It's not just the timeconsuming workmanship that renders them special, but also the materials . . . often precious or semi-precious . . .used in making them.

They currently constitute a buoyant niche in the decorative arts market, both for collectors and for one-off gift purchases. And although they can be bought for small sums, the most illustrious of them can command high figures, especially those associated with the House of Faberge.

The latter is better known for its imperial Easter Eggs, but it was for its bejewelled objets de vertu, for their clever design, that the rich and famous first flocked to the flagship establishment in St Petersburg, Russia.

Consider one such whimsical Faberge objet sold at auction: a trinket box divided into four quadrants in perfect neo-classical symmetry.

The entire surface was adorned with floral motifs, the pastel hues suggesting a luxuriant meadow. The miniature figure was of a winged Cupid cuddled within the central folds ( like down-filled pillows) of the lid. Its amorous overtones couldn't fail to appeal to a buyer looking for something special for the lady in his life.

Faberge aside, there are hundreds of boxes of all kinds that may not be as elaborate but make pretty gifts. Take, for instance, the silver boxes of various types developed in England from the 16th to the late 19th centuries) that have fascinated and intrigued collectors for centuries.

Their interest lies not so much in the shape or type of box as in the decoration, often lavish, and in the wide variety of uses to which they have been put. They have been used to hold vinaigrette, sweetmeats, jewellery, pomander and snuff; and for various religious, dental, Masonic and medical purposes.

Cylindrical heart-shaped gold and enamel boxes, were often intended as tokens of love, or as wedding gifts.

The French nobility had a penchant for objets de vertu and displayed them in their elegant 18th century interiors.

The inventory of the Duchesse d'Orleans, drawn up in 1723, mentions several gold boxes, including four precious shell-shaped snuff boxes covered from top to bottom in mother of pearl.

When it comes to small Irish gifts, silver has a lot to offer. Some features are considered to be distinctively Irish, such as the dish ring, the three-legged sugar bowl and certain decorative motifs.

Among the myriad objects with romantic connotations that you can easily find are scent bottles, watercolours, jewellery, costume jewellery, prints, fans, miniatures, cushions, lacquered objects, incense burners, samplers, art deco ceramics and enamel, and hand painted buttons.

Valentine gifts come in all shapes and images, but particularly popular are flower, animal and bird images, as well as bow and heart shapes.

You can get to the heart of the matter at Weldon's of Clarendon Street in Dublin city centre, which has heartshaped jewellery and objets de vertu that are perfect for the romantic.

A heart shaped diamond ring weighs in at three quarters of a carat and costs 4,750. A red Victorian enamelled heart pendant on a gold chain (with a little diamond in the middle) costs 1,100.

In the same shop, a late Victorian (1899) heart-shaped, silver trinket box will set you back 395, and a more decorative one with a scene chased in silver of a man playing the mandolin to two ladies has a price tag of 525.

But it's the thought or a single red rose that counts, isn't it?