Posted on 16th Feb 2010 @ 8:44 PM

Every man knows that women love receiving flowers and jewelry, yet often they feel unequipped when it comes to purchasing these gifts. Knowing a bit about the symbolic meaning behind these items can come in handy when it is time to show off your romantic skills. There are appropriate times to give certain flowers and different flowers have different meanings. The next time you purchase flowers for the woman in your life, pick out one that truly expresses your feelings. Combine those flowers with a poem and you are sure to melt her heart. Likewise, it is understandably known that women love and appreciate jewelry at any time of the year. However, understanding the symbolism behind giving certain types of jewelry due to the year of an anniversary can make your gift a bit more special and dear to her heart. Also, choosing birthstones for your selected piece of jewelry also shows that you took the time to give the woman in your life a carefully selected and chosen piece. It is also important to realize that certain gemstones have been attributed certain characteristics for thousands of years; choosing to give jewelry gifts based upon gemstones characteristics is another wonderful idea.

Flowers and their Meanings

Here is a list of flowers and their symbolic meanings. You can use this list the next time your purchase a bouquet for the woman in your life. It is also a great idea to combine various flowers based upon their symbolism and create a unique personalized bouquet for the woman that you love. Simply choose the flowers then request them from your local or favorite florist.

Acacia- concealed love or pure friendship
Agapanthus- secret love or love letters
Amaryllis- splendid beauty or pride
Anemone- expectations or forsaken
Apple Blossoms- good fortune or prosperity
Aster- elegance and daintiness
Azalea-Chinese symbol for womanhood, first love, and temperance
Baby's Breath- innocence
Bachelor Button- single blessedness, hope
Begonia- fanciful nature, beware, caution
Bells of Ireland- good luck
Bird of Paradise Magnificent, splendor, majesty
Calla Lily- Majestic beauty
Red Carnation- my heart aches for you
Pink Carnation- Mother's love
White Carnation- adorable
Red Chrysanthemum- love
Daffodil- you are the only one
Dahlia- elegance
Daisy- innocence
Day Lily- Chinese symbol for mother
Fern- magic, fascination
Forget-Me-Not- memories, remembrance
Freesia- innocence
Gardenia- secret love
Hibiscus- delicate or fragile beauty
Iris- wisdom
Jasmine-sensuality, elegance
Lavender- devotion
Lily- purity
White Lily- virginity
Magnolia- lover of nature
Olive branch- peace
Orange blossom- innocence, eternal love
Orchid- rare or exotic beauty
Petunia- anger, resentment
Rose, love passion
Lavender Rose- love at first sight
Orange Rose- enthusiastic
Light pink rose-joyfulness
Peach Rose- Appreciation, sympathy
Pink Rose- friendship, admiration
Dark Pink Rose- thankfulness
Red Rose- love
Deep Red Rose-desire
Rosebud- youth
Tulip- love and passion
Red Tulip- love
Violet- faithfulness
Zinnia- missing absent friends

Flowers are also associated with wedding anniversaries. However, if you are celebrating years of dating, you can use these traditional flowers as well. Here is the list of flowers associated with anniversaries.

1st Anniversary- Pansy
2nd Anniversary- Cosmos
3rd Anniversary- Fuchsia
4th Anniversary- Geranium
5th Anniversary- Daisy
6th Anniversary- Calla Lily
7th Anniversary- Jack-in-the-Pulpit
8th Anniversary- Clematis
9th Anniversary- Poppy
10th Anniversary- Daffodil

Along with flowers, gemstones also have significant meaning. Understanding the symbolism behind certain gemstones will greatly enhance any jewelry gift that you purchase. Here is a listing of gemstones associated with birthstones, as well as a listing of gemstones meanings.

Birthstones

January- Garnet
Garnets are deep red and look beautiful with silver jewelry. They represent strength, health, and deep insight.

February- Amethyst
Amethyst ranges in color from pale violet to deep violet purple. Amethyst symbolizes peace, love, and happiness.

March- Aquamarine
Aquamarine varies in color from pale blue green to deep blue. Aquamarine is revered for symbolizing courage and peace.

April- Diamond
Colorless diamonds are the most popular choices, but diamonds can range in a variety of colors. Known for being a girl's best friend, diamonds also symbolize strength, courage, and good fortune.

May- Emerald
Traditionally Emeralds are pure green but they may also be in yellowish tinted varieties. Emeralds represent love, happiness in marriage, and loyalty.

June- Pearl
Fresh, saltwater, or cultured pearls vary in a variety of colors ranging from off white to black. Pearls symbolize faithfulness, purity, innocence, and charity.

July- Ruby
Rubies are known for their beautiful red hues and can range in colors that feature the red spectrum. They are known for symbolizing wisdom and a nurturing heart.

August- Peridot
Peridots range in colors but all have a greenish tint. They represent friendliness, relationships, and compassion.

September- Sapphire
Most recognizable for its blue color, sapphires may also be colorless, pink, or even orange. Sapphires symbolize joy, peace, and beauty.

October- Opal
Opals display a wide range of colors when deflecting light. Opals signify a creative spirit, new friendships, and healthy relationships.

November- Citrine
Citrine ranges in earthy tones from yellow to brown. It looks beautiful when paired with gold and signifies comfort, wealth, and a creative spirit.

December- Turquoise
Turquoise ranges in color from aqua to deep robin's egg blue. It looks best when paired with silver and it signifies valor, strength, and wisdom.