Valentine’s Day isn’t the “Hallmark holiday” that everyone makes it out to be. It actually has a rich and complex history. If you want to impress your sig-o (significant other) this holiday, school him or her on these cool facts!
Let’s start with an emphatic NO. Hearts are an ancient symbol of love that have been used in the form of jewelry and other art forms for a long, long time. We’ve made countless pieces of heart-shaped jewelry and we can assure you, the happy, romantic wearers don’t mind “going there.”
With that said, heart jewelry doesn’t suit all tastes. How do you know if you or your partner is the heart wearing type?
You’re a romantic at heart.
You cry at sad movies.
You like the color pink.
You love the act of cuddling.
You believe that love will always prevail.
You wear your heart on your sleeve.
Wearing heart jewelry means you’re not afraid to show your emotions and your basic love of love. You embrace all that is romance and don’t mind basking in the beauty of it.
Giving hearts to a loved one means you’re proud of your feelings for that lucky recipient. You are giving a wearable reminder that the wearer is loved.
The final verdict? Go there! Be a heart-wearing fool!
Let’s face it: Valentine’s Day puts a lot of pressures on couples (to say nothing about singles). It’s hard to force romance after all. It’s something that evolves naturally and organically, like a rose bud opening.
But with that said, we can still honor the holiday of love in simple ways that don’t require too much forced effort.
Have a romantic breakfast in bed. This one doesn’t require a ton of work and it starts the day off on the right foot (especially if you have a busy work day ahead of you). Make the breakfast a little extra special. Add some blueberries and coconut to those pancakes. Make the coffee extra delicious with a dollop of whipped cream. Then spend some time in bed actually enjoying it together.
Put a plant in the ground together. Seeds, planting, growth, reaching toward to the heat of the sun–plants naturally symbolize love in all its growth and beauty. Find a plant you both enjoy and put in the earth together, reminding each other what it represents every time you look at it.
Dare to write a poem. Listen, nobody said it has to be good! There isn’t a woman or man out there who doesn’t like poetic words written about them. Take a little time to write something sweet but most importantly, sincere–that goes a lot further than sounding like the next Keats or Shelley.
Remember, Valentine’s Day is about love, not getting it right or spending a ton of money. Simply show that significant other in your life your deepest and most profound feelings–that’s free afterall!
We’ve been in the jewelry business for over 100 years and we’ve seen a lot of Valentine’s Days go by. But one piece of advice remains constant (though not everybody listens). Ready?
Know your Loved One’s Taste!
Many men quickly purchase jewelry they think their partner want without really knowing. Why? Because they often don’t observe their loved one’s taste thoroughly enough before buying.
Picking out jewelry is like picking out shoes for someone: it has to fit them exactly or it just won’t work.
So if you’re looking to buy your loved one a piece of jewelry this Valentine’s Day, remember these points:
Look at her current jewelry. Nothing gives you an indicator of her tastes better than a peek in her jewelry box. Does she like big, bold jewelry or gentle, romantic pieces? Gold or silver? Dangles or studs? What kind of gems are her faves?
Look at her life. Every woman has her own particular lifestyle and generally, her jewelry choice reflects that. If she’s highly active, chances are she doesn’t like big, ostentatious jewelry that gets in the way of her busy day.
Add your own romantic touch. We’ve seen it countless times; when a man includes an aspect of the jewelry that represents his love for her, the piece is that much more valuable to her. Whether its a personal inscription or a hidden diamond (like the one below), it adds that dash of romance that makes Valentine’s Day extra special.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, our staff is picking out favorites. More than just pieces we like, we’re highlighting Valentine’s Day jewelry that represents love. Sure, there’s our heart pendant but when asked to think out of the box, one staff member chose this piece:
“Something about knots represents love. Love is about being entwined and yes, sometimes entangled, with someone. Knots are also strong, meant to be unbroken…like a committed relationship.”
Elegant, feminine bracelet from our “Cut Lace” Collection with Charles and Colvard created round bezel set moissanite. Only $965.
Here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we proudly celebrate Valentine’s Day. And why wouldn’t we? Our business is based on love, in its various incarnations. So in dedication of St. Valentine, here are some quotes to inspire your desire.
“Each moment of a happy lover’s hour is worth an age of dull and common life.” -Aphra Behn
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” -Dr. Seuss
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” -Robert Heinlein
“The art of love… is largely the art of persistence.” -Albert Ellis
“For you see, each day I love you more, today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.” -Rosemonde Gerard
“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.” -Judy Garland
“If I could be anything in the world I would want to be a teardrop because I would be born in your eyes, live on your cheeks, and die on your lips.” -Author Unknown
“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence.” -Vincent van Gogh
“A life without love is like a year without summer.” -Swedish Proverb
“Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.” -John Lennon
“A true lover always feels in debt to the one he loves.” -Ralph W. Sockman
“Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.” -Author Unknown
“Trip over love, you can get up. Fall in love and you fall forever.” -Author Unknown
“Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart.” -Author Unknown
“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.” -William Shakespeare
“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.” -Author Unknown
“The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” -Jalal ad-Din Rumi
“Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved.” -Victor Hugo
“Love is the only gold.” -Lord Alfred Tennyson
“To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.” -Karen Sunde
“Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” -Thomas Hood
“When love is not madness, it is not love.” -Pedro Calderon de la Barca
“Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.” -Albert Einstein
“Many are the starrs I see, but in my eye no starr like thee.” -English saying used on poesy rings
“Loving is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Yep, it’s tomorrow. And some men, well, they aren’t known for their planning abilities. Well here are a few fun, easy ideas that don’t cost much and require little planning. Leave it to USNews to have such practical suggestions for the budget conscious!
For the Homebody: Movie Night
Hosting an at-home movie night is a tried-and-true method to saving money on Valentine’s Day. Bring over a library of your other half’s favorite movies (yes, even The Notebook, if applicable) or stream movies through Netflix.
To make this date idea appear pre-planned, quickly cultivate a queue of movies in your Netflix account to show that you’ve been thinking about this special day all along.
[See 5 Ways to Stretch Your Grocery Budget.]
For the Beachcomber: Midnight Stroll
Last-minute Valentine’s Day planners can take advantage of natural (and free) resources like the beach for an evening escapade. Instead of wasting funds on overpriced venues, bringing your significant other on a midnight walk along the shore can lead to a memorable experience without a hefty bill.
For added adventure, find a destination beach location about one to two hours away to serve as a mini getaway from your everyday scene. Your sweetie will surely be impressed by the spontaneous surprise up your sleeve.
[See 9 Cheap (or Free) Travel Accommodations.]
For the Artistic Soul: Art Exhibit
Free and fun date ideas are even available in your own city. Scope out incredible savings by looking into art exhibits in town, from major museums to a local art galleries, for a culturally enriching Valentine’s Day date.
Many art events are free and do not require an RSVP. An added perk to taking on this fun date idea is that most art shows offer complementary wine or champagne and hors d’oeuvres. To find an assortment of art shows near you, search your newspaper’s local section and peruse city and art gallery websites for upcoming events.
We’re going to add our own tip here: simply send your loved one the link to our website and tell her she can spend X amount on whatever piece stirs her soul. We have a vast selection of amazing pieces to choose from. That way, you didn’t take a chance on a piece that she might not like and you still made it under the Valentine’s Day deadline!
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Style 5353M
Round Bezel Set Moissanite BraceletElegant, feminine bracelet from our “Cut Lace” Collection with Charles and Colvard created round bezel set moissanite. |
From a reader of our blog and friend:
Dear Joe and company:
Valentine’s Day is less than a week away. And I can already feel the hands of fate at work. This guy I’ve been dating, who lives about an hour from me, will send me flowers. Or worse, some weird little e-card. He’s a great guy and he’s been a very generous and kind boyfriend. But somehow it always seems to happen: I feel disappointed on Valentine’s Day.
Listen, I don’t expect much. I’m a humble sort. If a guy wanted to make me a nice dinner in honor of this day, I’d be grateful and appreciative. But an e-card? Or cold, lonely flowers?
I’ve never gotten jewelry for Valentine’s Day. And secretly, it’s always what I wanted. Why? Because I can wear it in honor of our love. It’s that simple. It’s a constant reminder that someone thought of me enough to step it up a notch and choose a piece of jewelry – very different than ordering flowers from 1-800-WHATEVER.
And I’m not even talking some big rock. I’d like a simple pendant or some sweet earrings. Even a little charm bracelet. It’s not so much an expensive piece; it’s just the thought behind it.
It’s an annoying holiday, I get that. But secretly, we all have our dreams based on what we’d like to happen. Jewelry is what I’d like to happen. I’m just saying.
Sincerely,
Hearts on Fire
Hearts on Fire, we’d like to suggest this piece to your boyfriend. Affordable, romantic, simple.
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Style 10119-4.5mm (1/3ct)
Classic Sweetheart Pave NecklaceClassic Sweetheart pave necklace with 1/5ct t.w. round brilliant stones set on an 18″ cable chain. Fits a 4.5mm (1/3ct diamond) round center stone. (setting only, does not include center stone). |
We’ve heard it from our clients a lot over the years: their significant other gave them something a little…offbase for Valentine’s Day, when they really wanted jewelry. A toaster, a pair of gloves, French lessons….the list goes on. Most women would like jewelry. It means something to them; it symbolizes his feelings for her. Unfortunately this year, according to JCK Magazine, a substantial amount of women might be a little letdown:
Ranking second to jewelry were the other Valentine’s Day staples, flowers or chocolate, favored by 20 percent. Some 9 percent of women preferred perfume, and only 8 percent said the “latest technology product.”
Yet, despite this preference, another survey predicts that not every woman will receive the jewelry she wants on Feb. 14.
According to the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, 29 percent of consumers are giving flowers for Valentine’s Day this year, with 19 percent giving gift cards, and only 15 percent giving jewelry.
Trust us on this one: even if you’re on a tight budget, our pendant necklaces are an “across the board” pleaser. Stylish and significant.
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Style 10363 Key of Love Necklace“Key of Love” key necklace. For a larger view click here. Other sizes available, call for info |
