Valentine’s Day: A Story of Love, Symbolism, and the Meaning Behind Jewelry Gifts
10 min reading time
Valentine’s Day is often associated with roses, chocolates, and jewelry - but its origins are far richer and more complex than a single day of romance. At its heart, Valentine’s Day is a story about connection, intention, and symbolic expression, values that have been carried through centuries and cultures.
Understanding where the holiday came from, and why jewelry became such a powerful gift, adds depth to the act of giving and receiving something beautiful.
How Did Valentine’s Day Begin?
Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome, blending pagan ritual, early Christian legend, and later medieval romantic tradition.
Ancient Origins
One of the earliest influences was Lupercalia, a Roman festival celebrated in mid-February that honored fertility, renewal, and the coming of spring. While not romantic in the modern sense, it emphasized connection, vitality, and continuity; themes that still echo today.
St. Valentine
The holiday later became associated with St. Valentine, a figure (or possibly several - no one is saying) believed to have secretly performed marriages at a time when they were forbidden. Over time, he became a symbol of love, devotion, and quiet defiance in the name of connection.
The Rise of Romance
By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day evolved into a celebration of romantic love. Poets like Chaucer popularized the idea that February 14 marked the pairing of lovers, and handwritten notes - early “valentines” - became tokens of affection.
Paris, France
What Does Valentine’s Day Mean Today?
Today, Valentine’s Day has expanded beyond romantic partnerships. It celebrates:
Romantic love
Long-term partnership
Friendship
Self-love
Appreciation and gratitude
At its core, Valentine’s Day is about intentionally choosing someone and expressing that choice through a meaningful gesture.
Why Are Certain Colors Associated with Valentine’s Day?
Colors have always played a symbolic role in love and adornment.
Color
Meaning
Red
Passion, desire, strength, courage
Pink
Tenderness, affection, emotional warmth
White
Purity, honesty, new beginnings
Gold
Commitment, endurance, value
These color meanings naturally shaped jewelry traditions over time.
How Did Jewelry Become a Valentine’s Day Gift?
Jewelry has always been a language of symbolism. Long before Valentine’s Day became commercialized, jewelry was used to communicate messages words could not.
At Sundara Joon, jewelry is never just adornment. It is story, craftsmanship, and connection—shaped by the hands of global artisans and chosen with care.
Handcrafted Symbolism in the Collection
Sundara Joon offers uniquely handcrafted pieces that align perfectly with romantic and sentimental symbolism:
Hearts & Love:For a classic feel, explore delicate silver heart drop earrings and adjustable bracelets with heart-shaped charms.
Floral Connections:Reflecting themes of tenderness and renewal, our collection includes intricatefloral jade beaded bracelets, balancing floral earrings, and bouquet-themed rings.
Intention & Unity:Pieces like our "Better Together" designed bracelet symbolize shared experiences and connection.
Gemstones for Intentional Gifting
Our use of specific gemstones allows for personalized gifting based on traditional meanings:
Pearls:Represents harmony, protection, and tranquility, often found in across all of our collections as its a favored gemstone.
Rose Quartz:Widely known as the "stone of emotional harmony," it is ideal for gifts symbolizing love and compassion.
Amethyst:Offers a sense of calm and balance, frequently featured in our artisan rings and necklaces.
Unlike mass-produced jewelry, everySundara Joon pieceis a one-of-a-kind or micro-batch creation crafted by global artisans, such as family studios in Thailand and Italy. Choosing these pieces for Valentine's Day emphasizes a commitment to quality, story, and the support of human creativity over fleeting trends.
Whether a piece is gifted to a partner, a friend, or oneself, it carries the same message Valentine’s Day has always held at its core:
