Lockets were often given by wealthy noblemen to their ladies. In return, a man could receive a bracelet with locks, known as a "curb" bracelet. Because his fiancee kept the sole key, it was said to "curb" his affections. A lady would often strands of her lover's hair inside the locket. 

In the Victorian Era, a woman would weave an elaborate wreath by intertwining strands of her own hair with those of her fiancée. Once the marriage took place and children were born, strands of their hair would be added to the wreath as well.
 
 
 
 
 

The ring is common to many cultures as the perfect symbol of love. Its unbroken shape represents eternity and has symbolized a lover's pledge since the days of early Rome. Rings given in affection were usually worn on the left ring finger or the right middle finger, probably because ancient Egyptian physicians believed nerves from these fingers led straight to the heart. 

Greeks often depicted the wild hare on wedding rings because it symbolized Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Later, it became the custom to adorn rings with various jewels. Many gems carried their own significance and represented certain aspects of the relationship. Over time, the diamond emerged as the symbol of betrothal because its clarity and brilliance reflected innocence and purity, while it's strength signaled the hope of an enduring love.

Amethyst - Power
Bloodstone - Bravery and wisdom
Diamond - Innocence, purity, engagement
Emerald - Loyalty and friendship
Garnet - Unwavering devotion, fidelity
Moonstone - Tender passion
Opal - Fearlessness and consistency
Pearl - Perfect love, beauty
Ruby - Nobility, courage
Sapphire - Truth, sincerity
Topaz - Strength, cheerfulness
Turquoise - Propriety, success
 
 
 

In fifteenth-century England, coins were sometimes used as magic amulets or charms. Such coins were called "benders" because men would bend them twice before giving them to their ladies--this ensured that the charms would not accidentally be used as money. In slang terms, the British still refer to a sixpence as a "bender."

During the American Civil War, dimes were also used as love tokens. Their high silver content made them easy to engrave with lovers' initials or to pierce with small holes so that they might be added to jewelry or watch chains.
 
 
 

Spoons have also been used as love tokens through the ages, perhaps because they nestle together so closely. This may suggest the origin of the more contemporary term "spooning," which is still associated with courting. In the 1700s, young Welshmen began to carve intricate wooden spoons for their ladies, embellishing the designs with hearts for love, anchors for hope, keys for trust, and birds for affection. A lady might be so proud of her lover's handiwork that she would hang the spoon in her window, not only to display the elaborate carving but to announce the engagement to the world as well.
 
 
 
 

In centuries past, gloves were associated with marriage proposals. In the 1600s, if a man gave his sweetheart a pair of gloves, he was asking for her hand in marriage. Well into the 1800s, a suitor gave his lady gloves, often with the following verse:

If that from Glove you take the letter G,
Then Glove is Love and that I send to thee.

In the British Isles, tiny paper gloves became popular valentines. In the Victorian Era, if a woman handed a man her glove, it meant that she accepted him. (A mitten told a suitor to give up hope!) As far back as the Middle Ages, a knight would carry his lady's glove into battle, wearing it inside his helmet and pledging to defend it with his life.
 
 
 
 

Sailors on voyages sometimes brought their ladies handkerchiefs or silk squares embroidered with hearts, cupids, love knots or verses. Such a square would be used as a purse and was often known as a "bundle  valentine." Handkerchiefs were also associated with love in a nineteenth-century children's game. "Drop the Handkerchief" was a circle game where a girl dropped her handkerchief behind a boy. He then snatched up the cloth and tried to catch her before she could return to her  lace in the circle, claiming a kiss if he did so! 
 
 
 
 
 

In Victorian times, drawing a handkerchief across a cheek was like whispering "I love you," but twirling it in the right hand meant "I love another." 
 
 

Pretty ribbons and scarves have always been symbols of romance. In medieval days, a knight would ride into battle with a lady's ribbon or scarf as a token of her love. Whether victorious or defeated, it assured that his last thoughts would always be of her.