ro·mance—an emotional attraction or aura belonging to an especially heroic era, adventure or activity. OR, whatever you consider it to be!

My husband is a romantic. It doesn’t mean that I get a lot of flowers or rose petals trailing into the bedroom. But he knows what tokens mean something, whether it be a special piece of jewelry or simply saying, “I love you” at random times throughout the day. To me, this makes him the most romantic man I will ever know.

The concept of romance has fluctuated throughout history, reacting to society, religion, politics and economics. So will romance ever be dead? Not while we’re all on the same planet.

Over time, romantic traditions pop up; some find favor, others are ridiculed, even outlawed.

All of us have our own definition of "romantic." And most of us can trace the influences of art and literature on those definitions. We’ve read stories about Adam & Eve, Antony & Cleopatra, Lancelot & Guenevere, Zeus & many. We’ve watched them acted out in the movies and on the television, from Rob & Laura Petrie and Princess Di & Prince Charles, to Sam & Diane and Jennifer & Brad. In fact, television has traced our romantic traditions and expectations with a piercing clarity.

Romance is not dead. It's just adaptable. Some traditions shouldn't be messed with (we will always want that engagement ring!) and others could stand to be brought back from the dead (how about some sonnets and old-fashioned courting?). With Valentine's Day just around th corner, think about what romance means to you.

Love is in the air, baby! Find a jeweler near you who carries that perfect memento for your Valentine!