Marriages are not the only anniversaries worth celebrating with jewellery. Work anniversaries and birthdays also warrant special symbolic gifts, from ruby earrings celebrating a woman's 40th birthday to a silver pen marking an employee's 25 years of service.
Leather is a natural companion to precious metal jewellery. Many jewellers’ shops sell leather goods like jewellery boxes or hip flasks to make a perfect gift for the third anniversary.
Silver or crystal fruit bowl, servers or spoons would make an ideal gift. Or perhaps a silver ornament or brooch shaped like a piece of fruit.
Wooden jewellery boxes and necklace display stands make a perfect fifth-anniversary present.
Why not shop for a silver sweet dish, sugar caster, bowl or tongs?
Copper is seldom used alone and is probably best represented in most jewellers’ shops as the copper alloy brass. A pair of copper cufflinks are a unique gift for a man's seventh anniversary.
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Small ornaments such as cold-painted bronze animal figures make for a charming choice for this anniversary. But be aware, some of the cheaper examples are not real cast metal but a moulded mixture of powdered metal and resin.
Many independent jewellery shops stock china and porcelain gift items such as figurines or tableware.
For this anniversary, many shops stock pewter gift items, such as tankards and animal models.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for watches and some jewellery.
Some jewellery stores will stock silk-covered gift items. Make the anniversary even more special and match a silk-covered ring case with a beautiful diamond ring.
A coral or jade beaded necklace or a set of earrings is the perfect gift for this anniversary.
Ivory was the traditional gift, but its trade is thankfully now restricted by international treaty. As an alternative, how about a watch with an ivory-coloured dial or an elephant-shaped pendant?
You will have no problem here; most jewellers stock lead crystal glassware and picture frames.
Jewellery, watches, picture frames, ornaments and antiques are just a few possibilities for this celebratory milestone. If hallmarked silver is too expensive for your budget, try shopping for the cheaper alternative of silver plate.
Precious GemstonesHow about a pair of earrings, or the classic fashion statement, a row of pearls?
The most precious of precious metals, local and online jewellers now stock a wide range of platinum jewellery.
If you want to be traditional, a ruby ring is best for a 40th anniversary. However, why not break with tradition and buy a stunning ruby pendant instead?
Blue is not the only colour available. Why not try a pink sapphire for something a little different?
Buyers have a vast choice of items to choose from, such as earrings, brooches, pendants, rings, necklaces and watches, to name but a few.
As with most gemstones, you are spoiled for gift choices when buying emeralds, from rings to necklaces. Don't like emeralds? What about an emerald cut gemstone? That way, you can get a special diamond five years early!
Diamonds are forever, and they are also for the 60th anniversary. Diamonds remain one of the most desirable gemstones, and there is an abundance of gift ideas that will make any recipient smile. If you want a watch instead of jewellery, choose a diamond set example.
For both bride and groom, jewellery on a wedding day is essential accompaniments to the wedding outfits. Whether choosing some old, new, borrowed or blue, we have a selection of traditional and not so traditional jewellery ideas for you.
For centuries, the gift of jewellery has conveyed love in all its forms. From friendship bracelets to cherished engagement rings - there are endless ways to say "I love you" and show how much we care.
Mother’s Day surely calls for a little extra something to convey the message of love and appreciation. When flowers aren't enough, jewellery is the best option.
You've chosen the perfect ring; now it is time to find out the perfect size. A ring must be tight enough to stay on the finger but large enough to get over any finger joint. Make sure when measuring any finger that it is not too cold. Fingers will fluctuate in size depending on temperature and humidity. Therefore, measuring them when they are at their largest will make sure you get the best fit, no matter the weather.
To buy or not to buy? That is the question. Jewellery will always be an attractive purchase option as they are beautiful, sparkling objects. However, they are usually a considerable investment, meaning it is important to make the right choices for your budget and taste. Below are five considerations to think about when making your jewellery purchase.
Just like the fashion industry, there is a wide range of jewellery styles on offer to buyers. Are you looking for a timeless traditional piece or something more on-trend and contemporary? A gold necklace can come in thousands of different shapes and styles, so it is essential to do your research, find examples that you like, and, importantly, suit you. If you're purchasing jewellery to wear regularly, consider if the style will work in multiple situations (such as work or social occasions) and if it will date quickly.
Jewellery comes in most materials, from leather and plastic to precious metals like silver and gold. Precious metals can come in various grades and prices depending on the percentage of the metal in the item. For example, 18-carat gold contains 75% pure gold, with the rest made up of other alloys. The higher the gold content, the softer and more expensive the metal. If you buy everyday gold jewellery, one with a lower carat may be more sensible as it is less susceptible to bumps and scratches.
Gemstones also vary in price depending on their grading. Gemstones may be graded differently depending on the type of gem it is, but most are tested for clarity, colour, cut and carat size.
A gold ruby necklace may look beautiful in the shop, but it will be a disappointing purchase if it doesn't suit the intended wearer. Although most people look great wearing any precious metal - whether it be the cool tones of silver and platinum or the warm tones of gold - for some, this is not the case. It is important to understand what metals and gemstones suit your skin tone to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
The best way to discover if a piece of jewellery will suit your skin tone is to try it on, ideally in both artificial and natural light. However, fair skin tones tend to suit cooler precious metals and gemstones, while dark skin tones better suit the warmer tones of gold and darker gems.
Is the piece of jewellery for a one-off event, or will you wear it more than once? When cared for properly, good quality jewellery can last generations, so it is crucial to think about when and where you are likely to wear the item. Special occasion pieces are a welcome addition to a collection, but is it a wise purchase if it gathers dust in your jewellery box for the next twenty years?
Occasionally a one-off event piece is a worthwhile investment (say, for your wedding day), but consider where else the jewellery may be worn and with what outfits. A versatile piece will bring far more pleasure and value for money than those purchased for a single event.
