You know what time it is? Valentine’s Time. And whether you’re a devotee of Cupid or a this-holiday-was-invented-by-Hallmark humbug, our museum store has a range of gifts you’ll love giving – or receiving.
Check out these these heart-warming selections – each was chosen based on an ancient cultural belief or historic tradition associated with the material from which it’s made – meaning your gift will be much more than just jewelry. It will be a story that you’ll both remember forever.*
Check out our full list of Valentine’s Selections – and Get 10% Off!
AMETHYST
Amethysts are a guy’s best friend! Greek and English legends attribute many virtues to this stone, thought to aid the warrior in victory and make a man shrewd in business.
The Greek word amethystos translates to “not drunken.” Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness or lovesickness; wine goblets were often carved of this stone.
Amethysts are also a perfect way to make your woman feel like a queen on Valentine’s! February’s birthstone was associated with royalty by the Europeans – this stone is featured in the British Crown Jewels.
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| Shop local! These gorgeous amethyst earrings are set with 24kt gold vermeil by local designer Via Vandi. Earrings: $280. Members: $252. See more amethyst selections. |
DIAMONDS
Give the stars: in Roman mythology, diamonds are splinters of stars that the god Eros used as arrow tips. You can put them to a much more romantic use.
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| Handmade by Houston designer Rebecca Lankford, this 14kt gold necklace features two sweet details: a lovely heart, and 3 multi-color raw Indian diamonds. Necklace: $430. Members: $387. See more diamond selections. |
VENUS
Venus is the Roman goddess of love – and also the brightest natural object in the night sky. Show your significant other how much they brighten your life.
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| Washington glassblowers Glass Eye Studio create this stunning recreation of the galaxy’s most romantic planet from Handblown and dichroic glass. Paperweight: $135. Members: $121.50 See our other Valentine’s gift ideas. |
BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies flirt. In their courting dance, each partner moves away in various directions yet always comes back to the other. This behavior has made these insects symbols of love, especially in Japan.
Late Roman artifacts often portrayed Prometheus making humankind while Minerva stood nearby holding aloft a butterfly, which represented the soul.
Show your soul mate how much they mean to you with these naturally collected butterflies – which come from butterfly ranches that support rain forest conservation.
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“Purple haze” butterfly specimen box by Houston artist Todd McKamy. $145.00. Members: $130.50. |
PEARLS
Pearls are associated with Greek Aphrodite, goddess of love – you can’t get much more romantic than that.
Or maybe you can: according to Arabic mythology, the pearl was created when a moonlight-filled dew drop fell into the sea.
Pearls were also associated with the Moon in Hindu culture, where they were symbols of love and purity. Hindu texts say that Krishna discovered the first pearl, which he presented to his daughter on her wedding day.
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| Handmade in Thailand, this stunning bracelet features freshwater pearl and leather. From Nakamol Design. Bracelet: $46. Members: $41.40. See more pearl selections. |
SEASHELLS
Imagine that you’ve been parted from your true love, stuck on a long sea voyage, thinking of nothing but her – and fish – for months. You’re heading home, and you want to bring her something that will express the depth of your long-held affection. it might look something like this:
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| Evoke old-style romance with a mirror inspired by traditional Sailor’s Valentines! “Sailor’s valentine” style mirror: $24. Members: $21.60. See our other gift selections for Valentine’s Day! |
RUBIES
She’s the center of your universe – why not give her something associated with the Sun? Rubies belong to the Sun according to the Jyotish, an ancient Asian Indian classification of gems and astrology. They are also said to grant the bearer great success in love.
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Rubies, oxidized sterling silver chain, 14kt gold. Handmade by Houston designer Rebecca Lankford. |
Much more is available in store!
Check out our full list of Valentine’s Selections – and Get 10% Off!
This stone figure is a silent witness to one of the best known Pre-Columbian civilizations, the