While tradition tells us that some milestone anniversaries should be marked with gifts of precious metals and gemstones, most anniversaries on the Traditional Anniversary Gift List somehow got associated with less-exciting elements, such as paper (1st), cotton (2nd) and aluminum (10th).

With all due respect to the stationary, t-shirt and cookware industries, we believe that anniversaries are so special that they all should be celebrated with something more precious and exciting. Why give your loved one wood or copper when you can give glamorous diamonds and rubies, or the mysterious stones of onyx, citrine, peridot and spinel.

Below we present three established guidelines for anniversary gifts: Traditional, Modern and Gemstone. Having this list can help an indecisive man choose the perfect anniversary ring or earrings for his wife. The list can also assist women on deciding on a man's anniversary gift. Rings, belts, watches and other accessories for men can feature gemstones.