I love you. The three words we long to hear that make our hearts burst with joy and even more love. And what better way to say “I love you” than with a gift of jewelry? Anytime you gift a piece of jewelry, it’s about love. Whether it’s romantic love, love between friends, love between siblings or love between parent and child, jewelry is a tangible reminder that we are cherished, a lasting memento that can be passed down from one generation to the next generation. There is nothing that says “I love you” quite like a precious jewel that will be treasured forever. And what better time to give someone a gift of love than Valentine’s Day? While we automatically think of hearts for Valentine’s Day there are many other symbols of love, each one imbued with its own special meaning, that will express your feelings in your own unique way.
Love Letters
When we consider symbols of love, the heart, universally recognized as an icon of love, immediately comes to mind. While hearts are always a great choice to show your love, there are many other emblems of love that will express your sentimental feelings beautifully. Circles with no beginning or end, represent eternal love. Rings, of course, circle pins, or bangles are perfect love connections. Bows are also a symbol of romance, love and marriage, associated with joy, connection, devotion and protection in relationships. Bow brooches are a lovely way to show your love. The simple “X” and “O” signifying hugs and kisses are renowned signs of adoration and can be found as a design motif. Wearing the initials, or birthstones, of your partner or children is another way to show your affection. You may choose to include your initials or birthstone mixed in with your loved ones as well.
Nature’s Love
Nature has also given us many ways to show our love. In the Victorian era, people were particularly interested in the language of flowers, known as floriography, there are several flowers that blossom with messages of love. Best known are roses, which represent love, passion and fertility. Exotic lotus flowers are symbolic of love and purity. Orchids, calla lilies and pansies are also messengers of love. Flowers have been a favorite motif for jewelers through the years, not only for their beautiful forms, but also for their connection to love. Birds have special meanings too. Doves speak to romantic love, fidelity and loyalty. Swans tenderly partner for life. Either of these graceful feathered friends are a beautiful gift that will remind the recipient of your feelings anytime the jewel is worn. Cupid, famed for making people fall in love by piercing them with his arrow, is a favored theme in romantic Victorian jewelry as is his arrow, sometimes found as a diamond bejeweled brooch.
Gifts of Love
A truly meaningful gift, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, anniversary or other special occasion, is one where the likes and tastes of the recipient are considered. Does your beloved enjoy nature? Then a floral, or bird, themed jewel will be doubly appreciated, especially if you can find a favorite flower or bird. Perhaps you’re gifting a friend, or sibling, who would be delighted with a bangle that creates a subtle circle of love, you may even want to have a matching bangle that shows your connection. The jewelry that you gift the ones closest to you becomes a part of their lives that tells a sentimental story of love, whether it’s romantic, friend, or family. Valentine’s Day, or any day, is the perfect time to say “I love you” (with or without a gift) to those you care about most.
Top of page: Antique diamond and silver topped gold heart and bow pendant.
Diamond, aquamarine and platinum swan brooch; Diamond and 14-karat yellow and white gold bangle with “X” motif; Diamond and 18-karat gold Lotus earrings, signed Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1950s; Victorian diamond and silver topped gold arrow brooch, in original case by Linzeler Freres, Paris, circa 1885-1889.
Authored by Amber Michelle