I’m a Very Good Gift-Giver, and These 24 Unexpected Jewelry Presents Would Win Anyone Over

Jewelry is in a tough spot vis-a-vis Valentine’s Day. On the one hand, it is the expected gift but on the other, it’s very hard to get it right. I, too, have been on the receiving end of hideous jewelry gifts, chosen (it seems) simply because a heart is involved. I have never been on the gifting end of that equation because A) I’m a very good gift giver, B) I would never victimize someone with jewelry I wouldn’t want to receive, and C) I have exceptional taste. (The last point is an objective truth.) 

My gift to you this Valentine’s Day is this list of 24 earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches that run the gamut from unexpected to classic. Whoever receives these (maybe it’s even yourself) will love you the most. 

V Coterie Anatomical Heart Locket Pendant

Best Overall Valentine’s Day Jewelry 

Jenny Bird Art Heart Button Earrings

Jenny Bird’s heart jewelry collection launched earlier this month, and many key pieces have already sold out. These Heart Button Earrings are cute, sculptural, and thematically appropriate, but also everyday wearable. Snag them in gold or silver, as well as two larger sizes as well in case you’re shopping for someone who prefers statement jewelry. 

Catbird Dollhouse Gold Locket Necklace

Best Personalized Valentine’s Day Jewelry 

Catbird Confetti Custom Five Gold Charm Necklace

A charm bracelet or necklace is fun and whimsical in theory, but very hard to do as an adult. I cannot walk around with charms the size of grapes bouncing off my person. If any brand was going to solve this it would be (and is) dainty and minimalist jewelry brand Catbird. 

The brand’s Confetti Custom Five Gold Charm Necklace comes in three options—a three-, five-, or seven-charm necklace. The charms are teeny tiny—2 millimeters at their smallest and 8 at their biggest. There are a variety of options to choose from, too, including letters, birthstones, zodiac symbols, and gold symbols like hearts, skulls, and seashells. 

Pamela Love Teardrop Earring

Best Editor-Approved Valentine’s Day Jewelry

• Gretchen Wieners Would Approve: Theirs Maddie Large Thin Hoop Earrings, $98; theirisours.com
• You Don’t Need to Know Their Ring Size: Satya Commune with Love Blue Topaz Adjustable Ring, $79; nordstrom.com
• For the Minimalist: Ana Luisa Gold Chain Necklace, $125; analuisa.com
• Kate Spade Monroe Twist Bracelet Watch, $248; katespade.com
• Jenny Bird Noa Pearl Necklace, $248; jenny-bird.com 
• Loved by Giftees: Jenny Bird Chunky Doune Hoops Gold, $138; jenny-bird.com
• Notte Full Bloom Pearl Earrings, $128; nottejewelry.com 
• Half-Priced Diamonds: Quince 14k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Studs, $349; quince.com 
• Pamela Love Heart in Hand Huggie, $530; pamelalove.com
• My Dream Earrings: Pamela Love Teardrop Earring, $195; pamelalove.com
• Coach Apple Watch Strap, $125; coach.com
• The Cherry Trend Is Here to Stay: Anthropologie Cherry Drop Earrings, $44; anthropologie.com

Kate Spade Monroe Twist Bracelet Watch

I’m obsessed with Kate Spade’s watches that double as jewelry. The Monroe Braid Watch looks like a cuff and would layer beautifully with a variety of bangles. It’s jewelry with a purpose, perfect for the practical and chic person in your life. 

Quince 14k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Studs

Quince’s whole thing is quality products without the unnecessary markup inherent to traditional retail. I was pleased to discover that this applies to diamonds, too. These earrings are 14 karat gold and come in five diamond carat options starting at $349, which is about 50 percent off its typical market price. 

Awe Inspired Pinky Promise Necklace

Jenny Bird Chunky Doune Hoops Gold

Baublebar Sterling Silver Custom Nameplate Cuff Bracelet

Swarovski Bella Crystal Earrings Collection

Coach Apple Watch Strap

Ana Luisa Gold Chain Necklace

Notte Full Bloom Pearl Earrings

Pamela Love Heart in Hand Huggie