12th Anniversary Gifts (silk, linen, or pearls)

The Traditional Anniversary Gift List suggests silk or linen for a 12th anniversary. What makes these gifts special for a 12th wedding anniversary?

Silk can be sexy and shimmering, or delicate and refined. Depending on the weave, it can be soft or more durable. It’s often beautiful, through either the patterns of its weave, or the colored dyes or prints that embellish it. We carry a line of Japanese kimono style robes in 100% silk. They’re exotic in look, and extremely comfortable to wear as nightgowns or robes.

As for linen, the original meaning was a fabric woven from flax fibers, strong fibers that are cool to the touch. Both the strength of the fabric and the idea of weaving something over time, seem reasonable associations of this fabric to an anniversary. Or maybe it’s just an excuse to get something nice for the house… Its general meaning today has broadened, to include a variety of woven textiles, whether sheets for a bedroom, towels for a bathroom, or tablecloths for the kitchen.

The Modern Anniversary Gift List suggests pearls for a 12th wedding anniversary. Pearls have been prized for their beauty for centuries. Though they occur naturally in mollusks, it's exceedingly rare to find them in this totally natural state. Most pearls these days are cultivated. Like agriculture, they're created by nature, but farmed to allow a greater supply. They are built up by layers of nacre, a natural substance slowly secreted by the clam. Pearls actually come in many shapes, though often the round ones are more prized. And they can be created in either saltwater or fresh. Akoya pearls (created in saltwater) are often considered more prized, due to a richer iridiscence and luster.

We have some lovely Japanese silk kimonos, scarves, and even a handbag made from silk. We also have a a number Thai silk travel rolls and pouches for jewelry. And since Pearl is the material from the modern gift list, we have pearl pendants and earrings to choose from, as well.