Love is one of the most powerful feelings that one can experience, and yet it’s one of the most difficult words to describe. We spend our lives expressing how much we “love” things, and people, and each time we say the word, it holds a different meaning.

Defined by Oxford dictionary as an intense feeling of deep affection and a great interest and pleasure in something, Love means so much, and so many different things to so many different people. It’s there in the kindness we show to a stranger, the unspoken connection we share with others, it’s present in our friendships, families and in our romantic relationships, defines how we feel about things like chocolate and pizza and yet, no two loves are ever the same. The word is used to express our affection towards another human being, to express the pure joy an inanimate object may bring us and in its purest form the word “love” also expresses a human virtue based on compassion, affection and kindness – a state of being that has nothing to do with something or someone outside of yourself.

Whilst today we may only rely on the four-letter word to describe so many different feelings, the ancient Greeks found seven words to define the various ways in which we experience love in layers throughout our lives.

Eros, a love that is primal and powerful is one that is known to burn out quickly. This love catalyst is based on the physical body. Eros is an idealistic love that ancient Greeks considered to be dangerous in all its passion and intense feelings that often lead to a “loss of control”.

Philia, is a love in which the catalyst is the mind. This type of love often involves the feelings of loyalty among friends, a love that was greatly valued by ancient Greeks as it was considered a love between equals.

Storge, quite similar to philia, is a love that does not involve physical attraction the way that eros does. Instead, storge is a natural affection that stems from familiarity and kinship. This kind of love is one that is casual and nostalgic – the kind that is often shared between parents and their children, and childhood friends who grow to become lifelong friends.

Ludus, a playful love, circles back to the erotica that is eros, but involves emotion and tugs on our heartstrings. Ludus is the love we experience as young adults, the feelings we experience at the start of a relationship; the quickening heartbeats and feelings of euphoria. It is a love that invites excitement, and keeps us young at heart.

Mania love is exactly as it sounds – manic, involves madness and obsessiveness. Its love catalyst is the survival instinct. This kind of love surfaces when an imbalance between eros and ludus occurs. With an excrutiating urge to be valued, to love and to be loved in return, a lover experiencing mania feels as though they desperately need their partner.

Pragma, an enduring love, is a love that stands the test of time. It’s a love that has matured and developed, one that is beyond the physical attraction of eros, surpassed the casualness of philia and has reached its own unique sense of harmony that continues to strengthen over time. Its love catalyst is unconscious. Much different to other types of love, pragma is the result of effort on both sides, it’s made up of compromises, patience and tolerance. It is the love found in married couples that have stood the test of time, or in friendships that have endured decades. A love so rare, pragma is very special.

Philautia, best defined as self love, is one in which the Greeks understood to be the most important as in order to care for others, we must first learn to love and care for ourselves. Quite the opposite to narcissism, philautia is self-love in its healthiest form, understanding that you cannot share what you do not have – if you do not love yourself, you cannot love another, which is why soul is the love catalyst for philautia.

Agape, the most radical type of love according to the ancient Greeks is a love, which is selfless and unconditional. A love bigger than ourselves agape is often considered spiritual love, which is why its love catalyst is spirit. Agape is the purest form of love free from desires and expectations, aligned with boundless compassion and infinite empathy.

In all of its many forms, layers and stages, love is a fundamental part of our lives and an inspiration to each one of our collections. With the recent launch of our engagement collection, Farah, we celebrate and honour the harmonious pragmatic love shared between two people as they enter into marriage. The collection features a range of wedding sets, bands, engagement rings, and stunning inspiration for anniversary gifts.

“Harmony is pure love, for love is a concerto” – Lope de Vega

Discover the collection online now and book an appointment with us to view the pieces up close and in person exclusively at our boutique in Jeddah.