Today is Valentine’s Day, and honors the Christian martyr, St. Valentine. Persecuted by the Roman emperor in 273 AD, St. Valentine’s feast day is now highlighted with the gifting of flowers, sharing symbols of love and sweets like candy and cakes, and sending romantic cards. While St. Valentine presented the flowers from his garden to young lovers in order to promote the Catholic sacrament of matrimony, the Feb. 14 holiday that bears his name has sparked the exchange of various works of art and antiques over the years. Some of the most popular Valentine’s keepsakes from the antiques and collectibles world are:

1. Valentine Cards. These small tokens are exchanged between childhood friends and lovers alike. Examples from the early 1900s come in the form of postcards, and are worth $5-$10. Vintage examples from the World War II era range in value from $10-$20, depending on condition, market, artist and sentimental message.

2. Courting lamps. The Victorians gave us restrictions on courtship in the form of the courting lamp. The courting lamp had graduated markings on the glass to indicate minutes. The marks on the lamp showed the amount of time left before the fuel source expired. Once the light went out, your lover must be on his way home. Today, these rare Valentine’s keepsakes are worth $75-$100 in good condition.

3. Candy containers. Glass candy containers from the early 1900s came in all shapes and sizes. They are widely collected and range in value from $50 to several hundred dollars. For some, the Teuscher, Godiva G or Jacques Torres boxes from these great chocolatiers are as desirable as the candy itself.

4. Chocolate molds. Chocolate molds are very popular, particularly on the day when an abundance of chocolate is exchanged and consumed. Metal chocolate molds that date back to the late 19th century are the most sought-after examples that collectors look for, and they are expensive … valued between $500 and $2,500 for fine examples.

5. Jewelry. There is nothing quite like getting a piece of fine jewelry featuring gold, silver or another precious metal and gemstones. Costume jewelry also is a desirable Valentine’s gift by makers such as Sarah Coventry, Kenneth Jay Lane, Weiss, Trifari, Coro, Monet, Maravella, etc. Some jewelry items are desired Valentine gifts for their color like ruby or garnet gemstones. Pearl necklaces also are popular Valentine’s gifts, and it is believed that pearls must be given as gifts as it is bad luck to purchase pearls for oneself. Fine jewelry holds its value over time and is a coveted collectible.

6. Candy and Candy boxes. Valentine candy comes in heart shapes and in heart shaped boxes, too. Valentine candy made by Russell Stover, Godiva, Whitman and others are a welcome addition to any living room coffee table. The quality of the candy spoke volumes about the lovers as they exchanged gifts. Once the delicious chocolates or chocolate covered cherries were devoured, the decorative heart-shaped candy boxes of decorated, embossed cardboard were saved through the years as keepsakes. Today, candy boxes in the shape of hearts command $2-$5 alone online and at local antique shops.

7. Hair crafts. From circa 1850-1890, weaving human hair was a popular craft project. Women would save their hair from a hairbrush, place it into a hair receiver on a trinket tray on a dresser, and use it later to weave watch fobs, bracelets and framed hair flowers pictures. These woven hair items were given as gifts to loved ones on Valentine’s Day as a remembrance.

8. Dance cards. In the early 1900s, a dance card was a coveted and highly personal object. Some cards were worn like oversized lockets around the neck of the prettiest girl at the party. For some Valentine sweethearts, dance cards were made of a metal cover with thin sheets of bone or ivory and used like paper to write a future dance partner’s name upon promising him the next dance. These rare pieces of Americana are not easy to find, and range in value from $75-$100, depending on materials, age and condition.

9. Vintage couture. Winter hats, coats, scarves and formal long gloves from that bygone night on the town in celebration of Valentine’s Day are all the rage. Look for period hats of fur, faux fur or felt. Collect leather or textile gloves with fanciful detailing at thrift shops, antiques stores, estate sales and flea markets. You will have to save your pennies to buy some of the name brand pieces with highly sought-after examples ranging in value from $250 to $500 each.

10. Flowers and Flower vases. When you receive that wonderful Valentine bouquet of roses, it is wonderful to enjoy the blooms and the fragrance. However, once the roses wilt, the vase from the florist becomes a cherished keepsake. Many of these florist vases from circa 1920s to 1950s have stood the test of time and remain popular with collectors. Ceramic pieces by Royal Haeger, McCoy, Roseville and other firms are cherished Valentine collectibles today, and in good condition, they are valued from $75 to $250.

This Valentine’s Day, as you make new memories, don’t forget to cherish the old ones with art, antiques and collectibles.

Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s No. 1 show, The Curse of Oak Island. Visit www.DrLoriV.com and www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV or call (888) 431-1010.

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