What is the traditional gift for the 40th anniversary?

The ruby is the traditional and modern gift for a 40th wedding anniversary. Rubies are a gemstone with a red coloring and the second hardest gemstone after the diamond. Rubies are considered one of the four precious stones and are often gifted in the form of jewelry or art.

Rubies can range in color from pink to blood-red. Stones with a deeper red coloring are of a higher value than lighter colored stones. In ancient times, the ruby was thought to let people predict the future, and in modern times, are thought to bring good luck when worn on the left hand. Ruby is also the traditional birthstone for July.