The bond between fine jewellery and love dates back to the beginning of recorded time, crossing cultural boundaries. It is human nature to want to express emotions through tangible objects, and fine jewellery has always been a natural and beautiful choice to commemorate love and passion.

"Fine jewellery encompasses the emotional and the eternal," notes Elizabeth Florence, executive director of the Jewellery Information Centre, a non-profit trade association based in New York City. "If well taken care of, fine jewellery can last for generations, remaining a lasting symbol of love." Whether an 18-karat gold bracelet, a platinum heart pendant, a set of engraved cuff links, a pair of ruby earrings, or a diamond engagement ring -- the ultimate symbol of love and commitment -- a gift of fine jewellery is an expression of love.

The world's first lovers most likely blessed their unions with rings of bone, plaited grass and amber. Later, steel, ivory and gold were used, but it is the Pharaohs of Egypt who are credited with being the first to use rings made of precious materials as a symbol of eternity. The Egyptians regarded the circle, a shape that has no beginning and no end, as a heavenly reminder that life, happiness and love have no beginning and no end. One of the most famous Egyptians, Cleopatra, was a fan of emeralds, which are a symbol of fertility. Draped in gold and emeralds, Cleopatra dressed as the goddess of love, Aphrodite, to gain the attention of Marc Antony. The first recorded account of a diamond betrothal ring can be traced to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy, and the tradition has remained a mainstay of today's culture.

Heart shapes, cupids and red and pink gemstones have always been jewellery favourites for gift giving. Pearls are considered particularly feminine and sensuous. Diamonds, invincibly hard and resistant to destruction, have long been the chosen symbol of eternal union. Some coloured gemstone jewellery, such as earrings, rings and pendants with pink tourmaline or rose quartz, are lusciously coloured and affordable. A simple heart-shaped pendant of platinum makes a loving statement that's as fashion-proof as love itself, while engraved pieces, such as lockets and charms, are a statement of love that lasts a lifetime.

Buying a gift of fine jewellery is exciting, but make sure you are an informed shopper. The first step in selecting your jewellery gift, be it an engagement ring or a gold chain, is to shop at a professional jeweller. Look for a jeweller who is a member of a professional trade association, such as Jewellers of America (JA), which requires high ethical standards of its members and provides them with ongoing education.

For more information on fine jewellery and to find a list of professional jewellers near you, visit the Jewellery Information Centre's Web site at www.jewelleryinfo.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content