Valentine’s Day Dream Gifts Of Those In The Know

Valentine’s Day is often when women hanker for something sparkly or gold and instead get delectable and artfully decorated sweets or fragrant and beautifully arranged flowers. And, although it’s the thought that counts, jewelry retailers, antique shop owners, writers and publicists let us in on the gifts they are up until now secretly hoping to be gifted or those they are quite willing and happy to gift themselves:

Camille Zarsky/Owner/The Seven (Manhattan & Sag Harbor)

I’ve always been a fan of antique/vintage pieces and have collected them over the years. Outside of the contemporary designers I carry in my stores, jewelry that has a past is my weakness. I am at present coveting a vintage Harry Winston lapis and diamond necklace. But since we are talking about Valentine’s day and I’m a big fan of any and all heart motifs—I am head over heels for this antique heart charm bracelet is . All of the charms are special—the compass heart is rare and the one with the picture of Queen Victoria seems to be a wink to the Queen’s own heart charm bracelet she wore to signify all of her children. There are so many intricate charms on this bracelet. Can someone give my husband a shout?

Rosie/Rosie Lillis Communications

“My dream jewel-how to choose? This Valentine’s Day, I’ve got my heart set on one of Marie Lichtenberg’s divine Love You Lockets. It’s everything I look for in a piece of jewelry: something beautifully made, bursting with sentiment, color and a little sprinkle of magic. Everything Marie touches turns to gold (excuse the pun!). And, her designs are firmly on my imaginary wish-list,but this one strikes a particular note as ‘Love You to the Moon and Back’ is something I say to my little girl when I tuck her into bed, so it has extra significance. Husband – take note!”

Amy Elliott/ Freelance writer and JCK contributor

“Inexplicably, I don’t own a proper signet ring and knowing their historical significance, I think they’d make a great Valentine’s Day gift to receive or give. I know they have ‘gentleman’s ring’ connotations and origins but I like to think of them as pretty little platforms for storytelling and personal expression. Topping my wish list are the signets by Cece Fine Jewellery by designer Cece Fein Hughes, based in the UK and designs from a very imaginative, whimsical headspace informed by childhood memories. She has what might be the perfect gift for romantics—the Love Me Forever ring in 18K gold with its vitreous glass enamel heart, customizable with the first initials of two lovers, as though carved into a tree in some enchanted wood. It’s like a Valentine in jewelry form!“

Jennifer Levitt/Jennifer Levitt Public Relations

“This year, I’m hoping to gift myself a piece of jewelry from Le Sibille. The women designers behind this brand create the most unique pieces featuring micro mosaics. They trained with masters at the Vatican’s mosaic studio in this technique that dates back centuries- Everything they create is a one-of-a-kind piece of art honoring an ancient Italian craft. These scarab earrings are the kind of heirloom I want in my jewelry collection.”

Jessica Bumpus/ Freelance Journalist

“I have always wanted a Chanel cuff. For me, they epitomize Coco Chanel’s brilliance in creating costume jewelry. And they are a house classic: modern, cool and distinct. Every year there are more and more to fall for, and these pop-infused cruise designs are particularly fun and compelling. But every year I don’t seem to do anything about that! Maybe this year…”

Laura Lapitino/Laura Lapitino Communications

“I am known to be a bit superstitious and own a ton of talisman jewelry, from a Christian Alexiou evil eye signet ring that I never take off to my favorite Sydney Evan “444” angel number necklace I can’t leave home without. I just feel better having these amulets close to me; they provide a true sense of comfort and protection. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I have my heart set on this beautiful scarab pendant from Mason and Books, which is also known to bring good luck. I absolutely love their jewelry; Jamie, the designer, has mastered the art of creating the perfect combination of whimsical and elegant pieces, entirely handcrafted in New York and made to last a lifetime. Pretty romantic if you ask me. “

Ashley Davis/ National Jeweler Senior Editor, Fine Jewelry Consultant

“When it comes to my relationship with others, I’d say my love language is words of affirmation. However, when it comes to expressing self-love, my love language is definitely gifts! It’s so satisfying to buy something for yourself, especially because you get exactly what you want! At the top of my Valentine’s Day wish list is Boochier’s playful ‘Fruit Hoops’ pinky ring. It’s available in several vibrant, happy shades and fits my love of exuberant statement accessories. The jewel isn’t just fun; it’s also significant. Boochier designer Melinda Zeman told me it represents honoring both her Chinese and Ghanaian backgrounds and embracing her identity as a mixed-race woman. The story behind it makes it that much more special.”

Elizabeth Doyle/ Co-Owner /Doyle & Doyle

“I would love to add either of these pieces or preferably both, to my personal collection for Valentine’s day. To me, the combination of old mine-cut diamonds and darkly oxidized silver is just so romantic and moody. The antique diamonds catch the light beautifully, especially against the dark background, making them perfect for special events. Every jewelry collection should have a great diamond riviere necklace and a pair of diamond chandelier earrings. These are so exceptional that they would make an unforgettable gift from a loved one. I guess this is my very public hint.”

Phyllis London/Phillis London Public Relations

“I am so excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day with my husband and kids (I always have fun creating a little ‘Love’ gift basket for my boys). And I may just make these diamond Mini Huggie Hoops from Katherine Jetter a self-purchase. Katherine’s Nantucket boutique, The Vault is beautifully curated with pieces clients can buy for themselves. I love her vibrant take on the classic diamond huggie – the hot pink rhodium adds such a fun pop of color!”

Dana Kiyomura/ Owner/Keyamour Jewelry

“As a collector of sentimental and amorous jewelry, I was intrigued when I came across this 1950s Cartier six-sided charm with the number 6 and roses. After some internet sleuthing, I learned that the gift of 6 roses signifies ‘I want to be yours.’ It’s a way to show someone you want to take your relationship to the next level. Additionally, the charm has pink roses, not red. A pink rose signifies desire and passion. Could a gift be more romantic? With its fiery meaning and beautiful aesthetic, I knew I would want to keep it as an early Valentine’s gift to myself.”

Arianna Clemenza/ Publicist/ For Future Reference

“I’m lucky enough to be exposed to so much beautiful and unique jewelry designs at work every day and I’m always dreaming of pieces I’d love to own. The brand-new Harwell Godfrey Trillion Drop Huggie Earrings would be my dream self-purchase as they are perfect and versatile earrings that I could live in. These earrings tick every box. I love the diamond shape and how they are set into chunky 18K gold and feature the Harwell Godfrey signature patterns. An investment piece but a timeless and worthy one for sure.”

Margo Siegel/Margo Siegel PR

“My husband learned very early on not to attempt to buy jewelry as a gift for me. Usually, I will pick out jewelry for myself and suggest it for upcoming occasions. This Valentine’s Day, I picked out a bunch of Walters Faith bracelets to add to my wrist stack! This way, he can pick his favorite and feel like he is surprising me. I love the way the different textures layer in together while still playing nicely with pieces from my existing collection.”