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Tips & Tools

Anniversary Ideas

The following list of anniversary numbers and materials is far too often just associated with wedding anniversaries. However, they apply equally to any anniversary, from a person’s birthday to the age of a company. Thus ruby jewellery is now often given to a woman on her 40th birthday and some firms give their employees a small silver gift after 25 years of service.

Only some of the materials listed have obvious connections with a jeweller’s shop, but with imagination, some suitable gifts could be found in almost any category (some examples are given).

1. Paper
Perhaps a gift voucher, or a piece of jewellery that comes with a paper guarantee or certificate, such as a watch or a nice diamond.
2. Cotton
Not easy this! But we have heard of one shop which sold a nice leather cased sewing set. Or, how about a pair of cotton silver-cleaning mitts, with a piece of silver to go with it?
3. Leather
Many jewellers’ shops sell leather goods like jewellery boxes or hip flasks.
4. Fruit
Silver or crystal fruit bowl, or servers or spoons. Perhaps a crystal ornamental stone or silver ornament shaped like a piece of fruit, or a pendant or brooch in a fruit shape.
5. Wood
Many clocks have wooden cases. Some shops keep other wooden ornaments in stock like jewellery boxes or wine coasters.
6. Confectionery
Perhaps a silver sweet dish or a sugar caster, bowl or tongs.
7. Copper
Seldom used alone and is probably best represented in most jewellers’ shops as the copper alloy brass. You probably have some clocks with brass cases in stock.
8. Bronze
An alloy of copper and tin. Small ornaments such as animal models, sold by jewellers can include so-called bronze figures. But be a little careful, some of the cheaper examples are not real cast metal, but a moulded mixture of powdered metal and resin.
9. Pottery
Many shops stock china and porcelain gift items like figurines or tableware.
10. Tin/Pewter
Many shops stock pewter gift items, tankards or animal models are good ideas.
11. Steel
Some shops stock some stainless steel trays etc., but don’t forget your range of stainless-steel watches and jewellery.
12. Silk
Some shops will stock silk-covered gift items, but don’t forget that a fine diamond ring could easily be put in a specially obtained silk covered ring case.
13. Coral/Jade
Rings or earrings set with either, or perhaps beads.
14. Ivory
Ivory was the traditional gift, but its trade is now restricted by international treaty. A watch with an ivory- coloured dial would be an alternative. Or how about a pendant or brooch in the shape of an elephant – with tusks!
15. Crystal
No problem here, most jewellers stock lead crystal glassware and crystal picture frames.
20. China
See 9th anniversary.
25. Silver
Jewellery, watches, picture frames, ornaments and antiques are just a few possibilities.
30. Pearl
Earrings or the English lady’s favourite, a row of pearls.
35. Platinum
The most precious of precious metals, jewellers now stock a wide range of platinum jewellery.
40. Ruby
Tradition has it that is a ruby ring but how about a pendant? Many jewellers also stock cranberry crystal objects.
45. Sapphire
It doesn’t have to be blue, sapphire comes in all shades except red. Pink sapphires are a good alternative.
50. Gold
A huge choice, earrings, brooches, pendants, rings, necklets and watches to name but a few.
55. Emerald
Don’t like emeralds? What about an emerald cut gemstone, that way you can get a special diamond five years early!
60. Diamond
The Koh I Noor may be unavailable but there is a huge choice, if you want a watch instead there are lots that are diamond set.

There are no official 65th or 70th anniversary gifts, but jewellers will sometimes receive enquiries for such things. More diamonds have been suggested!