Diamond Valentines
'From your Valentine', an expression which has been used thousands of times over in history dating back to the time of St. Valentine. It has been perpetuated in the hearts of lovers on 14th February, the anniversary of the sage's death in the year 270.
The good priest, Valentinus, was said to have performed a valiant service in assisting Christian martyrs during their persecution under Roman Emperor Claudius II. Giving aid and comfort to Christians was regarded as a crime so Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Legend has it that while awaiting execution the priest formed a friendship with his jailer's blind daughter whose sight he restored. Saddened by their imminent parting he wrote to her on the eve of his death and signed the message 'From your Valentine'.
It may also be possible that the custom of choosing Valentines orignated from the pagan feast of Lupercalia. This was an ancient Roman festival of fertility held on 15 February where young boys drew lots for girls. Another theory, according to medieval folklore is that 14 February is the day when birds beging to mate. Chaucer refers to this in his poem Parliament of Fowls: 'For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when ev're fowl cometh to choose her make.'
It was the Victorians who popularised the sending of Valentine cards, either saucy or romantic, a tradition which remains very popular today .
Whatever the history behind Valentine's Day, there is no denying that it has retained its popularity. The exchanging of tokens of affection dates back to the Middle Ages but the traditional symbol has become the heart and over the centuries a symbol of everlasting love has evolved - the diamond. United, diamond hearts in rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants are the most romantic gifts for the most romantic day of the year.
Heart shaped diamond pendants can be found at selected jewellers throughout the UK.
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