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Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 and has its origins in a Western Christian feast day honoring an early Christian martyr named Saint Valentine. Over time, it has evolved into a global celebration recognizing love and romance in various forms.
There are however a number of martyrdom stories associated with various “Valentines” connected to February 14, including an account of the imprisonment of Saint Valentine of Rome for ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire in the third century.

According to an early tradition, Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. Numerous later additions to the legend have better related it to the theme of love: an 18th-century embellishment to the legend claims he wrote the jailer's daughter a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell before his execution; another addition posits that Saint Valentine performed weddings for Christian soldiers who were forbidden to marry.

The events are found in Bede's Martyrology, which was compiled in the 8th century. It states that Saint Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and discussed with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed.

On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he is supposed to have written the first "Valentine" card himself, addressed to the daughter of his jailer Asterius, who was no longer blind, signing as "Your Valentine." The expression "From your Valentine" was later adopted by modern Valentine letters. 

He is reported to have performed a miracle for his jailer's forty-six-member household (family members and servants) many of whom came to believe in Jesus and were baptized.

John Foxe, an English historian states: "Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship."

These stories all tug at the heartstrings and simply remind us that the essence of love is sacrifice, to go so much further to display love and affection is what love is really about.

The Feast of Saint Valentine was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honour of Saint Valentine of Rome, who died on that date in AD 269. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished. There is a theory that this date was set to be associated with the "lovebirds" of early spring. 

In 18th-century England, Valentine's Day grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). 

Opal has emerged as a lovely Valentine’s Day tradition, symbolizing hope, purity, and truth. Often associated with love and passion, opals are believed to embody the emotional essence of the wearer, enhancing feelings of love and affection. This beautiful gemstone, with its stunning play of colours, captures the heart in a uniquely mesmerizing way, making it a perfect gift for loved ones on this special day.

Historically, opals have been revered for their mystical properties. Ancient Romans believed that opals were the most precious of all gemstones, as they represented the virtues of all other gems. In the Middle Ages, they were considered a symbol of faithfulness and confidence in relationships, making them an ideal token of love. Gifting an opal to a partner is seen as a promise of loyalty and devotion, adding an extra layer of significance to the gesture.

In recent years, the popularity of opal has grown, not only as a traditional gift but also as a meaningful way to express love. Couples often choose opal jewellery, such as rings, necklaces, or earrings, as an emblem of their unbreakable bond. Given its connection to passion and desire, opal enhances the romantic spirit of Valentine's Day, making it all the more special. Thus, incorporating opal into Valentine’s celebrations adds a heartfelt touch, symbolizing the beautiful complexities of love and commitment.

Saint Valentine supposedly wore a purple amethyst ring, customarily worn on the hands of Christian bishops with an image of Cupid engraved in it, a recognizable symbol associated with love that was legal under the Roman Empire; Roman soldiers would recognise the ring and ask him to perform marriage for them. Due to the association with Saint Valentine, amethyst has become the birthstone of February, which is thought to attract love.

The traditions surrounding St. Valentine's Day are enriched by historical legends and symbols, such as the heart and the opal. Each element serves as a reminder of love’s enduring nature and the commitment shared between individuals. As we celebrate this day dedicated to affection, let us embrace both the stories of the past and the meaningful tokens that represent our heartfelt connections.