Jennifer Chan
Fashion Columnist
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, gift giving bombards the minds of many, once again — but this time, with the idealistic potential for heightened emotion or meaning for their special someone. Amidst the overhaul of chocolates, floral bouquets or clothing — jewelry remains the gift that no girl can refuse and will undoubtedly adore for years to come.
From flashy chandelier earrings to refined filigree necklaces, the type of jewelry one buys is indicative of the meaning behind the accessory.
So whether you are seeking a romantic gift for your sweetie, a loving token of friendship for your gal pals, or indulging in a precious trinket all for yourself, I’ve scoured the collections and designers to inform you of the latest in the jewelry scene.
A few of the current trends in jewelry include: a strong prominence of gold-toned jewelry, a re-emergence of old-school charm bracelets and lockets, long linear earrings, pearls worn in non-traditional ways (such as in multiple strands or combined with other metals or gemstones) and bold diamond cocktail rings in tantalizing colors or cuts.
If traditional jewelry ideas are more your speed, opt for classic designers and ideas for guidance.
For followers of old-school romance, promise rings, which are exchanged between two people to signify a commitment or an oath between each other, have evolved from sleek bands with engraving or subtly set diamonds to more intricate and ornate designs of interlocked hearts or gemstone embellishments depending on the mood or situation of the wearers.
Got your eye on a more modern memento of affection? Plenty of options await you as trendy new up-and-coming jewelry designers offer chic designs that show just as much consideration, but with a dose of originality.
A sweet pick is the ‘Dove and Heart Necklace’ by up and comer Maya Brenner. In this design, three charms consisting of a dove, a heart and a locket dangle lightly on a fragile chain — clearly spelling romance to the recipient but with undertones of casual luxury and hip creativity.
For the perfectly personalized gift, check out the necklaces by new designer Christie Martin, who offers pendants proclaiming whatever word or name your heart desires to be engraved in sterling silver or gold. Got a lot to say? Try layering pendants to spell out a phrase or declare the statement of your choice.
Juicy Couture continues to reign as a popular pick among the Pepperdine crowd, and its fanciful jewelry line, including darling charm bracelets (my personal favorite is the ‘Look Book’ charm bracelet), sassy pendants and charms are all winners when seeking a gift for the girly girl in your life.
Nabi Designs boasts a spring collection of handcrafted delicately gold-filled teardrop earrings and discreetly elegant charm necklaces — complete with gentle layers of baubles and free-spirited pendants like leaves, horseshoes or lockets.
As seen in popular magazines like Glamour, Star, Marie Claire and People, gorgeous ethnic earrings by Binny and Thaya are all of the rage right now. Designed to turn heads, these elegant and flashy earrings and pendants are perfect for the trendsetter who loves attention and is not afraid of taking risks.
If money is not an issue, head over to Tiffany and Co., where one can do no wrong (seriously). The sterling collection is reasonably affordable and carries the class and status that every girl desires.
With a guarantee of all Tiffany silver items being of 92.5 percent pure silver, the sterling pieces are expertly crafted with the quality and finesse fit for a princess and the sheen and luster of the most elite jewelry of its kind available.
With the plethora of enticing options on the jewelry scene, scoring the next trinket for yourself or your special someone is bound to be a sweet success.
02-10-2005
