Valentine’s Jewelry Should Tell A Story

Valentine’s Day is a big one for baubles, because jewelry is the best symbol of amour. I suspect you won’t fight me on this. After all you are reading a jewelry newsletter. Anyway, the jewelry I see around and about on Valentine’s gift guides tends to focus on naïve and simplistic designs. I know, you know what I mean.

As an alternative to all these tame tokens of affection, I’d like to suggest more passionate pieces. Jewels that conjure up the hotness of Heated Rivalry or of director Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” which hits theaters on February 13. Jewels that aspire to be like the heart-shape Taj Mahal Diamond Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor back in 1972 and set the red carpet on fire when Margot Robbie wore it this week.

Okay, I’ve gotten a little carried away. But at the very least, I believe Valentine’s jewels should tell a story of love. Read on to find out just what I mean.

In the Mood For Love: Signet Rings

Cece Fein-Hughes of Cece Jewellery designed bespoke signet rings for Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi featuring one of the most famous quotes from Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights, “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” The phrase is emblazoned around two skeletons and roses.

While a grand gesture like these rings, which are hand engraved and carefully painted with enamel, might be, um, more of a commitment than you are looking for, Cece also has seriously dreamy items in her stock collection. They are expensive, but a lot less than a special commission.

I like her ring with a shark and anchor design, which represents stability and fearlessness and her dove with a rose and moon ring, a symbol of peace, love and a little mystery.

The bench jeweler-designer Castro Smith’s story-telling device is signets with deep-cut seal engravings. He incorporates color into the pieces using ceramic, as seen in his Vase of Peonies Signet Ring and Small Blue Heart Pendant Necklace.

Although Castro uses 9-karat gold, which is generally less expensive, the cost is increased by his extensive master craftsmanship. I suspect there is something in the strength of the 9K he needs for the deep cuts as well.

Sentimental Value: Lockets

I’m not sure if there’s a locket in the “Wuthering Heights” movie, but Catherine has one in the book. It’s a reflection of her complicated love life.

One of the easiest places to find a locket to hold a secret photo today is Monica Rich Kosann. The collection includes lockets in small, medium and large sizes, as well as a variety of materials to suit different budgets. The company even has a special way for you to print your photos for the jewels.

One of my current favorites in the line is the “Finn” Sterling Silver Audrey Locket Necklace.

Temple St. Clair Athena Studs

Love Birds: Smart Studs

Not all love is crazy love. Some of the best romances are smart and sexy. They may not be the kind of high profile legendary love stories like Catherine and Heathcliff or Taylor and Burton, but they exist. They are the couples who endure it all intelligently while loving each other passionately.

Anyway, that’s what I thought when I was browsing ideas for this story and came across these irresistible Athena owl gold and diamond studs from Temple St. Clair.

A Jewelry Book for Brainiacs

Three views of one 17th century posey ring via 1stdibs

Shakespeare in Love: Poesy Rings

Poesy rings, which were often used as engagement rings or wedding bands during Shakespeare’s lifetime in the 17th century, are made of 22-karat gold. They have a rounded exterior and a short love poem inscribed on the interior, such as “You and No Other” and “No Heart More True Than Mine to You.” Spelled posy and poesy, the term comes from the French word for poetry, poésie. So, I prefer using the “e.”

As remarkable as it may seem, you do see these dreamy jewels routinely at vintage trade shows. The high carat gold alloy makes the pricey pieces shine in a dealer’s array of jewels. I found two nice examples online. The museum quality one above is inscribed “Love is the bond of peace.” This one has the inscription “When Love Doth Remayne Parting is in Vayne.”

That Necklace Is a Rivière Not a Riviera

Chan Luu Pampille pearl earrings

Girl With The Pearl Earring

Pearls generally have a prim reputation, but anyone familiar with Johannes Vermeer’s painting The Girl with a Pearl Earring or the movie of the same name, knows they can be suggestive. Indeed, charged with electricity.

Chan Luu’s Pampille pearl and silver earrings not only capture the steamy vibe, they also are in line with the tassel trend that’s heating up.

A Short History of Girandoles

Foundrae True Love bracelet

Wild at Heart

In Jewelry Land, it’s practically a requirement for every designer to create their own version of a heart because we love, love and can’t resist them. Over the years, no make that centuries, countless magical, magnificent, and imaginative styles have been created.

One of the most popular and easily recognizable hearts around today comes from Foundrae. Designer Beth Hutchens’ radiating heart pulses with energy and details. Her diamond initial and gold pendant earrings are staples in Taylor Swift’s jewelry rotation. The True Love bracelet, a rarely seen Foundrae stunner, features the heart and layers of sexy chains.