Also known as the Silver Jubilee, the 25th wedding anniversary is the second milestone in any wedding couple’s married life (the first being the 10th). However, for a lot of couples, commemorating their 25th year of marriage often calls for a big party and is usually a celebration for the whole family, immediate and extended. The event is usually enjoyed by family members and unless you are in a social standing of some kind, a more private event, as it marks the end of the child-rearing years of the couple.
Despite today’s calls for more contemporary approaches to weddings and anniversaries, the 25th anniversary is still very much one that sticks to conventionality. Silver of any kind is very much the norm to commemorate the anniversary of its name. For more modern couples, sterling silver is used. If this is not an option, silver-colored gifts like pewter may also be acceptable.
Your best choice for a 25th wedding anniversary gift would be jewelry. Silver jewelry in any form is commonly appreciated and the kind of item you should buy depends on your recipient’s needs and lifestyle. If your wife is a corporate employee, get her a pair of earrings or pendant with a slightly less whimsical design so it will not clash with her professional appearance in the office. If she is in a less structured profession, you can be more adventurous in both your designs and choice of ornamentation – a silver anklet, funky brooch, twinkly bracelet or even highly decorative ring.
Silver ornamentation can also be extended to men for his 25th anniversary. For the more artistic man who wears rings, masculine silver rings are available in an assortment of styles at most silver retailers. Otherwise, picking him the shiniest silver cufflinks, tiepins or belt buckles could be a good idea. Even bejeweled silver cigar boxes and stationery can be considered, as long as these items prove to be of use to him.
If self-ornamentation is not really your cup of tea, you may wish to consider other forms of ornamentation. Items of decoration for the home like silver pots, chimes, vases or statuettes are also popular choices. Other possible items include auspicious coins, figurines and showpieces, which make excellent gifts for those you are not exceptionally close to like your employer or friend’s parents.
Depending on the design, silver on its own can appear a little stark and bare. Possible stones used to trim the item and add a little color include crystals, sapphires, rubies and jade, or a mix of stones. Their colors help brighten up the silver item and help soften its appeal. This little trick of decorated silver works particularly well on jewelry like pendants, bangles and brooches, and on clothing add-ons like belt buckles and cufflinks.
Pewter is another possible alternative to silver. Due to its close color similarities with silver and rather expensive cost, it is common present for the Silver Jubilee. Pewter gifts of picture frames, bowls, figurines and candlesticks are highly acceptable for many reasons – beauty being one. Also, due to its malleable texture, it is easy to mold into different items and almost effortless to engrave on, making it a popular choice.
Another traditional but lesser known fact is that the flower most commonly used for the Silver Jubilee is the Iris. This multi-colored flowering plant is known for its showy flowers with distinctive petals. It is the Iris’s many colors that help it become the celebratory piece for such a momentous occasion. Having your gift item designed in the form of an Iris, even if it is not in silver, will also make for an acceptable present. If not, a non-silver gift like a holiday for two will work well when wrapped up in Iris-printed wrapping paper or box. And when choosing cards to include in your 25th wedding anniversary gifts, try and choose a card with the Iris flower on it.
If silver is not really your idea for the anniversary gift, other acceptable elements are tsavorite or garnet. Unfortunately, these are highly rare as they can mainly be obtained from Tanzania, Kenya and Madagascar and most recently, Thailand. Due to its limited sources, the green garnet is very much more valuable than the silver. Due to its rarity, it will be a perfect 25th anniversary gift for your partner as it may reflect the high value you place on your marriage.
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