Every February, cards, flowers, and gifts, often of gemstone jewellery, are exchanged across the country. February 14th has long been associated with love and romance. There are several legends surrounding St Valentine and his death. One legend suggests that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Concerned about the calibre of his soldiers, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, and outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, believing the decree to be unjust, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

For more information and gift ideas for Valentine’s Day view our Romantic Gift Guide.