While the tradition of observing a wedding anniversary by presenting a specific gift category has been popular only since the mid-1900s, the roots of this custom actually extend much father back.

In fact, the practice of giving an item related to the years of marriage began during the Middle Ages in Germany. These rituals were tied to symbols believed to bring luck and strength to the couple’s relationship as it grew through the years. The tradition began with a husband who would present his wife with a wreath of silver in recognition of 25 years of marriage. Silver represented the harmony believed essential for living together 25 years. Other sources cite that friends of the couple would present the wife with a wreath of silver.

In observance of 50 years of marriage, the husband gave his wife a wreath of gold. The idea behind the giving of precious metals was that as the number of years increased in a couple’s marriage, so did the rarity of the item given.

Historically, the 75th anniversary is considered the diamond anniversary. However, the 60th was introduced in 1897 when Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, or 60 years as England reigning monarch. The longest reigning monarch in British history, the event was marked with celebrations throughout the Empire.

Inspired by this splendid observance and already enamored with ancient symbols and meanings, it is most likely the Victorians who made the traditional list of anniversary gifts popular; elaborating on the original which only included a few hallmark years. One source states that other than the 25th and 50th anniversaries, a reference for the giving of wood on the fifth anniversary appears around 1875.

In 1922, Emily Post wrote her first book of etiquette in which she suggested traditional anniversary gifts for the first, fifth, tenth, fifteenth, twentieth, twenty-fifth, and fiftieth wedding anniversaries. Afterward, recognizing the trend toward families who wished to celebrate additional anniversaries, she expanded the list, ascribing a symbolic anniversary gift for each of the first 15 years of marriage, as well as one for every five years after.

Following that, the American National Retail Jeweler Association issued a more comprehensive list in 1937, assigning a gift to each anniversary through the 20th year and every five years following. Adhering to the historic idea of gift giving, the idea behind the presents was that the increasing constancy required in marriage called for a greater reward.

Therefore, the traditional gifts for the early years of marriage are inexpensive and more practical than the later years. Couples celebrating 50 and 60 years together are less likely to desire knick-knacks that add to their household possessions. Instead, a more precious gift of real significance should mark the later years. For those who have been married 50 or more years, a greeting from the White House is a special gift in honor of the occasion. Typically, the greetings are sent from the White House two weeks prior to the anniversary. Requirements include advance notice of at least six weeks and the receiver’s address, as well as a contact name and phone number. The tradition was originally begun in the United Kingdom following and inspired by Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. Couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage could receive congratulations from England’s monarch. The practice continues today.

Traditional and Modern Wedding Anniversary Gift List:
1st Anniversary - Paper, Clocks
2nd Anniversary - Cotton, China
3rd Anniversary - Leather, Crystal
4th Anniversary - Flowers, Appliances
5th Anniversary - Wood, Silverware
6th Anniversary - Iron, Wood
7th Anniversary - Copper, Desk Sets
8th Anniversary - Bronze, Linens
9th Anniversary - Pottery, Leather
10th Anniversary - Tin, Diamond Jewelry
11th Anniversary - Steel, Fashion Jewelry
12th Anniversary - Silk, Pearls
13th Anniversary - Lace, Textiles
14th Anniversary - Ivory, Gold Jewelry
15th Anniversary - Crystal, Watches
20th Anniversary - China, Platinum
25th Anniversary - Silver, Silver
30th Anniversary - Pearl, Diamond
35th Anniversary - Coral, Jade
40th Anniversary - Ruby, Ruby
45th Anniversary - Sapphire, Sapphire
50th Anniversary - Gold, Gold
55th Anniversary - Emerald, Emerald
60th Anniversary - Diamond, Diamond

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms, and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

Anniversaries are a time to celebrate a couple’s love and life together. From the newlyweds observing one year as man and wife or the seasoned couple celebrating 50 years together, an anniversary is a perfect excuse to exercise some creative gift giving. The thought of finding a unique gift, however, leaves some in a cold sweat. Thankfully, the traditional and modern anniversary schedule offers both the tried-and-true standards as well as contemporary ideas.

First Anniversary
Traditionally, paper is the gift for the first year of marriage together. The gift can be represented in a variety of creative ways - from a special book to a photograph to stationary. Another romantic idea is to write a love letter to one’s spouse. For the contemporary outlook on anniversary gift giving, clocks represent the passage of time spent together as husband and wife. Mark those good times with an antique clock found at an estate sale, a new wall decor clock, or a personalized piece to set on the fireplace mantle. For the garden lover, a sundial is another fun and creative idea.

Fifth Anniversary
Wood represents the fifth anniversary and poses a variety of unique options. For those who love to work with wood, why not consider crafting something truly special for your spouse? A jewelry box or wood carving would make ideal gifts. Another lovely possibility is a tree. A tree planted in a special spot in the yard not only brings beauty to the space but symbolizes the couple’s growing relationship. For those interested in taking a modern twist on things, silverware serves as the contemporary gift for a fifth anniversary. Think interesting dessert spoons or a candle snuffer. Wine connoisseurs would enjoy a heart-shaped wine opener, along with a favorite wine.

Tenth Anniversary
The tenth anniversary is typically a special marker of marriage. Tin and aluminum are the traditional symbols of the occasion. Consider a personalized plaque to hang on the front of the house, with room for a family name and establishment date. Tea and coffee tins are another option and can be found a large variety of colors and styles to complement any decor. Other ideas include watches made of aluminum or jewelry made of tin. The modern gift suggestion is to give the timeless present of diamond jewelry. Of course, a new diamond ring comes to mind, but other alternatives include diamond earrings, a diamond pendant, or cufflinks for that special husband.

Twentieth Anniversary
While crystal represents 20 years of wedded bliss, it takes some creativity to choose a gift that won’t end up gathering dust on a shelf top. Bring on the wow factor with Swarovski crystal jewelry, such as a pendant necklace. Other ideas include a crystal photo frame or a new set of crystal wine glasses. For the woman who loves fresh flowers, a crystal vase and a dozen roses can never fail. The modern take on 20 years is platinum. A platinum anniversary ring is a perfect choice for those who want to express their appreciation to their spouse for 20 years of love and life.

Twenty-fifth Anniversary
Twenty-five years of marriage is symbolized in both traditional and contemporary gifts with silver. From keepsake platters and anniversary clocks to jewelry and picture frames, silver is all the rage. Couples at this stage often renew their vows and what better way to commemorate the day than with a time capsule made of silver and filled with symbols of love and family. Bury the capsule and dig it up in another 25 years!

Forty-fifth Anniversary
As with the Silver Anniversary, 45 years of marriage is represented with sapphires in both the traditional and modern gifts. Of course, sapphires easily translate into jewelry, such as a sapphire and white gold ring or sapphire and diamond earring and necklace set. Eternity band rings are another popular choice, as they symbolize endless love and can be found in a variety of blue and pink sapphires or ruby.

Fiftieth Anniversary
Associated with optimism and wealth, the 50th anniversary is pure gold. Spending half a century in love with one person is a wonderful and much-needed statement about married life in these times. Gold jewelry is always a welcome choice, but someone might also consider a sentimental gift, such as a personalized golden anniversary Christmas ornament. Not only to be enjoyed by the golden couple, the ornament will surely become a family keepsake in the years to come.

Sixtieth Anniversary
The tradition of the 60th anniversary came into vogue after Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Pull out the stops and create a stunning diamond solitaire ring for the lucky bride. The wife with a green thumb will appreciate the Diamond Anniversary rose bush, with thronless, lavender blooms.

Anniversary gift giving presents a wonderful opportunity to present gifts as unique as the one who receives it. With the anniversary gift schedule as a guide and a touch of ingenuity, your gifts can represent all that is good and meaningful to your marriage relationship.

Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms, and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

Easily the best way to find Anniversary Gifts is to obtain a copy of the free Guide “Gift Ideas They Love” which describes with illustrations hundreds of specially selected gift ideas.

See pictures of gifts, along with customer comments, more details and special pricing at:

Best Anniversary Gift Ideas