Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation for the special people in your life. Whether you’re shopping for your partner, a cherished friend, or a family member, a thoughtful gift can speak volumes. Valentine’s Day has its roots in both ancient Roman traditions and Christian martyrdom. Its exact origins are somewhat murky, but the day is widely believed to have evolved from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. This pagan festival was held to ensure fertility and purify the city, involving rituals like the pairing of men and women by lottery.

The day was named after Saint Valentine, but there’s some ambiguity about which Valentine the day commemorates, as several martyrs by that name are recognised by the Church. One popular legend tells of a Valentine who secretly performed marriages for young couples during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who had banned such unions to strengthen his army. Valentine was later executed on February 14th. Over the centuries, Valentine’s Day has evolved to become a celebration of romance, with lovers exchanging handwritten notes and small tokens of affection.

Although there is no connection between Valentines Day and Greek/Roman mythology, today the celebration is often associated with Eros, the Greek God of love, or his Roman counterpart, Cupid. Down the Road from our Cordings Piccadilly store is the famous ‘Eros’ statue in London. Although, interestingly, this statue is not of Eros but his sibling Anteros, the God of requited love. The difference is that Anteros is depicted with butterfly wings instead of angelic wings.

Cordings’ carefully crafted accessories make an ideal choice as a gift for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, combining timeless style, superior craftsmanship, and materials of exceptional quality. This Valentine’s, we invite you to explore some of our favourite gifts for both men and women—each one a meaningful gesture of love.

Gifts for Her

Gifts For Him