Is there any holiday more fraught, more ripe for misunderstanding than Valentine’s Day? The idea that someone super close to you will be able guess what is in your heart and gift you appropriately—that the right paramour will come up with right present—is well, beyond a tall order.
Pity the poor person who is trying to figure you and your desires out! This bewildering situation has persisted for centuries: In 1797, a British publisher issued The Young Man’s Valentine Writer, with scores of suggested sentimental verses to aid the befuddled lover incapable of writing his own. (Hundreds of years later, Big would rely on an imaginary book called Love Letters of Great Men to win Carrie back in the first Sex & the City movie. Don’t pretend you haven’t seen this. We don’t believe you.)
Of course, a sweet missive is nice. A billet doux may bring a smile or even a tear, but can you stick them in your ears or dangle them around your neck, show them off to your friends, sleep with them under your pillow? Admit it—what you really want is jewelry, and since it is V-Day, you would like something shaped like a heart.
Now we are going to tell you a secret: it is more than ok, just fine—more than fine—to look at the dazzling suggestions assembled here and buy one of these things for yourself! Even if you are happy in your relationship, even if you are with the love of your life—self-gifting of beautiful jewelry is an inalienable right! And guess what else? You don’t have to embrace heart jewelry just because it is February. You can buy them anytime, wear them anytime, smug in the notion that there is one person on earth—that lovely one you see in the mirror every morning—who knows exactly what you want.
