Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is a day synonymous with love and affection. Its roots, steeped in history, intertwine with the tradition of giving precious tokens, particularly gold and jewelry, as expressions of love. Here at Russakoff Jewelers, we take great pride in our ability to help our customers find that one, perfect gift for their loved one for Valentine’s Day. We’ve been doing this for a long time and are experts at finding just the right piece!
Most of us take the modern version of Valentine’s Day – a day where we celebrate our loved ones by giving them various types of gifts, like jewelry, flowers or chocolates – for granted, but the origins of this special occasion go back much further than you may think. The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome with the festival of Lupercalia, a celebration of fertility held in mid-February. The transition from a pagan festival to a Christian feast day came with the martyrdom of St. Valentine, a priest who performed secret marriages against the orders of Emperor Claudius II. Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday began to take shape by the Middle Ages, influenced by the belief that birds began their mating season on February 14th.
As the celebration of Valentine’s Day evolved, so did the customs associated with it. By the late Middle Ages, the exchange of love letters and handmade tokens of affection was commonplace. However, it was during the Victorian era that the tradition of giving jewelry, especially gold, as a Valentine’s gift gained prominence. This was a time when courtship rituals were elaborate, and tokens of affection were expected to be both beautiful and symbolic.
Gold, with its enduring nature and precious value, became a popular choice for Valentine’s Day gifts. It symbolized not only wealth and status but also the permanence and purity of love. Jewelry, often embellished with gemstones and intricate designs, was seen as a more personal and enduring expression of affection, surpassing the fleeting beauty of flowers or chocolates.
Today, the tradition of gifting jewelry on Valentine’s Day is as strong as ever. Here at Russakoff Jewelers, we make choosing a Valentine’s gift for your loved one a unique and memorable experience. We specialize in highly personal and curated jewelry which are not just gifts, but lasting symbols of love and affection, ensuring that your gift is as special and unique as your relationship.
By choosing our store, you’re not just buying a gift – you’re creating a cherished memory that reflects the depth and uniqueness of your bond. We love nothing more than being part of the special moments of our customers’ lives. Let our team of jewelry experts help you choose that special gift for this February 14th. We have something for every style, preference and budget. We look forward to seeing you in the store soon!