Valentines Day is traditionally a day of romance, mystery and delight - a chance to surprise a potential girlfriend, a long-suffering wife or a cosy live-in lover. But sadly, for most men it fills them with the fear of god instead! As I write this, I can almost feel husbands, boyfriends, and lovers everywhere shaking in their pavement-tapping shoes at the thought of another Valentine’s Day appearing and once again not getting it quite right. So, in a bid to turn you frogs into princes this Valentine’s Day, here is my ultimate jewellery gift guide to getting it right.
1. Think before you choose. Is she is a style queen, an eco-warrior or a classical beauty? Designer jewellery covers every characteristic from big rocks and brightly-coloured gemstones to timeless pearls, recycled-gold and twinkling diamonds; there is something for every maiden here.
2. If she’s a fashionista, wow her with a statement piece. Hot new Brazilian designer, Carla Amorim’s Orivesi ring is set in rose-gold and has a vast rose quartz cabochon delicately covered in daisies and sprinkled with diamonds. It’s a big, bold, piece that has a romantic feel and is sure to turn heads.
3. While we are on the subject of romance, it’s worth mentioning the appeal of rose-gold jewellery (a much warmer gold than yellow-gold with a pinkish hue that flatters any skin tone). Remember, you get brownie points for thoughtfulness, so boys take note.
Two rose-gold pieces that will knock her socks off are the ‘Rose of Cairo Earrings’ from the Delacorte Collection. These amethyst drop earrings scream old-school glamour and create a magical injection of colour mixed with diamonds. The other (which would be unforgivable of me not to mention) is Carolina Bucci’s awe-inspiring Kaleidoscope bracelet made in rose-gold with pink sapphires. Her feminine and beautifully crafted designer jewellery is a favourite of mine, worn by A-list stars across the globe. In fact, anything from her collection is to-die-for.
4. If you don’t want to blow the budget, a more classical gift is this pair of ravishing diamond heart earrings by New York based designer Saffron Lloyd. Just check she has her ears pieced first. And if she doesn’t, there’s always the diamond heart pendant instead - either way she’ll be tickled pink.