Whether you observe the day or not, you know that Valentine’s Day offers one of the biggest opportunities to express your love for someone through jewelry. While thought to be a Western tradition, it is actually a global phenomenon. Whether you’ve purchased jewelry or been on the receiving end of such a purchase, keep reading to learn how jewelry-giving became a symbol of affection and what type of gifts are given.
It all began in ancient Rome, in mid-February when the Romans would celebrate the festival Lupercalia, a festival surrounding fertility. It was during this time that Roman priest Saint Valentine, would marry couples in secret to defy the emperor’s orders. In 496 A.D., the pope at the time deemed February 14th “Valentine’s Day”. By the 18th-century, at least in England, it had evolved into an occasion for couples to express their love for each other through flowers, confectionery, and sending greeting cards. By the 19th century, merchants had capitalized on the idea of gift giving by selling their trinkets to mark the occasion; by the late Victorian Era, gifting jewelry on Valentine’s Day had become a trend, with specially designed lockets and brooches symbolizing eternal love. Diamonds, of course, reigned supreme. Today, Valentine’s Day is only second to Christmas when it comes to gifting jewelry.
Around the World
In India, they gift gold jewelry as a symbol of love and prosperity, with a blend of traditional pieces, such as kundan jewelry, and contemporary styles. They also give the mangalsutra, a piece celebrated for its eternal bond of love.
In France, where it's thought that Valentine’s Day originated and its capital is known as the “City of Love”, the celebration is actually understated. Instead, a lot of emphasis is placed on sentimental jewelry, pieces that carry personal meaning to the giver and wearer. Fine jewelry created by French designers is a plus.
In Italy, Valentine’s Day is known as “La Festa degli Innamorati”, and is a very passionate celebration of love. Gold, which symbolizes prosperity and commitment, is often given to solidify partnership. Long regarded as the pinnacle of craftmanship, Italian designers are highly sought after since jewelry represents such a meaningful and lasting gift. Since Rome is where Valentine’s Day is thought to originate, you see a lot of Roman culture-inspired pieces gifted on this day.
In Brazil, lovers celebrate “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day) on June 12th instead of February 14th, but do so similarly to Americans with date night and jewelry. Their gifts tend to be colorful, bold, and festive, with vibrant stones such as topaz, amethyst, and citrine encrusting each piece.
In China, while they acknowledge February 14th, they also celebrate on the 7th day of the 7th month based on the Chinese lunar calendar the Qixi Festival, often referred to as the "Chinese Valentine's Day". During this festival, gifts are more personalized than those for Western Valentine's Day. Traditional gifts include gold jewelry, lotus and sunflowers motifs, and personalized engraved jewelry.
In Ireland, popular gifts for V-Day include the Claddagh ring, which signifies love and loyalty, and Celtic love knot jewelry, which represents eternal love.
In South Africa, handcrafted pieces designed with rich symbolism and cultural heritage are popular gifts. Utilizing African glass beads, wooden hearts, and spacers, the “heart-holder”, in which a short message can be contained, is often given as a token of affection.
Whether a gold bangle in India or Celtic knot from Ireland, it is undeniable that jewelry offers a timeless symbol for undying love. In a world that moves so fast, we tend to gravitate toward the unmoving and everlasting. What says that more the timelessness of precious metals and sparking gemstones?
Let us help you find the perfect gift to express your love this Valentine's Day at Schwarzschild Jewelers. Visit us in Charlottesville, Carytown Exchange, and Midlothian today!