Anniversary Gifts
The traditional 30th wedding anniversary gift is a pearl – whether you take that literally or use pearl as an inspiration for your gift, we have a selection of the most beautiful pearl wedding anniversary gift ideas.
1. Signature Cuff Bangle – Olivia & Pearl
This elegant cuff bracelet certainly makes a sweet statement. Choosing this high-quality piece not only is a thoughtful gift but something that can be passed down for generations to come.
Better still, each bracelet comes with complimentary gift wrapping.
- Delivery Time: Free next day delivery
- Expert Take: All of the brand's pearls are top certified AAAA+ grade, ethically sourced and hand selected by their founder Olivia for their individual beauty.
2. Freshwater Pearl Tension Ring – Anthony Blakeney
The natural freshwater pearl takes centre stage in this gorgeous ring from Anthony Blakeney. An everyday piece that makes a statement, this ring hits all the right notes.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around a week
- Expert Take: "My husband bought me this ring for our pearl wedding anniversary. It is absolutely beautiful. I have a gold wedding ring and engagement ring, but with this being silver with the gold shoulders it blends in so well you could wear it on the same hand," says one very happy customer.
3. Isla Mother Of Pearl Necklace – Daisy Jewellery
A pearl necklace with a bit of a difference, this piece will make a statement worn alone or would be the perfect base for layering with lots of other necklace styles.
The pendant is hung on delicate twisted adjustable 17 to 19-inch chain.
- Delivery Time: Free standard delivery
- Expert Take: One very pleased customer writes "absolutely gorgeous, and packaged so beautifully too. A really special gift."
4. Mother of Pearl Porcelain Bowls – Etsy
You don’t have to buy jewellery as your pearl anniversary gift. These pearl porcelain bowls make for a unique yet special present that won’t set you back too many extra pennies.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around a week
- Expert Take: Many happy buyers have written reviews about how delighted their recipients on their pearl anniversary, and this could soon be you.
5. Baroque Pearl Claw T-Bar Bracelet – Missoma
Add some luxury to your partner's jewellery collection with this Baroque Pearl Claw T-Bar Bracelet. The T-bar style is a coveted design in the world of gems and jewels and this beautiful bracelet proves why.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around two to three days
- Expert Take: This bracelet is inspired by natural forms and is said to bring wisdom and knowledge.
6. Calla Lily Pearl Bracelet – Emma-Kate Francis
This Calla Lily bracelet from Emma-Kate Francis is a unique piece of pearl jewellery to celebrate your 30th anniversary. If your wedding bouquet featured calla lilies then that would make this gift even more meaningful.
"The pearl bracelet purchased for our 30th Anniversary is superb, and the quality from 'Emma-Kate' is excellent," writes one customer.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around five days
- Expert Take: This bracelet is made using a row of top grade irregular freshwater pearl and a hand forged charm.
7. Mother of Pearl Cufflinks – Posh Totty Designs
These gorgeous mother-of-pearl cufflinks from Posh Totty can be personalised with your other half’s initials and also come in a beautiful presentation box. They can then be worn again and again on special occasions to remind you of your special day.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around five days
- Expert Take: You could even add your initials to these cufflinks, so your other half is always wearing their heart on their sleeve.
8. Mini Two Tone Pearl Link Belgravia Watch – Abbott Lyon
Put a smile on your partner's face with this stunning watch that is designed in-house for a truly luxurious and premium feel. Blending sophistication with contemporary glamour, this watch is sure to tick all the right boxes.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around two to four days, with the option to upgrade to premium delivery
- Expert Take: "It is stylish and has good features and real value for money," writes one customer.
9. Small Mother Of Pearl Trinket Pot – Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery
Give your other half somewhere safe to store their bracelets and earrings in this gorgeous pearl trinket pot. A wonderful addition to the bedside table, this elegant jewellery holder is sure to serve as a touching reminder of the milestone occasion.
- Delivery Time: £3.95 for delivery in around three to five days, with the option to upgrade to express delivery
- Expert Take: These trinket pots come in three sizes, so you could purchase the set for your partner – which would look gorgeous on any dresser.
10. Dahlia Bow Earrings – Beaches & Cream
"Beaches & Cream offers jewellery and accessories that are as timeless as the tides," says founder, Gabrielle, and we agree. These dahlia inspired earrings are covered in multi-tonal pearls, whilst adding embracing a contemporary design.
- Delivery Time: £3.95 for delivery in around three to five days
- Expert Take: These earrings are the perfect pearl gift for a recipient who loves jewellery, but wants something more fun, and less traditional.
11. Sterling Silver Collar Stiffeners – Aspinal of London
Beautifully elegant and subtle, these mother of pearl collar stiffeners are a great pearl anniversary gift from him. Make sure your other half's shirt collars stay sharp and crisp with a lovely present.
- Delivery Time: £4.95 for delivery in around two to three days
- Expert Take: Each pair of collar stiffeners are hand crafted in England are able to be laser-engraved with Aspinal branding to the reverse and will arrive in an Aspinal jewellery presentation box.
12. Carrie White Dress – Nadine Merabi
Does your partner love a bit of luxury, including lots of sparkle? They'll be thrilled to receive this gorgeous Nadine Merabi dress that is embellished with plenty of pearls and feather detailing.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in a few days
- Expert Take: You could also buy this as a 30th wedding anniversary gift to wear for yourself, we won't tell..
13. Mother of Pearl Photo Frame – The White Company
A romantic, delicate gift that has clear sentimental appeal, this picture frame from The White Company will look divine on your bedside table or dressing table.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around five to seven days, with the option for express delivery and click and collect
- Expert Take: You could add a photograph of yourself as a gift to your loved one, or one of you back on your wedding day.
14. The Olive Earrings – Alighieri
These stunning earrings are the ideal buy for your fashion-forward partner. With stunning hues hanging from a molten style charm, this piece can be mixed and matched with other earrings or worn alone to make a splash.
- Delivery Time: Free express delivery
- Expert Take: Each pearl is completely unique and tells their own story, so they may vary in shape and size.
15. Rayne Plissé Clutch – Loeffler Randall
What do you buy the person who has everything? Well, another handbag of course! This clutch would be a beautiful and unique 30th wedding anniversary gift idea. It would also make a pretty lovely bridal clutch bag!
- Delivery Time: Free standard delivery
- Expert Take: Loeffler Randall are the royalty of bow fashion, and you can buy a matching pair of shoes, too.
16. Irena Pearl Necklace – Katy Faye
This elegant necklace from designer Katy Faye certainly makes a statement. Choosing this high-quality piece not only is a thoughtful gift but something that can be passed down for generations to come.
- Delivery Time: Calculated shipping in around seven to ten days
- Expert Take: The design is reminiscent of art nouveau, and uses freshwater pearls, 14k gold filled components and is hypoallergenic.
17. Midnight Embellished Trim Slingback – Russell & Bromley
Midnight is a statement heel from Russell & Bromley that are from tip to heel in glamour. Made with a cream fab tweed fabric, each heel is embellished with a pearl buckle and adjustable slingback strap.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around two to three days, with options to click and collect or upgrade to express delivery
- Expert Take: The heels come in two colour options, and a wide size range from a UK 2 to 9.
18. Shrimps Beaded Flower Ring – Daisy Jewellery
If you're looking for something a little more simple then this floral pearl and gold ring from the Shrimps and Daisy collaboration is a wonderful choice. A firm favourite, the ring is made from 100% recycled silver, 18ct gold plate and real mini pearls.
- Delivery Time: £5 for next working day delivery
- Expert Take: Daisy Jewellery has plenty of other pearl pieces to choose from, and they all look great when layered.
19. Morgan DOF Whiskey Glasses – Anthropologie
If you know a happy couple celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary and want to gift them something they'll be able to keep forever, these stunning pearlescent whisky tumblers are a fabulous option.
- Delivery Time: £3.95 for delivery in around three to five business days, with the option to click and collect or upgrade to express delivery
- Expert Take: The range also has shot glasses, stemless wine glasses and Champagne flutes. So, no matter your recipient's tipple, there's a glass set for them.
20. Set Of Pearl Cheese Knives – Lepelclub
For the couple who loves to host or a partner who adores cheese, this set of pearl decorated cheese knives are a beautiful keepsake to commemorate a 30th wedding anniversary. After all, what better way to celebrate than with a party – and what party is complete without cheese?
- Delivery Time: £5 for delivery in around a week
- Expert Take: To make for an extra cheesy gift, pair these cheese knives with a piece of Welsh Pearl Las cheese.
Unusual Pearl Gifts
Looking for something a little bit different? These unusual pearl anniversary gifts will delight anyone who receives them.
21. Personalised Pearl Keepsake Decoration – Clouds and Currents
This decoration by Clouds and Current is a unique way to show your love on your 30th anniversary. The bright design suits any season, too.
- Delivery Time: £1.10 for delivery in around five days
- Expert Take: The shells have a lovely sentiment behind them. Signifiying integrity and loyalty, each pearl keepsake decoration is the perfect gift for your loved one, with two lines of personalised wording revealed behind a rotating shell layer.
22. Unique 30th Wedding Anniversary Sundial Gift – Etsy
Created by TheMetalFoundry, this personalised sundial is both beautiful and durable, much like your love. It'll look lovely on a mantel or on a bedside table.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around five days
- Expert Take: "My parents loved their wedding anniversary presents. It's very well made and it looks exactly like the photos," says one very pleased customer.
23. Pearl 30th Wedding Anniversary Personalised Print – Not on the High Street
This 30th wedding anniversary print from PaperPaper is a romantic way to celebrate your special anniversary - especially as the print can be personalised with your names. It’s the perfect gift for your other half or for a couple you know.
- Delivery Time: Free delivery in around five days
- Expert Take: Why not purchase a matching mother of pearl frame to really embrace the theme of a 30th wedding anniversary.
24. Mother of Pearl – Manchester Gin
Manchester Gin teamed up with Manchester's Michelin starred restaurant Mana to create this gin that is distilled with discarded oyster shells from the restaurant.
- Delivery Time: £4.95 delivery in around five days
- Expert Take: Pair this bottle with a set of pearlescent glasses for the perfect 30th wedding anniversary toast.
25. Pearl Celebration Hybrid Tea Rose – Roots
A stunning gift for a 30th wedding anniversary, this plant is a shimmering pearl coloured rose with perfectly round flower buds. And, the roses have a sweet fragrance and a long vase life when cut.
- Delivery Time: £4.95 delivery in around five days
- Expert Take: Roses from Roots get great reviews, as one customer agrees, writing "my new rose has bedded in very well and seems to like it’s new home. It gets bushier by the day and I look forward to see the first flowers bloom."
Pearl Wedding Anniversary FAQs
Curious about the pearl wedding anniversary tradition? We asked the experts for their pearls of wisdom when it comes to the 30th wedding anniversary traditions.
Why Is A 30th Wedding Anniversary Celebrated With Pearl?
Giving pearls as a 30th wedding anniversary gift is a long-standing tradition. Pearls represent symbols of wisdom, love, and purity, and are also solid, long-lasting stones. Hence, the reason they are used to celebrate 30 whole years of marriage. A traditional gift would be a pearl necklace or pearl earrings, but today's choices are so much more expansive than that. Couples can get creative with the pearl tradition and choose from cards, jewellery, trinkets, and even home décor pieces.
What Does Pearl Symbolise?
The pearl most commonly symbolises wisdom. How do you acquire wisdom? Through experience. It certainly makes sense why the pearl is the 30th wedding anniversary gift of choice. If you've shared 30 years of married life with someone, you're bound to have gained some wisdom from experience along the way. Pearls are also said to symbolise purity, loyalty, and love.
Why Do Pearls Make A Great Gift?
"Choosing pearls as a gift is a testament to the individuality inherent in humanity and life; much like the singular beauty of each pearl, every person is uniquely crafted," says Olivia & Pearl founder, Olivia Smith. "They possess a beautiful natural lustre of pearly tones that reflects on your skin and radiates, making them perfect for styling with anything from jeans to special occasions. Pearls also carry significant meaning, symbolising purity, innocence, and wisdom.
"Formed inside oysters as a response to an irritant, they gradually develop into beautiful gems. This journey from adversity to beauty makes them a meaningful symbol of transformation and resilience, a beautiful gift to celebrate life’s important milestones."
How Do I Celebrate My 30th Anniversary?
You can celebrate however you'd like! That being said, if you want to stick with the pearl theme, you could do something ocean-themed like a sunset cruise (or even a week-long cruise if you want to go all out!), or visit a hotel like the Grand Hotel Tremezzo – as the villa is a majestic neoclassical building once described as ‘the pearl of Lake Como’. You could also keep things more casual and pop into a seafood restaurant for dinner. If you want to do something totally different, why not find a pearl farm to visit with your loved one?
What Is The Significance Of A 30th Anniversary?
30 years of marriage is pretty significant if you ask us. Pearls grow within oysters; their beauty and strength grow over time as they live in the oyster. Similarly, couples grow both as individuals and a pair over the course of their marriage, which is why the pearl is such a great gift for the 30th wedding anniversary.
If you are searching for even more ideas for your wedding anniversary then start browsing our complete guide to wedding anniversaries.
