The year 2023 is all about feeling good, right?
It would make sense, after the last several years, to have a no-holds-barred, hands-in-the-air kind of vibe to carry throughout the year. And if recent jewelry trends are any indication, consumers are feeling it too—ready to wear what they want, when they want.
So for our second year (it doesn’t feel like it’s been a year since the last one!) asking some of our trusted jewelry publicists what they want for Valentine’s Day, there was one simple query: What makes you feel good?
The answers, as you’ll see below, are jewels that will very likely have you feeling good too.
Francesca Simons, Francesca Simons Consulting
This new Bea Bongiasca Baby Vine ring ticks every box. While the piece exudes love, it has that statement, fun look and is also affordable!
Emeralds are my birthstone, but they also mean prosperity and hope. All the elements of emerald feel rich, and it works with any outfit, day or night.
Amalia Keramitsis, Amalia Keramitsis Consulting
The pink in Type’s heart bracelet feels happy and bright, and the entire bracelet in hearts makes me feel surrounded with love. Susan Gordon’s flower earrings cheer me up and make me think of warmer springtime after the dreary cold winter months.
Arianna Clemenza, For Future Reference
Lately I’ve been thinking more about purchasing a jewelry piece with meaning behind it to wear as a lucky charm and a talisman of protection that brings positive energy. There are so many special designs in the jewelry world today, but the meaning behind the Retrouvaí butterfly Fantasy signet—representing growth and perseverance—and the Mateo Secret evil eye necklace—protection, luck, and keeping evil away—would have to be my top two picks right now. I’m thinking one of these might just be the perfect Valentine’s Day self-purchase.
Amy Wilson, AWPR
The Edwardian style of the target ring is, in my opinion, the height of romance. Target rings are remarkably striking in design; their distinctive circular appearance with radiating concentric circles beautifully combines the framework of a cluster ring and the elegance of a solitaire. Historically, target rings were presented as love tokens during the Edwardian era and illustrate the bull’s-eye shot by Cupid’s arrow. Flora Bhattachary’s version is a modern, kaleidoscopic take on this Edwardian token of romance. I love wearing this piece for its romantic links to Cupid, its mesmerizing symmetry, and (as a September baby) the natural azure sapphires.
Scottish designer Ellis Mhairi Cameron handmade the X mixed-cut diamond scatter pendant necklace. Being from Scotland, I love wearing this necklace as a reminder of home. It’s intricately detailed, with subtle texture and catches in the light, contrasting with the diamonds. The shape of the necklace represents the texture of the Scottish hillsides where I walk with my family and friends. The piece grounds me and reminds me of everything that’s home.
Jessica Kiraly, Mega Mega Projects
I think all jewelry should make you feel good! To me jewelry isn’t a frivolous purchase, it is a thoughtful and meaningful gift, especially when you happen to be gifting yourself.
Anyone that knows me knows that I am obsessed with my dog Izzy, so I would love to get a custom-painted pet portrait necklace from Fox & Bond [pictured at top] of her cute little face. That way no matter where I am she is always with me, making me smile.
Another great option for self gifting would be a diamond braille ring from Milamore. These are also custom, and the brand will work with you to spell out whatever you want in diamond braille. It is then also engraved on the inside. For this I would choose something really personal, almost like a secret that only I would know.
Duvall O’Steen, Luxury Brand Group
I really want an Aurelie Gi For Keeps permanent bracelet—it’s an affordable splurge, $100–$500, and I deserve it! With so many fun charms and styles to choose from, the whole process would be joyful—from picking out the charm to having it zapped on my wrist! Also just wearing it as a symbol of how much I value myself, my life, this body, and all the blessings I have. It is meaningful on so many levels.
I have been called “Do It All Duvall” and have something of a Wonder Woman complex. I truly believe there is nothing I cannot do if I put my mind to it (thank you, Dad). Maybe that explains my fascination with Chris Ploof’s wide Damascus cuff bracelet—it’s my Wonder Woman cuff! I can get two—one for each wrist, just like Wonder Woman.
Lauren Maxwell, Lauren Maxwell Public Relations
I love wearing jewelry that makes me feel like I’m glowing and nothing says “feel good” like a pair of diamond earrings. These Lagos studs would be the perfect addition to my ear stack, adding a touch of sparkle to everyday life. The star motif reminds me of a magical night sky, where I can drift off into my dreams, even if only for a moment.
There’s personalized jewelry and then there is personalized jewelry. The diamonds on this Valery Brinda bracelet act as music notes to create a stunning, visual melody. Completely customizable to the wearer, I would select Billie Holiday’s classic rendition of “I’ll Be Seeing You”—it’s held a special place in my heart for so many years now that it only seems appropriate to carry it with me everywhere I go.
Margo Siegel, Margo Siegel PR
This Valentine’s Day, I’m eyeing an engraved Mood bangle from Nouvel Heritage. I currently have one commemorating the birth of my first daughter, and now I need another to honor my second! I love feeling like they’re both always with me but represented in a chic, understated way.
Jackie LeBental-Jones, Barri Luxury Consulting
I’ve been wanting a large heart-shape turquoise or chrysoprase necklace from M. Spalten. I’ve always had a personal connection to blue and green gemstones—I love that gemstones have their individual meanings, their unique symbolism. She has the most vibrant and beautiful gemstones to pick from, and then I can customize it by adding a chain of my choice from her inventory or create an enhancer charm.
Ever since ParkFord came out with her Infinite bracelet collection I knew I needed to have one. The design has its own symbolic message, which pays homage to the infinity symbol, reminding us there are no limits and infinite possibilities. Couldn’t be a better everyday reminder!
Yael Fraynd, YaYa Publicity
The necklaces in Jenny Dee’s Mandalic collection have specific meanings and offer protection and healing to their owners. As I am always grateful for my health, family, friends, and industry colleagues, I know the Gratitude Mandalic would feel extra special. The intricacy of the engraved pendant amidst precious stones and diamonds pairs perfectly with the delicate chain. It is truly a piece of jewelry as beautiful as it is meaningful.
I am an avid watch wearer, so I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with emerging watch brand laCalifornienne. I’m always drawn to star motifs, so this Net-a-Porter exclusive from the brand’s new emoji collection would be a Valentine’s dream come true. The shimmering stars matches perfectly with laCalifornienne’s signature hand-painted vegetable leather straps. Checking the time has never been so much fun!
To me, “feel-good jewelry,” is a statement piece of jewelry that makes you feel and look confident, powerful and bold, but still beautiful.
Samantha Perriello, Pace Public Relations
I don’t agree that a “statement piece” has to be some over-the-top, one-and-done crazy piece of jewelry that you can only wear once in a lifetime. I think a statement piece can be just the opposite—something timeless and beautiful that commands attention without being overly complicated—whether that means its size, the gemstones, colors, etc.
I would 100% gift myself Auvere’s Golden Apex 24k ring—it’s chic and sleek and feminine all while commanding attention. And although its lines and curves are simple, the weight of the ring shows you take your style seriously and want to be noticed. Another piece from Auvere that makes me feel all the feels is the Captured Cone amulet. Again, it’s a powerful, standout piece that’s classic in design—trendy, yet timeless, all while giving off strong and beautiful vibes. The common denominator that draws me to both of these pieces is definitely how they make me feel when I put them on.
Top: Custom hand-painted pet portrait necklace, $1,875; Fox & Bond
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