Editor’s Note: Valentine’s Day is less than a week away. While no reason is the best reason to give your significant other a gift, that tubby cherub has us guys cornered. Yet giving someone jewelery can be a minefield. To mitigate the risk, I (the Joe guy) sat down with Mrs. Dappered to get her take on which pieces would make a great gift. Her first piece of advice: figure out if your lady leans classic & timeless, has a bohemian flair, or even likes funky stuff, then go from there. The following are a few options, some classic enough to gift to most, and others for the more eclectic.
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Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso® Loving Heart swirl pendant – $195.00
Why? It’s a subtle way to include hearts in your gift. Some heart based jewelery can look a little… childish? This is beautiful. Delicate even. Something she can wear that when someone else sees it they won’t think: “Oh look, hearts” at first glance. And a Tiffany piece is something special.
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Locks heart lock pendant – $125.00
Why? The Locket and Key thing is pretty popular, and it’s Tiffany so it’ll stay timeless. The upcoming season for women is full of bright colors, and this is a nice pop of blue. But it’s the Tiffany Blue, so it’ll never look dated.
Dogeared ‘Key to My Heart’ Pendant Necklace – $76.00
Why? Tiffany Keys are expensive, and this made in the USA “Dogeared” brand makes really pretty looking pieces at a reasonable price. The message it comes with is also personal sounding without being over the top. It’s a good size without being too big too. It captures the key trend well.
Dogeared “Whispers” Chain Necklace – $62.00
Why? I don’t want to use the word dainty, but it’s dainty. It’s small, but really pretty. You’ll see how small it is if you look at the picture of it on the silhouette. It’s perfect as a layering piece if she likes to wear multiple necklaces, or it still makes a statement on it’s own. Also from this “dogeared” brand.
Marco Bicego ‘Jaipur’ Stone Stud Earrings – $495.00
Why? So these are a splurge. Probably not a good idea if you just started dating. They’re simple, 18k gold, and set with colorful semi precious stones. Made in Italy too.
LOIS HILL “Two-Tone Open Scroll” Round Open Disk Fishhook Earring – $168
Why? Two-Tone metal is in right now, and the scrolling is really feminine. They’re not cheap, but at about an inch wide they’re not tiny either. They’re also neutral enough that she can wear them casually or dressed up.
Golden Pearl Tincup Earrings – $399 & Laguna Pearl 8-9mm Lavender Pearl Necklace – $189
Why? The golden pearl paired with the gold makes them really light and creates an almost iridescent look. They’re a perfect spring time pick. For the necklace, it’s actually a lavender color which is a fresher, more feminine choice than white. White tends to look bridal. This is still classic but can go with plenty of workday or weekend outfits. And, all girls (okay most girls) like a strand of pretty pearls. You can also select the length of the strand with the longer lengths adding to the cost. But the 17″ that runs $189 is usually the standard.
Alexis Bittar ‘Smoky Dust’ Skinny Tapered Bangle – $100
Why? Not all women can wear bangles because their wrists are too small, and some just don’t like bracelets in general. So make sure she does before you make a purchase like this. The three colors available are muted enough that they’ll go well with other bracelets and other pieces of jewelery. The Swarovski crystals add enough sparkle that it can be a fun piece on its own.
Fresh by Honora Pearl Ring – $126.65* ($300)
Why? BEWARE! Giving her a ring box on Valentine’s Day, when not engaged or already married can be a huge misdirection. No need to cause false expectations and hurt feelings. The design on this ring is art deco influenced and has done enormously well in the online reviews. *Part of the Macy’s One Day Sale that ends today (2/8/12.) Sizes are going fast online, but there might be a supply at your local store.
Anyting Else? If your lady is the type who’d appreciate something from an independent jewelery designer, try Etsy.com. Called the “world’s handmade marketplace”, Etsy is a great place to find unique items at great prices.
Have any other advice on Valentine’s Day gifts? Jewelery or otherwise? Leave it all in the comments below. And in case anyone is wondering, no this wasn’t some trick to try and squeeze some gift ideas out of my better half. If anything, this means I can’t get her ANY of these. So I’m screwed. Damn. Top Photo Credit: Jill Clardy