Anniversary Gifts

Silver weddings have a long tradition. In medieval Germany, husbands gave their wives a wreath of silver when they had been married for 25 years. 'Sylver brydells' are mentioned in an English church record of 1624, and the term 'silver feast' is attributed to the Germans in a letter to Dr Samuel Johnson in 1806.

Couples may want to buy something to special to commemorate this first major milestone in their relationship. Choose from a huge range of silver items to celebrate your 25 years together - this could be a lovely silver frame for one of your wedding photographs, or even a piece of jewellery for each of you.

Be pearly king and queen for the night with a Cockney themed party for your pearl wedding. You can feast on jellied eels and have a good old knees-up! Alternatively, keep it just the two of you and curl up in front of some classic movies from the 1930's.

In Indian mythology, pearls are said to be dewdrops from heaven that fell into the sea. These jewels represent peace, nobility and beauty, and would make a wonderful gift - but if you can't stretch to pearls, use their colour as an inspiration for a beautiful white gift, or just get romantic over a dozen oysters. Caviar is traditionally eaten with a mother of pearl spoon... I see an evening of Champagne and caviar!

Jewellery is the natural choice for this anniversary gift, as coral goes so well with jade, the gemstone associated with 25 years of marriage.

Jade was once used as currency in China and is considered to be lucky. Red coral is the most valuable kind.

Alternatively, head to one of the world's great coral reefs and go for a dive together!

Life begins at 40, and the 40th wedding anniversary is considered to be one of the most important after the 25th. Not surprisingly it's been attached to one of the world's most precious gems. Rubies are said to be rarer than diamonds - they symbolise health, wealth and wisdom and, of course, passion.

Rubies are red, so why not plant a red rose in your garden as testament to your love? Or buy some vintage bottles and invite your party guests to toast the future and the past in vintage ruby port or red wine.

Sapphires come in an array of colours - pink, yellow, white, green and red as well as blue. So get the shaker out and celebrate your 45th with a multi-coloured cocktail drinks party.

Use the Victorian language of flowers to let your partner know how you feel with a colourful bouquet. You could try freesias for faithfulness, alstromeria for desire - or just a red rose, for love.

You've spent half a century together - what better cause for a celebration? Golden weddings have been marked for many years. In
medieval Germany, men would present their wives with a golden wreath on their 50th anniversary. This was said to symbolise harmony.

Going for gold is the obvious choice for a 50th wedding gift and you may want to use the opportunity to buy each other new wedding rings to add to your old ones. You could even have special inscriptions made inside the rings to mark the occasion.

60th anniversary: Diamond
The word 'diamond' originates from the Greek adamus, meaning unconquerable - which, if you've lasted 60 years, is the perfect epithet for your own marriage. Splash out in celebration of this fantastic event and buy a beautiful piece of diamond jewellery.