Jubilees and milestones are the names and symbols we use to mark the biggest anniversaries—25 years, 50 years, 100 years, and beyond. From silver and golden jubilees to centennials and bicentennials, these labels offer a shared language for celebrating lives, marriages, institutions, and nations. This guide explains what the key terms mean, how they differ across regions, and why they matter in ceremonies, branding, and "On This Day" features.

What counts as a jubilee or milestone anniversary?

An anniversary marks the yearly recurrence of a notable date: a wedding, a company founding, a national independence day, a university charter, a product launch. A jubilee is a special term for significant anniversaries, especially those tied to rounded numbers and ceremonial observances (e.g., silver at 25 years, golden at 50). In public life, we also use centennial (100), sesquicentennial (150), and bicentennial (200) for larger civic or institutional milestones.

The classic names and numbers (at a glance)

While gift lists and customs vary, the following names are widely recognized in English-speaking contexts for weddings, civic jubilees, and public commemorations:

  • Silver — 25 years
  • Pearl — 30 years (more common in wedding lists)
  • Ruby — 40 years (primarily weddings; sometimes used for monarchies)
  • Golden — 50 years
  • Diamond — commonly 60 years (monarchies, many wedding lists); sometimes 75 years in some U.S. gift traditions
  • Sapphire — 65 years (not universal, but used for monarchies)
  • Platinum — 70 years (popularized by modern royal jubilees)
  • Centennial / Centenary — 100 years
  • Sesquicentennial — 150 years
  • Bicentennial — 200 years

Beyond these, specialized terms exist (e.g., quasquicentennial for 125 years, tercentenary or tricentennial for 300), though they’re used less often outside academia and heritage organizations.

Silver to platinum: meanings, symbols, and usage

Silver (25 years)

Silver marks a quarter-century—classic for both weddings and institutions. Many countries and cities also recognize a 25th year of independence or founding as a silver jubilee. Color schemes often feature metallic silver or cool gray; gifts and medals commonly incorporate silver tones.

Pearl (30 years)

While not always used for public jubilees, pearl is a standard wedding marker for the 30th anniversary. Visuals lean toward iridescent white and soft neutrals.

Ruby (40 years)

Ruby is widely cited for 40th wedding anniversaries and is sometimes used for monarchical milestones. The associational color is deep red, which makes for bold event palettes. In civic settings, 40-year observances are recognized, but ruby is applied less universally than silver or gold.

Golden (50 years)

Golden jubilees are globally recognized for half-centuries. Nations, universities, sports leagues, and companies frequently stage major events at 50 years, and wedding golden anniversaries are a cultural touchstone. Gold hues, laurel motifs, and commemorative coins or medallions are common.

Diamond (60 or 75 years)

Diamond is the most contested label. In Commonwealth tradition and monarchies, diamond commonly marks 60 years. Many wedding lists also place diamond at 60. In some U.S. gift lists and institutional contexts, diamond at 75 persists. If clarity matters (e.g., invitations, press materials), state the number explicitly: “Diamond Jubilee (60th).”

Sapphire (65 years)

Not universal, but occasionally used for monarchs and institutions marking 65 years. The color association is deep blue.

Platinum (70 years)

Platinum jubilees have gained visibility in the 21st century for 70-year reigns and institutional anniversaries. The palette skews to bright white, cool metallics, and understated luxury.

Big civic numbers: centennial, sesquicentennial, bicentennial

  • Centennial/Centenary (100 years): Both terms mean 100 years. Centennial is more common in American English; centenary is frequent in British English and international heritage circles.
  • Sesquicentennial (150 years): A mouthful (pronounced “ses-kwi-sen-TEN-ee-uhl”) but widely used by universities, cities, and states to mark 150 years.
  • Bicentennial (200 years): Common and media-friendly—nations often plan multi-year programs around bicentennials.

Beyond 200, you’ll see tercentenary/tricentennial (300), quadricentennial (400), and quincentenary (500). These terms appear in museum programs, historical societies, and national commemorations.

Regional variations to know

  • Diamond at 60 vs. 75: Commonwealth and royal contexts favor 60; some U.S. lists and institutional usages place diamond at 75.
  • Centenary vs. Centennial: Both mean 100; usage depends on regional style. Media outlets usually pick one and stick to it.
  • Cultural milestone ages: While not jubilees, birthdays like 18, 21, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, and 100 carry distinct significance that varies by country.
  • Independence anniversaries: Many nations label 50 years as a golden jubilee, 60 as diamond, and 75 as a diamond or platinum-themed celebration, even if terminology overlaps.
  • Japan’s long-life birthdays: Traditions such as kanreki (60), koki (70), kiju (77), beiju (88), and hakuju (99) are meaningful in birthday contexts, though separate from Western jubilee labels.

How these names shape observances and media

Round-number labels do more than decorate invitations—they set expectations for scale and style:

  • Ceremonies: Jubilees help define tone and protocol. A golden or platinum theme often justifies formal dress codes, dignitary attendance, and commemorative gifts.
  • Branding: Logos, colorways, and typography adopt the associated metal or gem (silver, gold, ruby red, sapphire blue). Anniversary badges get applied to packaging, websites, and event signage.
  • Fundraising and campaigns: Institutions bundle capital campaigns, membership drives, or scholarship funds with centennial or bicentennial programs.
  • Media & “On This Day” features: Newsrooms and platforms peg coverage to 25/50/100-year dates, surfacing archives, retrospectives, and explainer pieces that ride predictable interest spikes.

Weddings, birthdays, national days, institutions: what’s typical?

Weddings

Wedding anniversaries have both “traditional” and “modern” gift lists that vary by country but align on the big ones:

  • 25th: Silver
  • 40th: Ruby
  • 50th: Gold
  • 60th: Diamond (common)
  • 70th: Platinum (increasingly cited)

Couples may renew vows at 25 or 50 years; families often plan receptions themed to the relevant metal or gemstone.

Birthdays

Milestone birthdays reflect cultural norms more than fixed labels. Commonly marked ages include 18, 21, 30, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, and 100 (centenarian). While people sometimes borrow wedding labels (e.g., “golden 50th”), birthdays rarely use formal jubilee names outside playful usage.

National holidays and public history

Countries create multi-event programs around centennials, sesquicentennials, and bicentennials of constitutions, revolutions, or independence. Fifty-year independence dates are often branded as golden jubilees, with diamond (60) and platinum (70 or 75) occasionally adopted depending on convention. Expect commemorative stamps, coins, parades, museum exhibitions, and education initiatives.

Institutions and brands

Universities, museums, companies, and sports leagues build year-long calendars around 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 200-year marks. Outcomes include anniversary reports, limited-edition products, founder’s day revivals, and rebranding moments—often timed to donor cycles and media windows.

Colors, symbols, and gifts (practical guide)

If you’re planning an event or crafting copy, these widely understood associations help set the mood:

  • Silver (25): Silver, gray, white; reflective textures; metallic foil accents.
  • Pearl (30): Ivory, opal, nacre sheen; subtle shimmer.
  • Ruby (40): Deep red; gemstone motifs; rich florals.
  • Gold (50): Warm metallic gold; laurel, sunburst, or filigree motifs.
  • Diamond (60/75): Clear/white sparkle; prism and facet graphics; elegant minimalism.
  • Sapphire (65): Royal blue; star motifs; nighttime palettes.
  • Platinum (70): Bright white, cool gray; high-luster finishes; understated luxury.
  • Centennial/Beyond: Heritage colors (institutional palettes), archival photography, timeline graphics.

Formal gift suggestions differ by list and region. When in doubt, echo the color or material in a tasteful, modern way—pins, lapel badges, engraved glass or metal, or digital keepsakes tied to a commemorative microsite.

Choosing the right wording

To avoid confusion, especially with diamond and regional terminology, use explicit numbers alongside names in public-facing text:

  • “Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary)”
  • “Diamond Jubilee (60th Anniversary)” or “Diamond Jubilee (75th Anniversary)” depending on the tradition you follow
  • “Centennial (100 Years)” vs. “Centenary (100 Years)”—choose one based on your audience and style guide

For academic or heritage programs, feel free to use the precise terms (sesquicentennial, bicentennial), but add a plain-language paraphrase (“150 years”) for accessibility.

Planning checklist for organizers

  • Fix the reference date: Confirm the founding, wedding, or independence date and how you count (inclusive vs. first full year).
  • Choose the label and number: Align with regional norms and your audience. If there’s any ambiguity, spell out the number.
  • Build a visual system: Color, typography, and an anniversary badge adaptable for print, web, and social.
  • Program the year: Anchor events to the exact date and add thematic months, exhibits, or community projects.
  • Archives and storytelling: Create timelines, “then-and-now” features, oral histories, and press kits for media.
  • Commemoratives: Limited-edition merchandise, awards, scholarships, or time capsules can leave a tangible legacy.
  • Measure and preserve: Track engagement and donate key materials to archives for the next milestone.

Common questions answered

Is “diamond” 60 or 75 years?

Both are used. In Commonwealth and monarchical contexts—and many wedding lists—diamond marks 60 years. Some U.S. gift traditions and institutions use diamond for 75. To be clear, pair the term with the number.

What’s the difference between centennial and centenary?

They mean the same thing: 100 years. “Centennial” is more common in American English; “centenary” appears frequently in British English and international heritage circles.

What comes after bicentennial?

Tricentennial (or tercentenary) for 300 years, quadricentennial for 400, and quincentenary for 500. Usage varies; many organizations simply write “300th anniversary.”

Is “jubilee” only for monarchs or religious observances?

No. While the word has biblical roots and is prominent in royal contexts, “jubilee” is widely used for institutions, cities, and national celebrations—especially at 25, 50, 60, and 70 years.

Which milestones are most commonly celebrated?

In personal life: 25, 40, 50, 60, and 70 for weddings; milestone birthdays like 18, 21, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100. Publicly: 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 200 years for institutions and nations.

How do media and “On This Day” features use anniversaries?

Editors peg stories to round-number anniversaries to surface archives, contextual explainers, and retrospectives. Expect special coverage at 25, 50, and especially 100-year marks, with renewed attention at 150 and 200.

Are there official colors or flowers for each anniversary?

Color associations (silver, gold, ruby red, sapphire blue, etc.) are widely recognized; flower assignments and detailed gift lists vary by country and publisher. When precision matters, consult a style guide or include a note clarifying your chosen tradition.