Valentine's History

​February has long been celebrated as a month of romance. Valentine’s Day started out as the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture and celebrated on February 15th. As part of the festival, unmarried women placed their names in a large urn. Bachelors drew a name and were paired with that woman for the rest of the year. These pairings often lead to marriage.

Rhodonite Beads

Hematite Beads

​Lupercalia was deemed “un-Christian” in the fifth century when Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentine’s Day. During the Middle Ages, both the French and the British believed February 14th was the beginning of birds’ mating season which added to the idea it was a day of romance. By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By 1900, printed cards began to replace written letters. 

​Red and pink are the traditional colors of Valentine’s. Red is the color of energy, love and passion. While pink expresses affection, understanding and sweetness. Jewelry, one of the most common Valentine’s gifts, often contains red or pink stones, such as ruby, garnet or rose quartz. In addition to these stones, there are many others thought to attract love and increase passion such as:

• Hematite, a metallic grey-black stone, is believed to improve personal relationships.

Multi-color Moonstone Necklace

Rhodochrosite Pendant

• Imperial Topaz, a deep golden-yellow stone, is thought to draw love to its wearer.
• Moonstone, a shimmering white or cream gemstone, is the stone of new beginnings and romance.
• Rhodochrosite, a gemstone with swirls of pink or red, is said to open the heart and vibrate with love.
• Rhodonite, a pink or red gemstone often flecked with black, is thought to nurture love and encourage brotherhood.

​​Give that someone special (or yourself) jewelry made with one of these “love” gemstones.