The Best Jewelry for Valentine’s Day (Even If You’re Single)
Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated by maybe 50% of the United States population. For those of us lucky enough to be free and single, we prefer not to engage in the mushy Hallmark gift giving ceremony named after a saint who lived during the third century. Regardless of the romantic notions, in early February we don’t have much of a choice when it comes to being inundated in imagery of lingerie, red, heart chocolate boxes and baby’s breath–all seemingly arbitrary signs of ‘love’. Even the super blue blood moon has somehow fallen within the category of romance and become a lipstick color just in time for Valentine’s Day. For all of us who prefer to engage in a less fleeting symbolism of love, we choose jewelry. Why? Because it lasts forever. So if you feel the need to buy something for yourself for some self appreciation or for your loved one to spoil you a little more thoroughly this V-day, choose from these Chopard knockout emeralds, or pick the perfect engagement ring from DeBeers. If you’re interested in something a bit more understated, try our single girl’s shopping guide here.
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Simon Teakle, a gem of an antique dealer in Greenwich, CT found the most romantic pair of rings we have seen yet. The gold and diamond duo are engraved with “Qu’Hier Que Demain”, which is the abbreviation for the translation of “For, you see, each day I love you more, today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.” The complete poem the phrase is pulled from was written by early 1900s French poet Rosemonde Gérard. 1.27 and 1.46 carats each. $23,500, simonteakle.com.
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For those of us who like to wear our hearts on our sleeve, try this ruby and diamond bracelet from Munnu The Gem Palace. The ruby inlaid could easily be mistake for enamel and is from the second collection that Siddarth Kasliwal, Munnu’s son and successor has designed. Price upon request, 212.861.0606, munnuthegempalace.com.
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A piece from last year’s bridal collection, this Buccellati necklace serves a modern lady with a touch of the past. Ghirlanda necklace in 18k white gold set with round brilliant-cut diamonds. Price upon request, buccellati.com.
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For the classic Valentine, De Beers has been the home of diamonds since 1888. Here is a simple, shank solitaire diamond, 10.46 emerald cut set in platinum, price upon request, debeers.com.
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Messika’s Move collection is an interpretation of the house’s creative director, Valerie Messika’s, representation of the love of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Created in collaboration with Gigi Hadid, this collection was not designed for the faint of heart, 12 carat total diamond weight, quality G/VS, $86,800, messika.com.
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Wempe, a family owned company, just started out making watches, but over the past 135 years they’ve grown and expanded into high jewelry. This stunning tanzanite and diamond necklace is set in 18k white gold and is available to purchase at Wempe, 700 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 212-379-9000, price upon request, wempe.com.
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Alessandro Sabbatini, now 31, started his brand when he was just 25. After visiting a jewelry exhibition when he was 14, he started sketching jewels and never looked back. Here is a pair of his diamond earclips, set with old cut diamonds weighing 23.00 carats in total, mounted in platinum and gold, signed SABBA, $143,000, fd-gallery.com.
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At the heart of every Forevermark diamond is a unique inscription, an assurance that each diamond fits the Forevermark standards. These emerald cut drop earrings set in platinum make a 14.69 total carat weight, price available upon request, forevermark.com.
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Nikos Koulis, known for breaking the boundaries of jewelry design, creates pieces with illusive elements for his clientele. These earrings from his Lingerie collection evoke just a hint of romance; pink spinels and white diamonds, $35,000, Bergdorf Goodman, New York, NYC, bergdorfgoodman.com.
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This specific ring, a part of Vhernier’s “Flower” collection, features a spinel making it one of the line’s most precious pieces. Flower ring in 18K white gold, diamonds and spinel, Price Upon Request, vhernier.it.
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This year’s GEM Awards winner, Irene Neuwirth, does not shy away from fun. Perfectly appropriate for any festive occasion are these one of a kind earrings with pink tourmaline and fire opal hearts. 18k rose gold earrings with pink tourmaline (33.82 cts). Fire opal hearts (6.36 cts) on pave hooks (0.03 cts). Price upon request. Available at: Irene Neuwirth, 8458 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (323) 285-2000, ireneneuwirth.com.
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For a ruby burst, Nirav Modi created these ruby wheel earrings combining Mozambique rubies and diamonds. Nirav Modi Ruby Wheel suite, which includes matching necklace, price upon request, Nirav Modi Boutique, 727 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, niravmodi.com.
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A knockout with little need for accompaniment, this emerald and diamond stunner from the “Precious Chopard Collection” features 14.89-carats of pear-shaped emeralds, 37.21-carats of pear-shaped diamonds, 4.88-carats of diamonds, and 1.83-carats of emeralds set in 18k white gold. Price available upon request, available at Chopard boutiques (1-800-CHOPARD) or at chopard.com.
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A monument of love is this David Webb totem necklace. David Webb Totem pendant, green tourmaline and tiger’s eye; kunzite, cabochon amethyst, and green onyx; Tiger’s eye and green enamel; each with brilliant-cut diamonds, in 18K gold, and platinum, $52,000.00. Black leather cord sold separately, $575. davidwebb.com.
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For a versatile option, this Jessica McCormack ring features a full stack and is actually two separate rings. Appropriately named the New York Party Jacket Ring, the ring features a central 2.00 carat emerald cut, and a total diamond weight of 4.22 carats. Price upon request. jessicamccormack.com.
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Brooches are back, and are a gift with versatility: they work for a collar, label, turban, beanie, or with a velvet cord, a choker. And this brooch is particularly special as it was designed by Suzanne Belperron. It’s also the sister design to a special piece commissioned by the Duchess of Windsor. Ruby, rose quartz, and enamel “Fleur” brooch by Belperron. Price upon request at Sigeleson. siegelson.com.
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As Suzy Kassem once wrote, “A heart without dreams is like a bird without feathers.” Chanel fine jewelry “Curved Feather” earrings in 18K white gold and diamonds. Price upon request. chanel.com.
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It is all about movement with this necklace. As they move, the stones reflect each ray of light passing through them, making their shine a bit brighter. Giampiero Bodino Mosaico necklace with diamonds and white gold. Price available upon request. giampierobodino.com.
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For the subtle romantic these Boucheron blue diamond pear stones were cut from the same gemstone. 18kt white gold pendant ‘Eternity’ earrings set with fancy deep blue diamonds and white round diamonds. Price upon request. boucheron.com.
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The best thing about this ring is the secret drawer compartment for one to store mini love notes or other secrets. Dior a Versailles, pieces secretes “Cachette Tiroir Opale Claire Ring”. Yellow and pink gold, diamonds, and 1 pear shaped light opal. Price upon request. 1 800 929 DIOR, dior.com.
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In the Tiffany & Co. the Art of the Wild collection, the brand channels the restlessness of nature and lightness of movement into something wearable. Here this bracelet mimics feathers in platinum and 18k yellow gold with mixed-cut diamonds. Price upon request. tiffany.com.
