O’REILLYS Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver Auction Starting 25th January 2023 at 12pm

Each year on February 14th, we celebrateValentine’s Day and our love and appre- ciation for one another – but where did this tradition come from and did we always shower our loved ones with gifts? St.Valentine is the patron saint of happy marriages and also of engaged couples, so it is no wonder his association is with the celebration of love.The holiday has been celebrated as early as the 5th century, while its namesake died almost 250 years previous. As legend goes, the Roman emperor, Claudius II, banned engagements and marriage as he was having trouble enlisting men into his army;Valentine was a priest and assisted couples to marry in secret.When he was found out, Valentine was beheaded and became a mar tyr for love. In the Middle ages, Valentines were chosen out of a bowl and fate decided your par tner ; you could also get an insight into your future relationships by eating unusual foods and ‘dreaming’ of your future husband. By the time the 17th century came around, gifting flowers became commonplace, followed by chocolates and other sweet treats.The 19th century was when the idea of gifting jewellery rose to the forefront. Jewellery was becoming more easily accessible to the general public, and buying pieces with rubies and diamonds were a great signifier of the eternal love people shared for their Valentine. 6 HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY LIVE AUCTION OF FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES & SILVER • WEDNESDAY, 25th JAN 2023 AT 12PM