Monya Our best tip for any guys who are purchasing jewelry is to really get a good feel for your Valentine's tastes. Listen when she expresses her likes and dislikes when looking at jewelry. Is her taste simple and elegant or more bold and flamboyant? Pay close attention and you will have a pretty good idea of her jewelry taste.
Debra Be thoughtful. It's not about the money you can spend, nor the jewelry you would like to see her wear. Ask yourself what this gift will mean to her. As Valentines Day fades into the past, will she still wear your gift or will it wind up in the drawer with all the other jewelry that just didn't fit her personality or style of dress?
Margot When a woman makes a comment that she likes something it doesn't necessarily mean she wants to own it. Here is a perfect example: A male customer recently returned a 3-foot tall Black Lab Retriever sculpture he thoughtfully purchased for his wife for Christmas. She had commented to him how much she liked a similar sculpture at the airport. The poor guy was absolutely stunned and shocked when his wife told him that his gift looked menacing. I suggested to him that women like jewelry, sentimental items, high-end cooking gadgets, and flowers. He really appreciated the advice.
Joan Think creatively. How about a small box of chocolates with a lovely heart pin or ring replacing a piece or two of candy? If you're planning a night out, try pinning a lovely, romantic pin on her coat as a surprise. And for the man in your life, how about show or sports tickets held together with a vintage money clip. Or lay out his favorite dress shirt with a pair of antique cuff links.
Georgene Gentlemen should take notice of the jewelry their ladies normally wear and the items she compliments others on. Does she prefer sterling silver, platinum or 14K yellow gold? Does she like petite or bold size styles? If possible, look through her jewelry box to get an idea of her tastes in jewelry.
Carly Is there anything else you would like to add to help our readers choose the best gift for their Valentine? Monya: In our opinion, any jewelry gift is appreciated when it comes from someone you love.
Debra Whatever the holiday, shop in advance for the gift. Running out to the mall or local shopping center on the day of the holiday will not make her feel nearly as appreciated as when you surprise her first thing in the morning with a wrapped gift that has been hidden away. By planning ahead, you show her how important she is and that she's not just a part of your last minute things to do list. The timing is often more important than the gift itself.
Margot There are some men who simply will not consider buying jewelry or flowers. Gift suggestions for them include decorator items within a theme their lady enjoys. For example, if a woman has decorated her kitchen with everything rooster, a rooster clock, rooster tea set, or rooster sculptures for her cookbook shelf are a winning idea.
Men should remember that lingerie is for the man, not the woman he is purchasing it for. However, if a woman gives a man boxers with hearts all over them, they are a gift for the guy.
Joan Look for quality in design and workmanship--no matter what the price range. And most importantly, buy only what you love.
Georgene For Valentine's Day in particular I think it's important that a gift comes from the heart, because the ladies want something that says I love you. There's nothing that conveys that sentiment to a woman louder and clearer than jewelry.
Carly's Tip Charm bracelets never truly go 'out of style,' but right now they are as popular as they've ever been. You can select from thousands of charms, so some will surely have a special significance to your Valentine. Choose a traditional, classic charm bracelet or try one of the modular Italian charm bracelets for a contemporary look.
See the photo gallery for more romantic jewelry.
