There’s been a clear pattern of newly released heart jewelry this Valentine’s season, with countless designers and brands putting forward some wonderfully on-theme collections just in time for the holiday.
But there are other ways to pay homage to the season of love, usually incorporating sweet shades of pink and red. While perfectly apt, pieces such as these aren’t solely relegated to Valentine’s Day, instead suitable for wearing any time of year (and in fact, the same can be said for the heart jewelry).
Though it’s been about a year since lockdowns around the world began, this will still be our first (and hopefully only!) Valentine’s Day in quarantine. Much like as with other holidays, we might see a consumer desire to splurge, deepening the special meaning of these holidays spent at home with loved ones. Now more than ever, commemorating the fact that we’re getting through this, and doing so with someone special, feels necessary.
Alexia Connellan’s Valentine’s Day capsule collection is perfect for such an occasion, filled with gorgeous pink creations that will surely satisfy wearers now and for years—generations!—to come. “Pink is a color that looks flawless on every woman, and this capsule collection is the perfect gift to spark some joy in shades of pink, fuchsia, and red this Valentine’s Day,” said Connellan in a statement.
The collection is elegantly modern, electric in its hues, with something to suit everyone. I love the Queen of Hearts and Princess of Hearts pendants, which place a single ruby (Queen) and pink spinel (Princess) at the center of a heart-shape diamond halo, giving off a starry, floral effect that’s the best use of heart-shape stones I’ve seen recently.
Those partial to pearls will appreciate the two pairs of earrings included here, one more focused on pearls than the other, both beautifully made. The pair called Hydrangea is inspired by a visit Connellan made to Japan, combining the elegance of women in beautiful pearls and the overpowering presence of the hydrangea. The Spiral earrings, with pink akoya pearls dangling above larger morganite teardrops, were inspired by Christopher Wren’s Dean’s Staircase in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. One look at both of these pairs and you’ve been around the world and back.
Then of course there is the gorgeous Victoria bracelet (pictured at top), inspired by the jewels in Queen Victoria’s 1897 Jubilee portrait. The pink tourmaline and fancy pink sapphire concoction has a dreamy quality, and would certainly be worthy of any jubilee-like occasions of our own.
Finally, the gorgeous Toi et Moi ring, featuring a pair of spinel cushions in shades of pink and magenta, feels meant to be. “I acquired these two gems at the same time and they always looked like a loving couple to me,” said Connellan in the same statement. “Their colors and shapes complemented each other so well that I could not bear to split them up into two separate pieces of jewelry. I decided to put them together in the Toi et Moi ring and let these two soulmates remain together forever.” What could be a better representation of Valentine’s Day than that?
Alexia Connellan began her jewelry business by creating custom commissions for private clients; in 2015, she introduced her signature collection of jewels (one of them is the Victoria bracelet featured here). Though the designer grew up on the East Coast of the United States, it was her annual summer visits to her grandmother in Falmouth, Jamaica, with its Jamaican Georgian architecture, that inspired much of the work she does today. Connellan has since racked up her share of jewelry awards and recognition, and will no doubt continue that trend with gorgeous gems like these.
Top: Victoria bracelet in 18k pink gold with 16.11 ct. purple pink tourmaline, 1.87 cts. t.w. fancy pink sapphires, and 1.51 cts. t.w. diamonds, price on request; Alexia Connellan
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