Last Minute Gifts for Lovers

Valentine's Day is Almost Here - but Don't Despair

Okay, guys and gals, Valentine's Day is creeping up closer to us all! Haven't bought a gift yet for that special someone? There's still time, using a little energy and creativity, to get just the perfect gift that will show that you did indeed put time, thought and effort into its purchase.

Thank goodness for jewelry! There really isn't a woman alive who doesn't cherish some type of jewelry, whether it's diamonds or a handcrafted pendant. Consider your lady's fashion sense. Does she have pierced ears or not? Does she wear bracelets, or is the only thing adorming her wrist a watch? Does she like to accent her suit jackets with unique broaches? Does she favor silver or gold or platinum? The first step is to wheedle down her preferences; write them down on a piece of paper, if that helps. (She may also have been dropping hints like crazy as well - write those down first - hopefully, you've remembered them!) Would she be open to a new type of jewelry piece, or is she pretty much set in her style sense? Get out that piece of paper and write down if she wears rings, if she wears bracelets, necklaces, pendants...does she like large, hoop earrings or smaller ones, like pearls?

Would a pearl necklace or bracelet complement the jewelry that she already has? Does she wear or own stud earrings? Is there a certain type of gem stone that would match those in a bracelet or necklace? (One of my daughters has a beautiful diamond and sapphire set of pierced earrings; she's getting a diamond and sapphire heart shaped pendant to match for Valentine's Day.) Be creative! If she is a pearls or diamonds sort of girl, would she welcome a sapphire and diamond bracelet, or a silver heart-shaped pendant? (When and if you buy a pendant for someone, or anyone, be sure to also purchase a CHAIN. There's nothing worse than opening a box to find a drop dead gorgeous pendant inside, knowing that the recipient will now have to schlepp out and buy herself a chain to match it. It's important to include that CHAIN!)