Meaningful Valentine’s Day Gifts:
How To Show Love Through Jewelry

Jewelry has long been intertwined with expressions of love, devotion, and commitment. The ancient Egyptian ankh, a cross with a loop at the top, symbolized eternal life and was exchanged as a token of enduring love.

In Ancient Rome, the festival of Lupercalia involved exchanging symbolic tokens of fertility and affection, including decorative amulets and rings. The Hercules knot, popular in ancient Greek and Roman bridal jewelry, symbolized the strength of unbreakable love and was often used as a protective charm in weddings.

The Victorian period saw the rise of highly sentimental jewelry with symbolic designs. Queen Victoria famously wore a serpent ring given to her by Prince Albert, symbolizing eternal love. The language of flowers was also integrated into jewelry designs during this time, with motifs like forget-me-nots for remembrance and ivy for fidelity.

Lockets containing portraits or locks of hair, cameo jewelry depicting personal scenes, and acrostic jewelry spelling out secret messages with gemstones further highlight how jewelry continued to serve as a powerful expression of love.

Amethyst has long been associated with love, passion, and unwavering commitment, making it a meaningful choice for Valentine’s Day jewelry. While often celebrated as February’s birthstone, its ties to romance run much deeper—stretching back to the story of Saint Valentine, the very figure behind the holiday of love.

In 3rd-century Rome, Emperor Claudius II ruled that young men could no longer marry, believing that single soldiers were more dedicated to war than those with families. But Saint Valentine refused to accept this decree, holding fast to the belief that love was sacred and could not be controlled by the state. Defying the emperor’s orders, he secretly performed marriage ceremonies for couples in love, risking his own safety for the sake of devotion. To make himself known to Roman soldiers seeking a secret wedding, he wore an amethyst ring engraved with Cupid, the god of love—a powerful symbol of the heart’s right to choose its own path.

Engagement rings have long been rich in symbolism, transforming precious metals and gemstones into expressions of lifelong commitment. One of the most iconic styles, the three-stone ring, represents the past, present, and future of a relationship, with each stone symbolizing a different phase of a couple's journey together. The single diamond solitaire, with its solitary brilliance, speaks to unity, highlighting that one person is the sole focus of the wearer's love.

The halo ring, where a circle of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, reflects the idea of eternal protection and a love that radiates outward. For a more poetic expression, the Toi et Moi ring, French for "You and Me," features two stones side by side, symbolizing two souls united in perfect harmony. Napoleon Bonaparte famously gifted his first wife Joséphine a Toi et Moi ring, making it a design rooted in romance and history.

Each design tells a story, reminding couples that their bond is as unique and enduring as the piece they choose to represent it.

At Nelson Coleman Jewelers, we have had the privilege of helping thousands of people find the perfect gift for their loved ones—or even a treasured piece for themselves. Whether you're searching for a sentimental token or a bold statement piece, our carefully curated collection offers something for everyone. Our experienced team would be honored to assist you in choosing a meaningful gift that truly reflects your affection and connection.