Valentines Day: Love, Hearts and Tradition

Valentine's Day (celebrated in the UK on February 14th,) is a day to express love and
affection to those closest to us. Its rich history is woven from traditions and folklore rooted in festivals from the ancient Roman Empire. Visit our Valentine's Collection here.

The Symbolism of Hearts

We are launching a NEW range of Heart Decorations and Heart Bangles for this year's Valentines Day. 

One of the most enduring symbols of Valentine’s Day is the heart, which represents love,
passion, and affection. The heart has long been associated with our emotions. This
symbolism can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was seen as the seat of the
soul. Often depicted with a flame or pierced by an arrow (symbolizing Cupid, the Roman god of love), the symbol was adopted as the emblem of Valentine’s Day and remains synonymous with the holiday.

Traditional Valentine’s Day Gifts

Valentine’s Day gifts have evolved from simple handwritten letters to elaborate expressions
of love. Some of the most traditional gifts include:

1. Flowers: Especially roses, which symbolize love, beauty, and passion. Red roses
are the most common, while pink and white roses represent admiration and purity.

2. Chocolates: Chocolate, often given in heart-shaped boxes, is another classic gift. It
symbolizes sweetness and indulgence, evoking the pleasure of sharing something
delicious with a loved one.

3. Cards: Valentine's Day cards, often adorned with hearts, roses, and love notes, are
an integral part of the celebration. These cards can be heartfelt, humorous, or
romantic, and are a way to express one's feelings.

The Origins of Valentine’s Day

The earliest known connection between Valentine’s Day and love dates back to the 3rd
century. At the time, Emperor Claudius II had banned marriages for young men, believing
that single soldiers made for better warriors. In defiance of this ruling, a priest named
Valentine overruled the decree, and secretly performed marriages for young couples. 
His actions were eventually discovered, and he was imprisoned and executed on February
14th. Over time, Valentine became a symbol of love and defiance, and his martyrdom was
honoured with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.
Other possible origins of the holiday have been associated with the ancient Roman festival
of Lupercalia, a fertility rite which was celebrated in mid-February. As Christianity spread, the church sought to replace pagan traditions with Christian celebrations, and St. Valentine’s Day emerged as a way to honour love and fidelity.

The Rise of Romantic Associations

By the Middle Ages, St. Valentine’s Day had begun to be associated with the exchange of
gifts and written notes. By the 18th century, Valentine's Day was a well-established occasion for couples to express their love with gifts, flowers, and cards. The tradition of sending handwritten valentines, especially in the form of love letters and poems, gained immense popularity in Victorian England, and it spread worldwide.

Our favourite Valentine gift is of course jewellery! It’s therefore not surprising that we have a specially selected range of gifts for the season including Heart Bangles and hanging heart decorations that make the perfect token of love for that special person. 
Browse a selection of our popular favourites here:
Wishing all of our lovely customers a Happy Valentine’s Day!