Skip to content

Home / Articles / anniversary

40th Ruby Wedding Anniversary Guide

Weddings Hub | | 8 min read
40th Ruby Wedding Anniversary Guide

Key Takeaways

  • The 40th anniversary traditional gift is ruby — symbolising passion, deep love, and the enduring fire of long marriage
  • Ruby is one of the four most precious gemstones, alongside diamond, sapphire, and emerald
  • The 40th is a major milestone deserving a significant celebration
  • Budget for a ruby gift: £100-3,000+ depending on size and quality
  • Many couples celebrate with a ruby-themed dinner, complete with red roses and red wine

Forty years of marriage. The ruby — one of the four most precious gemstones — represents passion, deep love, and the enduring fire of a long marriage.

40th ruby wedding anniversary — deep red ruby jewellery on dark velvet, pendant, ring, dramatic lighting

Why ruby?

Rubies have been valued for thousands of years. In ancient Sanskrit, they were called ratnaraj — the king of precious stones. Their deep red colour was believed to symbolise the heart and the eternal flame of love.

A 40-year marriage has weathered the equivalent of several lifetimes of change. The fire that started the marriage hasn’t burned out — it’s deepened, becoming richer and more constant. Ruby, with its enduring red glow, perfectly captures this.

40th ruby anniversary gift ideas

Ruby jewellery (£100-3,000+)

  1. A ruby ring — the classic choice
  2. Ruby earrings (studs or drops)
  3. A ruby pendant on a gold chain
  4. A ruby bracelet
  5. Ruby cufflinks for him
  6. A ruby tie pin
  7. A ruby-encrusted pen

Close-up of a stunning ruby ring being held up to catch the light, deep red gem sparkling

Non-jewellery ruby gifts (£20-300)

  1. 40 red roses — one for each year of marriage
  2. A ruby paperweight
  3. A red glass vase (Murano glass)
  4. Ruby-themed art for the home
  5. A bottle of ruby port (vintage from your wedding year)
  6. A ruby-coloured handbag or leather item

Bouquet of deep red roses for a 40th ruby wedding anniversary, in a crystal vase, romantic

Experience gifts (£50-2,000)

  1. A weekend in a romantic red-themed setting (a vineyard, Tuscany, Provence)
  2. Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant with a red wine pairing
  3. A ruby-themed cooking class (Thai, Indian — cuisines with red dishes)
  4. A trip to see famous rubies at the British Museum or V&A
  5. Tickets to a romantic show in red velvet seats

Bespoke ruby (£200-5,000+)

  1. A custom-designed ruby ring by a UK jeweller
  2. A bespoke ruby pendant with engraved dates
  3. An antique ruby piece restored or set into a new design
  4. A ruby and diamond combination piece

How to celebrate your 40th anniversary

IdeaCost
Romantic dinner (red theme)£100-300
Family celebration£300-2,000
Vow renewal£200-3,000
Weekend at a luxury hotel£300-1,000
Major trip£1,000-5,000
Premium celebration£3,000-15,000

Couple celebrating their 40th ruby wedding anniversary surrounded by family, raising glasses

Further reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 40th wedding anniversary called?

The 40th wedding anniversary is called the ruby wedding anniversary. Ruby symbolises passion, deep love, and the enduring fire of a marriage that has lasted four decades. It's one of the four most precious gemstones.

What ruby gifts are good for a 40th anniversary?

Popular ruby gifts: a ruby ring, ruby earrings, a ruby pendant, ruby cufflinks, a ruby tie pin, a bouquet of 40 red roses (a non-jewellery alternative), a ruby-themed dinner, or a bespoke ruby piece commissioned for the occasion.

How should you celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary?

Popular 40th anniversary celebrations: a ruby-themed dinner with red roses and red wine, a major family gathering, a romantic getaway to a destination with red landscapes (Provence, Tuscany), a vow renewal, or a multi-generational family celebration. The 40th deserves a significant marker.