February’s designation as the month of love dates back to the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared 14th February St. Valentine’s Day in honor of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in the third century.

There are several stories about who Saint Valentine was and what he did, but most commonly he is remembered as a priest who performed secret marriages for young lovers in defiance of the emperor's ban on marriages.

Over time, the holiday evolved into a celebration of love and affection, and people began to exchange gifts, such as flowers and cards, to express their love for one another.

The symbol of love portrayed as a cherub shooting arrows at unsuspecting lovers traces back to Greek mythology.

By the 18th century, small gifts were commonly shared for lovers and friends as a sign of affection.

Red, the color of love, passion and desire and symbolic of the heart is echoed by the color of red roses, the favourite flower of Venus, goddess of love.

Nature creates many beautiful red gemstones. Express your love with a sparkle.

Romantic Reds

 

Red Diamond

 

The ultimate show of affection is with a red diamond. These diamonds command the highest valued price and are colored pure red. Extremely rare, red diamonds are pure carbon but a shift in its atomic crystal structure displaces light that passes thru causing selective wavelengths of light to reflect out, creating its red color.

 

Ruby

Rubies, the most significant red gemstone has long been associated with love due to its color. It’s warm hues span from pinkish red- thru red to orangey-red, create a striking tone when worn. The sister to sapphire, rubies and sapphire belong to the same gemstone species, corundum.

 

Rubies are often used in jewelry, and are especially prized for their deep, rich red color.

 

Rubellite

 

Rubellite is a deep red variety of tourmaline and is highly prized for its rich color, which is due to the presence of manganese and iron. The deeper the red color, the higher the value of the stone. It’s strong color and large size allows for bold, breathtaking designs.

 

Tourmaline is a complex silicate mineral that forms in many different colors due to the presence of various impurities such as iron, manganese, lithium, and chromium.

Spinel

 

Dramatic red comes from gems such as spinels. These unassuming gemstones packs a real punch. With bright, sharp facets and a strong singular color, red spinel is exactly what is advertises. Pure red.

 

Red spinels are valued for their bright, vivid red color, which is sometimes compared to rubies.