Valentine’s Day is upon us and I feel like I’m still recovering from the chaos of the holidays! But in reality, time waits for no one. As the holiday of love approaches, I wanted to dig deeper and really understand why we celebrate Valentine’s Day the way we do. Unlike the simplicity of a modern Valentine’s Day, involving diamonds, Champagne, carb-loaded chocolate, new slingbacks, 8:00 pm reservations, and all new lingerie, this holiday’s history is complicated and contradictory.
I think most people have heard of Saint Valentine, perhaps in school where you were supposed to be paying attention, but even if you weren’t, you at least know he was someone that did something really important! If you don’t remember, please allow me to refresh your memory. My research has turned up three St. Valentines associated with February 14th. So, I will share the most popular St. Valentine legend, which is the one that I feel makes the most sense with our contemporary celebration.
St. Valentine was a Roman priest in the third century AD. Emperor Claudius had banned marriage, deciding it made men bad soldiers. Seriously, Emperor Claudius? I think they would’ve fought harder if they had sweethearts to go home to. Priest Valentine thought the ban was so unfair that he broke the rules and married couples in secret. Awwww! When Claudius found out, he threw Valentine in jail and sentenced him to death. That’s a bit harsh? Some say Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter, Julia while others say he performed a miracle by healing Julia of her blindness. Either way, when Valentine was taken to be beheaded on February 14th, he sent her a note and signed it, “From Your Valentine.” Now, that’s a sweet start…well, the note. The beheading part wasn’t sweet, but he became a Saint and around 200
years later Valentine’s Day was born and here we are still celebrating today!
With romance as the theme, we can’t forget Cupid, who’s also associated with this love holiday. I have to admit that I didn’t know much about him until now. Ever hear of the saying, all is fair in love and war? That originates from good ole Cupid! In classic mythology, he was the son of the love goddess Venus and the war god Mars. Cupid is the god of desire, love, and attraction. His bow and arrow are the source of his singular power and anyone who is shot by Cupid’s arrow is filled with uncontrollable desire that’s passionate and powerful. But back in the day, it usually resulted in tragedy! Why Cupid, WHY? You find the love of your life and then you’re toast?! It
definitely reminds me of Romeo and Juliet and the Romantic period. Back then, no one was immune from the power of his arrow, so naturally, people were a bit afraid of Cupid. Due to his handsome looks and his reputation as a mischievous teenager (typical teen), he was ultimately shrunk down and made a chubby infant. This image of him was less threatening to people and that’s why you see him usually depicted as a young child or infant today! By changing his image, the people were taking their power back saying,“ Hey, love doesn’t have to end tragically!”
In the diamond business, sweet chubby baby cupid is my silent partner. He is my explanation for the inexplicable, love at first sight, all the way up to that 50th wedding anniversary. In jewelry terms, all stages of relationships lead to my office: two people falling in love in a long, airport Starbucks line, a double-date resulting in a life-long marriage between a client and his friend’s date (I’ll have what he’s having), or a plea of “Jenny, please help me pick out the right “I’m sorry” gift. I really messed up! “How did they find each other?” I wonder. Sometimes they share their stories and sometimes they don’t, but I can see they are in love, and I sell them a two-carat
oval diamond in gold. Every once in a blue moon, someone pops their head in with more than one sweetheart to buy for, and with them …well, I’ve learned not to ask too many questions! But sometimes I wonder if I’ll see them magically appear on an episode of the Dr. Phil show as I’m waiting in the doctor’s office. But honestly, there is something special here for every stage of a relationship, for both women and men.
So, why jewelry as a Valentine’s Day gift? It’s rare, beautiful, and very durable, lasting through the ups-and-downs of our relationships and marriages, spicing things up even when times get tough. It is a perfect day to get engaged, and you know there is no place like Green Hills Diamond Brokers to get you that perfect, GIA Certified diamond at BROKER PRICES.
Even in a healthy, romantic bond, there are hardships as well as times of great joy. We all mess up sometimes but remember there is redemption in jewelry!!! Unlike the relationship, you have a 30-day, money-back guarantee at Green Hills Diamond Brokers! For better or worse, we are going to help you do the smart thing this year, which is why our EXTRA 30% OFF Valentine’s Day Sale starts NOW! This includes engagement rings, diamond studs, hoops,bangles, pendants, eternity bands and more!
Whether you were hit with an arrow from mischievous teenage Cupid or sweet baby Cupid, this Valentine’s Day, we have something unique and special for your all-time love or a sweet little something for your potential love! Come see me at Green Hills Diamond Brokers today!