Wedding

35 years of marriage: meaning and ideas for the ruby anniversary

35 years marriage

Thirty-five years of love… a lifetime of memories, emotions, and shared dreams.
Celebrating the ruby anniversary means honoring a rare, intense relationship deeply rooted in time.
Like the ruby, a gemstone of passion and strength, this anniversary symbolizes a love that is fiery, resilient, and precious.

In this article, discover the meaning of the ruby anniversary, celebration ideas, gift and jewelry inspiration, as well as traditions and messages to make this thirty-fifth wedding anniversary truly unforgettable.

 

What is the meaning of the ruby anniversary?

The origin of the ruby anniversary

In wedding anniversary traditions, each year is associated with a material or a precious gemstone.
The ruby, one of the rarest and most coveted gems in the world, symbolizes the 35th year of marriage.

This association is no coincidence: the ruby evokes enduring passion, depth of feeling, and the strength of a bond that has stood the test of time.
After 35 years, the couple has gone through many life stages — family, projects, challenges — and emerged stronger than ever.

The symbolism of the ruby

The ruby is traditionally associated with:

  • passion, reflecting a love that remains vibrant,
  • vitality, symbolizing energy and commitment,
  • protection, as it is often considered a lucky stone,
  • strength, representing the resilience of the couple.

Its deep red color recalls the heart, emotion, and the intensity of feelings.

35 years of marriage in tradition

The ruby anniversary is a prestigious milestone, often celebrated with solemnity or emotion.
It is a moment to reflect on the journey taken and celebrate the richness of a shared story.

 

How to celebrate a ruby anniversary

Celebration ideas

To mark this symbolic anniversary:

  • A large celebration surrounded by family and close friends.
  • A romantic dinner in an elegant restaurant or at home.
  • A trip to a meaningful destination (a dream location, where you met, or a symbolic journey).
  • A renewal of vows, a deeply emotional moment.

The most important thing is to create a moment that reflects your story and your personality.

Ruby-inspired décor and atmosphere

For a warm and elegant ambiance:

  • deep red, burgundy, gold, and ivory tones,
  • candles and red flowers such as roses or peonies,
  • crystal or glass elements to reflect the light,
  • a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere.

These tones evoke the passion and nobility of this anniversary.

Activities and symbolic moments

  • A film or slideshow retracing your story.
  • Reading letters written to each other.
  • Speeches or testimonials from loved ones.
  • A symbolic ritual (exchanging an object, planting a tree, or creating a time capsule).

 

Gift ideas for the ruby anniversary

Romantic gifts for your partner

  • A love letter retracing your 35 years together
    Writing a love letter allows you to relive the key moments of your story and express the gratitude, tenderness, and connection that have united you over the years.
  • A romantic weekend or a trip
    Giving a getaway, whether to a meaningful place or a dream destination, creates a timeless moment to celebrate your love and deepen your bond.
  • A shared experience (spa, concert, tasting)
    Sharing a sensory or cultural experience creates new memories while allowing you to enjoy a special moment together.
  • A personalized photo album or memory book
    An album retracing your journey becomes a true emotional treasure, gathering images, anecdotes, and memories that tell your story.

 

Ruby-inspired symbolic gifts

  • A red or precious decorative object
    An item in ruby tones adds an elegant symbolic touch to your home while reflecting the passion of this milestone.
  • An artwork symbolizing love or partnership
    Choosing an artistic piece offers a timeless and unique gift that visually expresses the depth of your feelings.
  • An engraved keepsake with your wedding date
    A personalized engraved object becomes a symbolic marker of this milestone and the longevity of your union.
  • A memory box retracing your story
    A box filled with photos, letters, or meaningful objects preserves the traces of your journey and allows you to relive your memories anytime.

 

DIY ideas

  • A “35 special memories” book
    Creating a book of your most meaningful moments tells your story in a deeply personal way.
  • A red and gold artwork
    A handmade creation in ruby colors adds strong symbolism and becomes a decorative piece full of meaning.
  • A personalized memory box
    A box filled with significant keepsakes becomes an emotional treasure chest representing your journey.
  • A video montage of your story
    A video with photos, music, and messages brings your story to life in a moving way, perfect for sharing during the celebration.

 

 

Jewelry for the ruby anniversary

Why give jewelry for 35 years of marriage?

Jewelry represents eternity, value, and emotion.
A ruby jewel symbolizes enduring passion and the strength of a bond after 35 years.

Jewelry selection for the ruby anniversary

· Ruby ring
A ring set with a ruby perfectly embodies the passion and strength of a love that has lasted thirty-five years.

· Ruby pendant, subtle or bold
A ruby pendant, whether delicate or statement-making, becomes an elegant symbol of the intensity of shared feelings.

· Gold and ruby bracelet
A bracelet combining the brilliance of gold with the depth of ruby offers a refined gift reflecting the richness of your shared journey.

· Ruby earrings
Ruby earrings add a luminous and timeless touch, perfect for celebrating this precious milestone.

· Ruby and diamond jewelry
A piece combining ruby and diamonds symbolizes the balance between passion and eternity, reflecting a love that is both intense and enduring.

Personalized jewelry

  • Engraving a date or message.
  • Custom design.
  • A piece symbolizing your story (heart, infinity symbol, etc.).

 

Traditions and rituals of the ruby anniversary

Renewing vows

A very common tradition for the 35th anniversary, it allows couples to reaffirm their commitment.

The memory ritual

Creating a book or time capsule retracing meaningful moments.

The family celebration

Gathering children and grandchildren to celebrate the family story.

 

Messages to celebrate 35 years of marriage

To congratulate a couple

Thirty-five years of love and companionship. Your union is as precious and intense as a ruby.

For your partner

After 35 years, my love for you is still as strong and radiant. Thank you for this life together.

For family or friends

Happy ruby anniversary! Your love is a wonderful example of loyalty and passion.

 

FAQ: everything you need to know about the ruby anniversary

Why ruby for 35 years of marriage?
Because it symbolizes passion, strength, and the longevity of the couple.

What gift should you offer?
A ruby jewelry piece, a personalized keepsake, or a shared experience.

What décor should you choose?
Red and gold tones with a warm and elegant atmosphere.

Which jewelry should you choose?
A ruby ring, pendant, or bracelet, possibly combined with diamonds.

 

In summary

The ruby anniversary celebrates a love that is intense, strong, and deeply rooted in time.
After 35 years of marriage, the relationship is rich with experiences and precious memories.
An anniversary to celebrate with passion, elegance, and emotion.

 

Discover also: other wedding anniversaries

Each wedding anniversary has its own symbolism, story, and traditions.
Whether you are at the beginning of your journey together or celebrating an important milestone, every anniversary is a unique opportunity to honor your love and create new memories.

Discover the meaning of other anniversaries, their gift inspirations, and celebration ideas to accompany every step of your story:

10 years of marriage — tin anniversary, celebrating the strength of the couple
20 years of marriage — porcelain anniversary, balance between delicacy and resilience
25 years of marriage — silver anniversary, a major milestone of a lasting union
30 years of marriage — pearl anniversary, a precious and rare love
 

Each milestone tells a different story, but they all share one thing in common: celebrating love that grows over time.