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Valentine’s Day Curiosities

We all know the story of Valentine’s Day, right?

Okay, in case you need a refresher, it goes like this. Roman emperor, Claudius II decreed that no soldier could marry because he believed single men were more valiant in combat (translation – they had nothing to lose). Enter Valentinus. Something of a romantic sod, he thought those poor men were getting a raw deal and continued to marry them and their sweethearts in secret. Right up until he got busted and tossed in the clink for defying an edict by the Emperor. At this point he might or might not have fallen in love with the warden’s daughter, and he may or may not have sent her a farewell letter just before his execution signed “Your Valentine.” Either way, this is the Valentine’s Day genesis story.

The question is, how did we go from martyred romantic to the ultimate Hallmark holiday?

I was under the impression that this whole business of exchanging cards and gifts was a product of 20th century advertising and mass production. As it turns out, I was wrong (it happens occasionally).

The first mention of the word Valentine in connection with romance is found in this passage from Chaucer’s 1382 work, Parliament of Foules:

Of course, considering most birds in the UK don’t mate until spring – he probably wasn’t referring to February 14th.

Some romantic historians believe that the assignation of mid-February as the chosen date for amour is a nod to the Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia. According to Plutarch, on the date of the festival “many of the noble youths and of the magistrates run up and down through the city naked, for sport and laughter striking those they meet with shaggy thongs.” It also involved the sacrifice of two male goats and a dog.

So. That was a thing.

The earliest surviving Valentine in the English language comes from a 1477 letter written by a young woman by the name of Margery to her sweetheart, John. Here’s an excerpt:

The next time your kids wonder why they should study spelling – point them to this letter. She begs her ‘ryght welebeloved Voluntyne’ (right well beloved Valentine) not to leave her even though her father will not increase her dowry.

Aside from learning that women were sometimes required to dicker with their beloved for their own selling price, we also learn that the concept of the Valentine was just as ingrained in British society by the fifteenth century as it is throughout the west today. (For any romantics out there, this couple did eventually marry and have a son.)

By the sixteenth century everyone from John Donne to Shakespeare to Edmund Spenser had jumped on the Valentine’s Day bandwagon and there was no going back. February 14th had become the day that men habitually forgot and single girls everywhere dreaded.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, I’m going to hearken ye back to the days of yore for a look at a little Renaissance jewelry! When Europe finally emerged from the plague-ridden Dark Ages, everyone was ready for a bit of beauty and refinement…if they could afford it.

Rings were a popular status symbol worn by men and women – and often at least one on every finger. Below is an example of a recently auctioned 17th century sapphire and diamond ring (and of course SJ’s less expensive, though strikingly similar version).

Expanded exploration and trade routes created a demand for different types of gemstones, and among the favorites of the upper class was the pearl. Especially prized were oddly shaped natural baroque pearls.

We can’t talk about the Renaissance and pearls without a nod to Johannes Vermeer’s masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring!

The Renaissance didn’t die, but gradually gave way to the Baroque period in the late seventeenth century. If the Renaissance is a fine, demure lady…Baroque is a diva! It’s ornate. It’s delightfully over-the-top, and it demands to be seen.

You can see the influence of nature both in the Baroque period bib on the left, as well as SJ’s Gold Toned Branch Bib on the right.

So, we’ve seen some lovely period jewelry, and found out how we ended up gorging ourselves on giant heart shaped boxes of chocolate covered nougaty goodness on February 14th.

Sort of.

Leave a comment below, letting me know what you think and you’ll be entered to win your choice of SJ’s Throwback Thursday Renaissance picks! Check out last week’s winners here: https://a.pgtb.me/jQ5LbV

Contest Rules

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107 comments

Kimberly Fleming February 13, 2015 - 1:00 am
Thanks for sharing.
Kelly Freeman February 13, 2015 - 1:00 am
i learned somehing new today, interesting, thanks
Brittany February 13, 2015 - 1:03 am
Great piece, I now cam speak with confidence about the origin of Valentine's day! Absolutely love the ring, its gorgeous!
Andrea Behrer February 13, 2015 - 1:08 am
well, now I know it's not just consumerism!! Interesting to know the background :)
Cindy February 13, 2015 - 1:16 am
Beautiful, love the Renaissance pieces! The ring is gorgeous, never goes out of style.
Shari February 13, 2015 - 1:17 am
Ty for the chance and sharing the history
David Rios February 13, 2015 - 1:20 am
Beautiful story
Susan P. February 13, 2015 - 1:20 am
I like the Renaissance style of jewelry, especially the Gold Toned Branch Bib necklace. Thanks for the history of Valentine's Day!
Amber Kolb February 13, 2015 - 1:22 am
I love the history and the jewelry!! Thanks for the chance to win. Fingers and toes crossed :)
sylvia shaw February 13, 2015 - 1:23 am
interesting article
Mary W February 13, 2015 - 1:23 am
The early days of the history of Valentines Day are pretty grim. Sacrificing dogs and goats, striking those you meet and bartering for your own price? No thanks! The highly commercialized Valentines Day of today doesn't look so bad after all!
Pamela Brearley February 13, 2015 - 1:24 am
very interesting stories. some i've never heard. would love to have that ring!! i'd love a ring on each finger too
Teressa Bignell February 13, 2015 - 1:25 am
W|OW I had no idea! great information on the history of Valentines Day & I love seeing the jewelry!
Anita February 13, 2015 - 1:27 am
very touching story I had forgotten it thank you for sharing
Jessica C February 13, 2015 - 1:28 am
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer Scott February 13, 2015 - 1:29 am
i love the pearl earrings!
susan king February 13, 2015 - 1:30 am
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story and the jewelry is beautiful !!! thank you for giving us the chance to win it !!!
Audrey February 13, 2015 - 1:30 am
Lots of interesting information!
Connie Wallace February 13, 2015 - 1:38 am
Interesting story.
Richard Martin February 13, 2015 - 1:42 am
Fascinating,thank you very much for the knowledge.I don't agree with Claudius.I would think a Soldier/Person would fight harder if they have something to lose,I know I would. And I'm glad people don't run up and down the street naked striking people with shaggy tongs anymore Lol.Giving someone a card,roses and chocolates it's much more politically correct nowadays.
Gina Gallagher February 13, 2015 - 1:45 am
Love all the featured pieces, and the sapphire ring is my favorite. The ring was popular during the Renaissance and reminds me of Princess Diana in modern times.
Sharon Harding February 13, 2015 - 1:47 am
Funny Nicholas Sparks/Shakespeare meme! I taught high school cheerleaders and football players basic Shakespeare and Chaucer!
amy j s February 13, 2015 - 1:49 am
Love the earrings
Carol Burgess February 13, 2015 - 1:51 am
Wow!I didn't know all of this. Thank you so much for sharing! Thanks for the chance at this awesome giveaway!
Lane Phillips February 13, 2015 - 1:52 am
Fascinating! While reading your brief history, I had imagines of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Thanks for the education!
Stephen Almberg February 13, 2015 - 2:00 am
Very interesting post!
Kari Judd February 13, 2015 - 2:11 am
I LOVE Renaissance jewelry!!
Joni Roller February 13, 2015 - 2:17 am
Thank you for the article. Learning new (and strange)facts makes life, and you, more interesting. May you and yours have a Happy Valentine's Day.
KARA ZALIS February 13, 2015 - 2:21 am
I would sacrifice 2 goats & a horse for that awesome Gold Toned Branch Bib. ;)
Diana C February 13, 2015 - 2:21 am
Thanks for sharing the history. I love reading about those things. What a great sapphire ring! Just beautiful! Diana C
Darla Peduzzi February 13, 2015 - 2:22 am
Thanks for the interesting article! Just goes to show, we're never too old to learn!
KARA ZALIS February 13, 2015 - 2:22 am
I would sacrifice 2 goats & a dog for that awesome Gold Toned Branch Bib. lol ;)
Mary K. February 13, 2015 - 2:27 am
Interesting to know the history. The jewelry is lovely.
Martha gonzalez February 13, 2015 - 2:36 am
Wow very interesting history lesson! Loved it and the jewelry! Thanks :) <3
Irina K February 13, 2015 - 2:41 am
Love the all the jewelry in the article, but my favorite is SJ’s Gold Toned Branch Bib
Aleah Lundy February 13, 2015 - 2:44 am
Interesting article and beautiful pieces.
Irene Bell February 13, 2015 - 2:47 am
The article was very interesting. I enjoyed learning some new facts about Valentines Day. I hope the giveaway is for the sapphire ring because it looks so beautiful
T February 13, 2015 - 2:58 am
Thanks for the info. Love the Baroque period especially the music. My fav is the Branch Bib.
Loud Ann February 13, 2015 - 3:11 am
Wow, totally blown Away! Awesome! ❤
mel barker February 13, 2015 - 3:18 am
really interesting!
Samantha Turnbull February 13, 2015 - 3:25 am
love that bib necklace !! so pretty !!
CL Chin February 13, 2015 - 3:41 am
I liked reading the information about the first known Valentine.
Manuel Vizcaya February 13, 2015 - 3:43 am
very interesting
Susan Jordan February 13, 2015 - 3:45 am
Thanks for the Great info- learned a lot! Love the ring! Thanks!
Susie Turner February 13, 2015 - 3:49 am
Most Interesting - have lived thru so many Valentine Days - but most of this had never heard. Did not know about the sacrifices of dogs and birds - maybe I knew a lot more than I remembered - thanks, really enjoyed. Would really love the sapphire ring, all jewelry beautiful.
Karen Heay February 13, 2015 - 3:49 am
Very interesting, learned something new. Thanks!
Jean Ray February 13, 2015 - 4:09 am
I would never had guested the Valentine stores as these!
Susan Christy February 13, 2015 - 4:36 am
Very interesting! Love the sapphire ring.
Jodi Mitrovic February 13, 2015 - 4:52 am
Beautiful, love the Renaissance pieces!
Sharron Johnston February 13, 2015 - 4:58 am
I love the period time pieces. They're so elegant.
Andrea morrow February 13, 2015 - 5:02 am
Interesting read!! Thanks:)
Alexander S. February 13, 2015 - 5:08 am
EACH TIME I learn something new...
Kristine P February 13, 2015 - 5:14 am
Great story.....and I especially like the remake of the ring!
Jennifer Herman February 13, 2015 - 5:19 am
I thought that article was really neat - who new that the day he was referring to was not the 14th.
John Herman February 13, 2015 - 5:21 am
That was really cool!
Lauren Goskie February 13, 2015 - 5:34 am
I think it so awesome that you guys posted this! How cool it is to learn something that you never knew! I never knew how Valentine's Day was truly choose - not what I had ever expected!
Jacqueline Hargraves February 13, 2015 - 5:53 am
Thanks for enlighten me oh the history of Valentine's Day and the jewelry is definitely classy my favorite is the sapphire and Opal ring.By the way Happy Valentines. Day to all.
Willeke Kotvis February 13, 2015 - 5:54 am
interesting story, for me I like the ring the most.
Jeri E. February 13, 2015 - 6:17 am
I actually didn't know most of this history, and I found it very interesting! I love the pieces you chose, and I think they fit in well with the theme of the article. I for one am glad that Valentine's Day has evolved...I love those heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, and all of the pretty jewelry, too! Thank you for the giveaway!!
Jillian Bernath February 13, 2015 - 6:40 am
Beautiful and elegant! Love it
Lisa James February 13, 2015 - 6:52 am
Amazing the history of valentines day I loved reading it I love history. Thank you for sharing. It is nice you posted this so we all know. I think one should know the history of the days we celebrate. It's important.
Lisa James February 13, 2015 - 6:54 am
Thank you for sharing. It is important to know the history of the days we celebrate. I love history and feel it is important to know. It is nice you shared this with us and I thank you.
sandy weinstein February 13, 2015 - 7:37 am
love the pearl earrings. same thing w/ other holidays, the need to make money off everything, what happened to the Christmas holidays, thanksgiving...retail...
Amy Milelr February 13, 2015 - 10:43 am
Well what else says I love you like chocolate and gold?
Maria Luisa February 13, 2015 - 10:53 am
I also thought San Valentines' day with gift and card exchanges was a product of 20th century advertising and mass production. Thanks for open our eyes and tell us these histories and how it started. By the way, I was wow by Super Jeweler imitations of the Renaissance and Baroque's Jewelry. They are really nice!
ralph gonzales February 13, 2015 - 11:22 am
very insightful i do like the blue rings.
Hannah Ellis February 13, 2015 - 11:38 am
Really interesting xx
susan kopp February 13, 2015 - 12:36 pm
Love the history & the jewelry, especially the Sapphire ring!!
Kelley vain February 13, 2015 - 1:07 pm
I love learning things about our history & I love jewelry!
Stephanie Moore February 13, 2015 - 2:02 pm
Interesting history!
Susan February 13, 2015 - 2:37 pm
Thank you for the enlightening article! All of your jewelry creations are always absolutely stunning!
Dave February 13, 2015 - 3:02 pm
nice Thanks for sharing!
Tonya Hampton February 13, 2015 - 3:26 pm
The Renaissance is my favorite period for fashion-the pearl earrings are timeless!
joyce s. February 13, 2015 - 5:24 pm
it's always interesting how things come about.
Cynthia Richardson February 13, 2015 - 5:31 pm
Very interesting. Thanks for the history. Love SJ's interpretations of the jewelry.
Barb Carlson February 13, 2015 - 6:16 pm
Now this is a conversation starter over a lovely Valentines Days romantic dinner
SHARON MARTIN February 13, 2015 - 8:02 pm
ALL THE INFORMATION PRINTED ABOVE IS VERY INFORMATIVE AND THE JEWELRY IS QUITE EXQUISITE.......
Tiffany Koontz February 13, 2015 - 8:56 pm
What a fascinating story! As they say, love will always find a way. I can't think of anything more romantic! All of your pieces are beautiful, but that necklace is to swoon for! :)
Matt G. February 13, 2015 - 9:44 pm
That was very interesting, I had no idea! Thanks for sharing!
Mary Gregory February 13, 2015 - 9:45 pm
Another day to learn something new, love the ring!
abby ray February 13, 2015 - 10:24 pm
I learned lots of new information in this article, love the gold toned bib!
Lorena February 13, 2015 - 11:08 pm
Thank you, a very unique and interesting article! :)
prish February 13, 2015 - 11:16 pm
nice informative article, gorgeous necklace!
Madeline del Valle February 14, 2015 - 12:13 am
Well, it's true that you learn something new evryday. I had no idea about the birds and dogs, but I sure am happy that Valentine's Day is celebrated with such a ruckus. I just love the chocolates, candies, flowers, but especially the jewelry. Like that sapphire/diamond stone ring. The silver earrings are also beautiful. Thank you for sharing this tidbit about Valentine's Day.
Ashley Flores February 14, 2015 - 12:33 am
I never knew these things about Valentine's Day. I am so glad you wrote about this. Like most good things we enjoy today, they are based on some sort of sacrifice others made in the past. Most of us know that in love/relationship we are still making sacrifices, lol. I love the jewelry especially the bib necklace. Thank you for sharing this and happy Valentine's day to all!
Dominique Britton February 14, 2015 - 3:44 am
Who Knew,thanks for the info.
Tammy Ramey February 14, 2015 - 8:50 am
thank you for this post. my niece is always saying that Valentines day is just a big scam by the greeting card companies and i have always argued that it was more than that. now i have the proof. LOL! all of the pieces you showed were gorgeous but i love the bib necklace the most, it's so beautiful! :) tammy ramey trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com
willis flanagan February 15, 2015 - 2:39 am
I loved reading the history of valentines day. I also just want a big box of chocolates. No more no less. Thanks
Candace Galan-Calderon February 15, 2015 - 5:02 pm
I love reading about history and these jewelry pieces are beautiful!
Kathy Savoure Kuhar February 15, 2015 - 5:09 pm
Great Blog! I love the necklace and ring!
KATHARINE COOKMAN February 15, 2015 - 5:10 pm
I JUST LOVE HOW HISTORIANS GET THIER INFORMATION TO GIVE US THE LEDGENS OF WHO WHAT WHEN WHERE & HOW OF LIFE BEFOR THEIRS!! BLESSED BE!!!!!!! :) :)
Nancy February 15, 2015 - 5:39 pm
Thanks for sharing
liz kilcher February 15, 2015 - 6:08 pm
it's fun to learn new things thank you
Alona Y February 15, 2015 - 7:07 pm
Interesting read! I did not know the story of the origins of valentines. The ring is gorgeous and the bib necklace is so pretty too!
Jo-Anne Pfoh February 16, 2015 - 12:10 am
I have always been such a fan of Girl with the Pearl Earring. thanks so much for the info i love learning about history ty.
cody pfoh February 16, 2015 - 12:11 am
this was an awesome read ty so much for sharing
Nancy M February 16, 2015 - 5:12 am
Renaissance jewelry is particularly attractive, especially the rings which I would love to wear on each finger. Thanks for the refresher on Valentine's Day. As always, I appreciate your sense of humour and the smiles you give me reading your blog.
diane February 16, 2015 - 4:40 pm
Renaissance jewelry is always unique
Stephanie LaPlante February 16, 2015 - 8:20 pm
Wow everything is so beautiful
April Crisafulli February 16, 2015 - 10:15 pm
I'm so in love with that sapphire and diamond ring! So romantic!
Vienna Rose February 17, 2015 - 12:05 pm
Great story! The sapphire ring would be the ultimate Valentine's Day gift!
judith richardson February 19, 2015 - 6:25 pm
Renaissance jewelry is always unique,,loved the great story too!! Thank you!
Vikki Cousin February 20, 2015 - 2:47 pm
Interesting history lesson.
Cyndi Wicenciuk February 23, 2015 - 9:22 pm
I never knew the history of Valentine's Day. Thank you for this information.
Rimijakson January 30, 2018 - 6:58 pm
Great article about history of valentine's day. I was looking for this article for so many days. I have found another history of valentine's day from another site. But this is looking good.
superjeweler.com March 19, 2018 - 2:33 pm
Thank you!!
Ludo Game June 6, 2019 - 6:55 am
It is a great written stuff. Not many people write like this. This article is helpful and I think many readers should read this wonderful information.
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