Choosing ruby wedding gifts

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The ruby wedding anniversary represents 40 years of marriage. It wasn't until the 1930's that most wedding anniversaries had a specific material associated with it. Previously, it was only the 1st and major milestone anniversaries (such as 25, 50 and 70 years) that had a material association, the rest being added by the American Jewellery Association in the early part of the 20th century. Over the years the list has been updated and modernised by different American and British sources.

With 40 years of marriage being represented by the ruby the most obvious choice is, arguably, to go for jewellery items. Rubies are gemstones composed of transparent red corundum. The colour varies from deep to pale red, in some cases with a tinge of purple, depending on the chromium and iron content; the most valued being a pigeon-blood red. When it is cut and polished, ruby is a brilliant (light-deflecting) stone, but it lacks fire. Ruby is a mineral of very limited distribution and in its finest quality is the most precious of gemstones. Its best-known source is in Myanmar, but they have also been found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and elsewhere. Rubies have also been produced synthetically with much success; those containing 2.5% chromic oxide have the prized pigeon-blood red colour. Natural rubies have been around for a long time and even have biblical references.

However not every gift must be adorned with real rubies. Budgetary considerations aside, the happy couple are likely to appreciate your imagination as much as the gift itself. By all means use ruby as a theme and perhaps choose 40th wedding anniversary gifts with elements of red. You could simply buy red flowers or red items of clothing or even have a red ornamental rose bush delivered for the garden. There are however, many specialised ruby wedding anniversary gifts available. Glass makers will often tinge commemorative glass wear such as bowls, vases and other decorative items with the colour red in producing 40th anniversary gifts.

Any anniversary is a time to celebrate -- why not buy some special champagne and some decorative champagne flutes, looking out for those that are made from red glass or perhaps with inscriptions and red accents. You could even buy the champagne personalised and presented in a beautiful cask. Many people opt for a combination of gifts, perhaps having the champagne presented along with something special such as an original newspaper from the wedding day 40 years ago.

Another ever popular ruby wedding anniversary gift is a photograph frame. This can be made extra special by the inclusion of a photograph of the happy couple. There are photograph frames available that have been specifically decorated for 40th wedding anniversaries, including double frames to display then and now photographs.

There are many other gifts available that commemorate the ruby wedding anniversary. These include specially designed mugs and cushions as well as personalised items. You could have a ruby wedding anniversary plate personalised, or have a star named in the heavens or even have a poem inscribed. With ever increasing levels of interest in genealogy, you may decide that a family name gift set will create hours of fun and interest for the couple as they explore the history behind their family names.

Ultimately, a ruby wedding anniversary, like all anniversaries, is a significant occasion that deserves to be celebrated. Here at A1 Gifts, we have endeavoured to create a collection of unusual and unique gifts which, whilst acknowledging the ruby motif, should save you hours of research and provide a source of inspiration. Don't be afraid of buying something a little unusual. You can be sure that the happy couple will receive many run-of-the mill gifts. By selecting something appropriate and having it further personalised, you can clearly demonstrate a level of thought and creativity that the occasion and the happy couple so richly deserve. View ruby wedding gifts