Does an anniversary ring have to match the wedding/engagement ring? I'm a clueless guy trying to buy my wife a diamond anniversary ring, and I need to know what the protocol is!

I say go for something different. Having the same style of diamond ring five times over is boring! Get her something different that reminds her that she is unique, and that she has changed over the years, but she's still special. Depending on your budget and your anniversary, (if you've been together a while, or only a short time) you might want to consider getting her a diamond journey anniversary ring (the ring features diamonds that get larger, along the front of the ring to represent your growing connection to one another; a three stone diamond ring (three diamonds, or precious gemstones to represent past present and future), or an eternity ring to represent your eternal commitment to one another.

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You could go with a diamond eternity ring. Diamond eternity rings are pave set with tiny diamonds, which go all the way around the ring's band. These diamond rings are meant to symbolize everlasting love and unwavering commitment, and, as such, are the perfect anniversary gift. By the way, eternity rings can also be set with you and your wife's birthstones and engraved with your names and your wedding dates (for a more personal touch). Eternity rings can be worn on any finger, thus, they don't necessarily have to replace your engagement ring or wedding band (though it is true that some women prefer swapping a diamond anniversary ring with their engagement ring). Also, eternity rings are appropriate for both men and women, so if you want to get yourself a matching anniversary ring then diamond eternity rings come highly recommended.

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This is a tough question since many women, once they get a diamond anniversary ring, decide to replace their engagement ring or wedding ring with the anniversary ring. However, there are women who enjoy wearing all of their rings on the same finger, on the same hand, or on various fingers but all at once. If you are really clueless about the kind of diamond anniversary ring your wife wants, then I would recommend asking her. If you want it to be a surprise, then ask a good friend or family member what her taste is, or what they think she would prefer. The thing is, it really depends on the woman. I definitely have some friends who love variety in their rings, and don't mind wearing yellow gold rings with platinum rings, or silver jewelry with gold jewelry. However, I have some other friends who refuse to wear silver jewelry with anything else but silver jewelry, gold jewelry with anything else but gold jewelry, pearl jewelry with anything else but pearl jewelry, or diamond jewelry with anything else but diamond jewelry. Take note of what kind of jewelry your wife enjoys wearing. Does she like to mix and match? Does she prefer wearing yellow gold or white gold? Platinum or silver? You can take some cues from her personal style and then make your decision.

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