Marking an anniversary can often feel like navigating a crowded sea of commercial obligations, but there is a certain joy in returning to the traditional anniversary materials that anchor these milestones.
Some would argue the custom of assigning specific materials to each year found its roots in medieval Germany – where silver and golden wreaths were allegedly gifted to mark the 25th and 50th years – but the broader material hierarchy was largely codified during the Victorian era. It was a period obsessed with the symbolism of a partnership’s “moulding,” designed to mirror the strengthening of a bond: starting with paper to represent the modest, interlaced beginnings of a new union, and reaching the twenty-year threshold of fine china – a material representing a relationship that has become resilient through its very delicacy.
As etiquette evolved, figures like Emily Post began documenting these customs in the early 1920s, leading to the 1937 expansion by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now known as Jewelers of America) to ensure every year was recognised.
For us, these traditional themes aren’t rigid rules, but a framework to seek out objects with sculptural integrity and a genuine sensory payoff. We have bypassed the uninspired to curate a guide to the first two decades of a partnership. Consider the hard yards handled; these are the RUSSH-approved pieces to consider for your next anniversary. With love, RUSSH.
1st year: Paper
‘Try To Catch It’ Voices of Australian Creative Minds – Limited Edition Book
2nd year: Cotton
Sheet Society Jude Organic Cotton Warm White Quilt Cover
3rd year: Leather
OROTON Louisa Crackle Shoulder Bag
4th year: Silk
SILK LAUNDRY Twill Scarf Year of The Horse
5th year: Wood
Saardé Olive Wood Nut Cracker
6th year: Iron
Puebco Cast Iron Tray
7th year: Wool
100% NZ Merino Wool Blanket – Oatmeal
8th year: Bronze
Studio Henry Wilson Incense Burner
9th year: Pottery
Crockd Pottery Class
10th year: Diamonds (modern alternative to Tin)
Real Fine Studio Signature Oval Diamond Bezel Drop
11th year: Steel
COMPLETEDWORKS Stainless Steel Salad Servers
12th year: Pearl
Paspaley Australian South Sea Mother-of-Pearl Shell
13th year: Lace
Cou Cou Intimates The Fleur Slip
14th year: Ivory
Sabre Bistrot Cheese Cleaver — Ivory
15th year: Crystal
Alexander KirkebyHand-Blown Crystal Champagne Coupes (Set of 2)
16th year: Wax
Fornasetti Original Sin Large Candle
17th year: Furniture
RJ Living Follow Swivel Armchair – Fossil Fawn
18th year: Porcelain
LA DOUBLE Mama gold-plated porcelain teapot
19th year: Aquamarine
MATEO 14-karat Gold Aquamarine Necklace
20th year: Fine China
HERMĒS Cheval d’Orient Soy Dish
If you have more than an anniversary to purchase a gift for this month, why not take a look at our Aries gift guide for friends and well-wishers born in March and April? A thoughtful gift is only a click away, and our guide is curated for the most uncompromising Aries lighting up your life in 2026.
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