Love is in the Air this Valentine's Day

With February here already (well not that quicky actually – January went on for ever!), the air is buzzing with the sweet scent of love and romance. It's time to start planning for the most heartwarming day of the year – Valentine's Day. I know it’s all very commercial but somehow it is a lovely excuse to have a day when we can spend time with and appreciate those most special to us. I thought we could take a journey through the origins of this love-filled celebration, explore cherished traditions, and offer some fantastic ideas to make this Valentine's Day truly special. From planning the perfect day to selecting thoughtful gifts, and even indulging in a little bit of sparkle, we've got you covered. 

How it all Started

Before we dive into the details of Valentine's Day festivities, let's take a moment to unravel the fascinating history behind this celebration of love. While the exact origins are shrouded in mystery, one popular theory traces the tradition back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. This celebration, held in mid-February, included rituals to ensure health and fertility and over time, it had evolved into a day dedicated to love and affection.

Valentine's Day as we know it today likely has roots in the story of Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Legend has it that Saint Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, leading to his eventual martyrdom. His actions have since inspired the romantic spirit of Valentine's Day. 

Traditions that Warm the Heart

Valentine's Day comes with its own set of delightful traditions that make the day even more special. Exchanging handwritten love notes, also known as valentines, is a timeless gesture. While digital communication has become the norm, there's something incredibly intimate about putting pen to paper and expressing your feelings in a handwritten card.

Another cherished tradition is the exchange of flowers, particularly red roses, symbolizing love and passion. It's said that the red rose was the favourite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, making it the perfect choice for expressing deep affection.

Planning the Perfect Day

Now that we've set the romantic stage, let's talk about planning the perfect Valentine's Day. Whether you're in a long-term relationship, newly dating, or celebrating with friends, there are countless ways to make the day memorable.

For couples, a romantic dinner is a classic choice. Book a table at your favourite restaurant or, for a more intimate setting, consider cooking a special meal together at home. Don't forget to set the mood with soft lighting, candles, and a carefully selected playlist of your favourite love songs.

If you prefer daytime adventures, consider a picnic in the park, a lovely long walk (British weather permitting!), or a visit to a local museum or art gallery. The key is to spend quality time together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Fun Things to Do

Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love in its various forms, so why not mix things up with some fun activities? How about a couples' cooking class where you can learn to make a delicious meal together? Or perhaps a cozy movie night at home, complete with your favourite snacks and a lineup of romantic films.

For the more adventurous souls, consider a hot air balloon ride (again weather permitting!) or a weekend getaway to a cosy bed and breakfast. Exploring new experiences together can bring you closer and add an extra layer of excitement to the day.

Evenings Out

If you're leaning towards a classic evening out, there's no shortage of options to suit every taste. A candlelit dinner at a stylish restaurant or have a look at local events like live music performances or theatre shows to add an extra touch of magic to your evening.

And let's not forget dancing! I love a good old boogie (80’s music of course) and there is nothing more lovely than twirling around the dance floor or swaying to your favourite tunes at home. A wonderful way to connect and express your love.

Buying the Perfect Gift

Now, let's explore the exciting world of gift-giving, an integral part of Valentine's Day celebrations. Finding the perfect gift requires thought and consideration and when it comes to popular Valentine's Day gifts, flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears are classics that never go out of style. However, for a more lasting and personal touch, consider the timeless beauty of jewellery.

Silver Jewellery as the Perfect Valentine's Gift

Jewellery has long been associated with love and commitment, making it an ideal choice for Valentine's Day. From necklaces and bracelets to earrings and rings, there's a piece of jewellery for every style and taste.

Diamond and fine gem jewellery capture the essence of love and sophistication but come with a big price tag. So if this is outside of your price range then consider handmade sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewellery as the perfect alternative. These sparkling man-made stones are almost identical in look and sparkle to real diamonds and coloured gems such as sapphires or rubies. 

I may be slightly biased, but when it comes to finding the perfect silver jewellery set with cubic zirconia, look no further than us, Cavendish French, who create handmade, quality pieces that effortlessly blend style with affordability.

With a wide range of price points and designs, we cater for every price and style preference. Whether your loved one prefers classic, understated pieces or bold, statement jewellery, you'll find the perfect match within our wide collection. We've even put a special Valentine's collection together to help you choose a gift they'll love.

Our commitment to quality is clear in our meticulous attention to detail that goes into every piece. From intricate designs to flawless triple-plated silver, palladium and rhodium finishes.

Finding the Right Jewellery Piece

Choosing the right piece of jewellery means thinking about someone’s personal style and preferences. If your loved one gravitates towards classic elegance, a pair of plain silver earrings might be the perfect choice. Our silver shard earrings have a timeless style. A classic tennis bracelet would also be a wonderful gift and something that would be treasured and worn for many, many years. Available with either classic clear stones or with cubic zirconia in a rainbow of colours. We also have it plated in 18 carat yellow gold for those who love the look and warmth of gold but without the price tag.

If your partner is a true romantic – hearts are never a mistake, and we have a wide range of silver heart jewellery – either elegant plain silver or set with sparkling stones. Our new heart necklace also has an 18 carat gold plated rose at the centre making the detailed intricate design stand out.

For those who appreciate a touch of glamour, sparkling silver and cubic zirconia earrings could be the ideal gift. Our Victorian floral earrings are just beautiful and available with crystals clear stones or set with aquamarine or emerald cubic zirconia.

Finally, you can’t talk about jewellery gifts for Valentine’s Day without mentioning rings.  If you are planning on proposing then we have the most wonderful selection of engagement rings but the true classic is our ‘Love you’ Solitaire Ring which is simply stunning with the true sparkle of the AAA*  cubic zirconia captured every time the light catches it. No one will know it isn’t a diamond solitaire, yet it won’t cost the earth and it isn’t a worry every time they wear it.

Maybe you have been married for a few years now and want to buy something special – how about an eternity ring? designed in sterling silver and set with a row of seven sparkling stones, it is perfect worn alone but also sits well with other band or solitaire rings. The perfect jewellery gift for your loved one.

Deliver it with Style

So, you have chosen your jewellery but how are you going to present it? We’re not just talking about the box it comes in – we have that covered for you. All our jewellery is delivered in a beautiful complimentary branded gift box so you don’t have to worry about that but think about how and when you will present you gift. Make sure you make the most of the moment!

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. Take the time to appreciate the special people in your life and create lasting memories together. And, of course, don't forget to celebrate love not just on Valentine's Day but throughout the entire year.