Valentine’s Day is now synonymous with romance, proposals and love tokens, but its origins stretch back far further than chocolates and cards. The history of Valentine’s Day is layered with ancient rituals, medieval poetry and Victorian sentimentality — all of which helped shape the traditions we recognise today.
Understanding how Valentine’s Day evolved offers fascinating insight into why jewellery, and especially rings, became such powerful symbols of love.
Ancient Roots: Love, Fertility and February
Long before Valentine’s Day was associated with romance, February held significance in the ancient Roman calendar. The month was linked to purification and renewal, marked by festivals that celebrated fertility and the coming of spring.
One such festival, Lupercalia, took place in mid-February and involved rituals intended to promote health, fertility and partnership. While far removed from modern Valentine’s celebrations, it established February as a time connected to relationships and renewal.
Who Was Saint Valentine?
The identity of Saint Valentine is complex, as several early Christian martyrs bore the name. The most enduring legend tells of a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly performing marriages for young couples.
Marriage was believed to weaken soldiers, and Valentine’s defiance was seen as an act of love and devotion. He was executed on 14 February, a date later associated with romantic sacrifice.
Over time, Saint Valentine became linked not only to marriage, but to the idea of love as something worth risking everything for.
Medieval Romance and the Birth of Valentine’s Love
Valentine’s Day became explicitly romantic during the Middle Ages. In medieval Europe, it was believed that birds chose their mates on 14 February — a belief that helped cement the day’s association with courtship.
Poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer referenced Valentine’s Day as a time for lovers, helping transform the feast day into a celebration of romance rather than religious observance alone.
By the late medieval period, handwritten love notes — early Valentines — were exchanged between admirers, often accompanied by small tokens or keepsakes.
Valentine’s Day in the Georgian and Victorian Eras
The Georgian and Victorian periods played a crucial role in shaping Valentine’s Day as we know it today. Advances in printing made Valentine cards widely accessible, and romantic gift-giving became increasingly common.
Jewellery emerged as one of the most meaningful Valentine’s gifts. Rings, lockets and brooches were chosen not just for beauty, but for symbolism.
Popular Valentine jewellery included:
- Turquoise rings symbolising faithful love
- Garnet jewellery representing devotion and warmth
- Serpent rings, worn as symbols of eternal love
- Lockets containing hair or miniature portraits
These pieces often carried messages understood only by the giver and recipient, making them deeply personal expressions of affection.
Why Rings Became Central to Valentine’s Day
Rings have long symbolised commitment, eternity and unity. Their circular form — with no beginning or end — made them ideal representations of enduring love.
By the 19th century, giving a ring on Valentine’s Day had become a recognised romantic gesture, particularly among couples moving towards engagement or marriage.
Antique and vintage rings from this period reflect the emotional depth associated with Valentine’s Day — pieces designed to be worn daily, carrying love beyond a single moment.
Valentine’s Day Today: Tradition Meets Meaning
Modern Valentine’s Day blends centuries of tradition with contemporary romance. While customs have evolved, the desire to mark the day with meaningful gestures remains unchanged.
Choosing jewellery — especially antique or vintage rings — reflects a return to older values: thoughtfulness, symbolism and lasting connection.
Whether marking an engagement, anniversary or quiet declaration of love, Valentine’s Day continues to be shaped by its rich and romantic past.
Explore our collection of antique and vintage rings to discover jewellery that carries the spirit of Valentine’s traditions through history.