Guys, this one’s for you (or for you, ladies, if you need some inspiration). Choosing the perfect Valentine’s gift is not for the faint of heart, so we’re here to make it easy. You rarely go wrong with a bright, shiny bauble, and some of the Coast’s finest shops and boutiques have shared the top picks found in their stores:
Station bracelet featuring nine small, circular mounts, each embellished with a bezel-set, round-cut diamond (one- quarter carat total weight). A lobster clasp secures the 14-karat-yellow- gold bracelet. ($499 plus tax), PAV & BROOME FINE JEWELRY
“This station bracelet can be worn casually or for elegant occasions. It can be layered with other bracelets or worn on its own. The diamonds are bezel set, giving reassurance that they won’t snag on expensive sweaters or blouses or fall out due to the secure nature of the setting.” — Gail Pav, sales manager, Pav & Broome
Triple-drop necklace featuring turquoise and shell encased in sterling on a 30-inch adjustable sterling-silver chain. Artisan made by the Dune Jewelry Company ($165), ROBIN’S NEST IN THE PASS
“I like the uniqueness of this piece of hand-crafted jewelry, featuring sand from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, crushed turquoise and shell. The length of the sterling chain makes it easy to wear as well.” – Dorothy Roberts, Robin’s Nest owner
Vintage stanhope cross pendant circa 1950 on a 14-karat gold-filled chain with delicate freshwa- ter pearls. Cross made with Swarovski crystals hanging 30 inches with a 3-inch extension ($425), GRANT’S FOR HER
“What makes the Stanhope so special is the hidden feature where you can look through the center glass optical lens to read a micro-photograph of the Lord’s Prayer. (Hold close to one eye, close other eye, and look towards light.)” – Sharon Weeks, Grant’s for Her owner
Handcrafted earrings ($70), necklace ($46) and bracelet ($132) by Catherine Popesco, PANACHE APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
“I love Catherine Popesco because it’s a vintage statement that is just beautiful. It can dress up any outfit day or night.” – Rebeca Fairley, Panache owner