Valentine’s Day is an occasion awash with over-advertised cliches, from red roses to red lingerie. So it’s no surprise we’re sometimes presented with gifts that aren’t exactly to our taste come February 14th. But we’re here to help with this guide to the Valentine’s jewellery to drop subtle hints about in the lead up to the big day.
Beautiful, affordable jewellery has never been easier to find thanks to the likes of demi-fine and direct-to-consumer brands like Daphine and Mejuri, and the advancement in quality of diamond alternatives. Here, we take you through the jewellery trends that are worth investing in this V-Day, whether it’s a gift from a special someone or a gift to yourself.
A pinky ring
The pinky ring has long been a symbol of wealth and nobility, most often worn by ruddy-cheeked men in chinos. But no more, the adornment for your tiniest finger is now firmly on the fashion radar, with more and more brands offering pinky-appropriate sizing.
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A signet style with a raised, flat face is most common – they were traditionally engraved with a family crest that would be used to stamp a wax seal on documents and letters, acting like a signature – but there are so many options out there now.
We particularly love the chunky gold Verlaine ring by Cleopatra’s Bling, which features an apt red enamel heart design and Daphine’s glitzy Laurita ring, studded with tiny Cubic Zirconia – both beautiful statement pinky rings for Valentine’s jewellery.
A locket
Is there anything more romantic than a locket? Their keepsake quality and ability to hold a special memory inside makes them the ultimate Valentine’s jewellery gift, and there are so many interesting designs to choose from.
We love Rachel Jackson’s Momento locket, an orb-shaped charm that can hold a rolled-up note, for its contemporary take on the traditional style, as well as Monica Vinader’s beautiful Corda locket, which looks like a twirl of golden rope with a tiny diamond nestled in the middle.
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An initial pendant
You can’t go wrong with an initial pendant for Valentine’s jewellery, be it your own initial or that of a loved one that you want to keep close. It used to be hard to come by nice ones, but the recent explosion in all things personalised – from embroidered shirting to monogrammed phone cases – means there are now so many jewellery brands making beautiful letter pendants.
Whether you want a bit of sparkle with a diamond-studded version or something a little simpler, there is an initial pendant out there just waiting for you to drop hints about it.
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Welded jewellery
Welded what now? No, you don’t need to don a welding helmet and head down to the forge, but welded jewellery is exactly what it says it is: jewellery that’s seamlessly welded onto you for the perfect fit.
There’s no clasp, so these are pieces that stay on day in and day out – delicate solid gold or silver chains that become a part of your style. They’re a really beautiful statement, and if you struggle to find jewellery that fits you just so – like standard-sized bracelets that are too small or too large – they’re a great solution.
They’re also totally hassle free and low maintenance – you don’t have to think about taking them off each night and putting them back on in the morning. Think of it as a luxe friendship bracelet. You can even add little charms if you want to, like birthstones, initials or zodiac signs.
The concept was first introduced by cult NYC jewellery brand Catbird, then brought to the UK by Atelier VM, which offers its L’Essenziale bracelet in Liberty in London and has a beautiful selection of chains to choose from (from £210). Now you can also get welded bracelets and rings at Astrid & Miyu’s London store (from £40 for rings, £120 for bracelets).
Getting one is an experience and well worth a trip to London for, especially if you’re more of a minimalist when it comes to jewellery and want delicate pieces that make a quiet statement. I’ve worn an Atelier VM gold welded bracelet for the last 3 years – gifted to me by my husband for a birthday – and still love it, it’s one of my most treasured pieces and I don’t intend to ever take it off.
For more info, head to Astrid & Miyu and Atelier VM.
A tennis bracelet
Fun fact for you: the tennis bracelet became known as such when US tennis player Chris Evert lost her diamond bracelet on court during the 1987 US Open and dramatically asked for the game to be paused while it was found. Until that point the style had simply been known as the eternity bracelet.
The style, which consists of a run of sparkly stones in a minimalist setting, is currently enjoying a resurgence and it’s easy to see why – so simple, it goes with everything, from jeans to evening wear, adding a delicate touch of sparkle. Definitely worth dropping a hint or two (or three) for extra special Valentine’s jewellery.
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