Non-Cliché, Heart-Free Jewelry Your Valentine Will Wear All Year Round

We were thrilled to see Ceremony, which is known for stunning and ethically sourced recycled diamond rings, expand into the world of necklaces. This bezel-set pendant necklace is perfect for any recipient looking to add a little sparkle to their neckline. You can customize the chain length, carat weight, and type of gold so it fits the exact specifications (and taste) of your special someone. In addition to conscience-friendly diamonds, all Ceremony gold is Certified Recycled, meaning no percentage of gold has been newly mined — instead it’s repurposed from already existing jewelry.

When you’ve been searching for the perfect signet ring for as long as I have, you start to wonder if the image you’re holding in your mind simply doesn’t exist. I wanted one that captured the heft and solidity of a timeless signet ring, but I preferred something other than the standard oval shape that struck me as Paulie Walnuts-esque. I fell in love with this rectangular signet ring from designer Eileen Chu: The rounded corners are beautiful and keep it very much in the signet look, while the chunkiness lends tremendous presence to whatever finger you choose to wear it on. You can select between a High Polish or Brushed finish, and it’s also available in yellow gold.

Icarus & Co. excels in designs that evoke the ocean with an amazing collection that includes urchin, barnacle, and shell-inspired pieces. This morel (mushroom) cuff skews a bit more land than sea, but its connection to nature is equally strong. I love the asymmetry and the imperfect hammered look that draws attention to the incredible craftsmanship. Each piece is made by hand, using the time-honored arts of lost wax casting and metal forging. The brass cuff comes in two widths (small or medium) so depending on the statement you want to make, you can choose more or fewer morels. If the cuff becomes a favorite piece, you can gift the morel hoop earrings or ring on the next giving occasion.

It's rare that a necklace works for both everyday and special occasions, but this 14k gold flutter necklace from JOUEL by Jenny Sheriff manages to jive with casual and formal looks alike. The name evokes movement and weightlessness that the design delivers on beautifully. A cluster of elongated teardrop shapes hangs together for an effect that’s feminine without being overly delicate. Whether you pair it with a T-shirt or a plunging neckline, it’s guaranteed to add something special to your outfit.

This sterling silver bangle from artist Symoné Currie embodies toughness and grace all at once. The cuff-style bracelet has a smooth polished look with a three-pointer finish on the ends. The design calls to mind Poseidon’s trident — or Cupid’s arrows if we’re leaning into the Valentine’s Day theme. The unique design allows for interlocking two or three bangles together (try mixing metals) for a beautiful stacked effect on your wrist.

A locket is a wonderful way to transform a special photo into a wearable memory. You’ll have to pick just the right image to go inside this beautiful 10k gold locket from Kinn. In addition to furnishing it with a meaningful picture, you can make it even more one-of-a-kind by engraving it with your valentine’s initial. One engraved letter is included in the price of the locket and if you’re interested in additional letters, the price starts at $30. The chain is sold separately so be sure to check out Kinn’s box, rolo, and other chains.

Pearl, quartz, agate, shell — these earrings have everything. If you’re shopping for someone indecisive or who just loves a variety of stones and materials, these Greece-inspired beauties have shine, texture, and personality in spades. They’re meant to call to mind traditional white cottages dotting the oceanside cliffs of Santorini. Good news for those who don’t have pierced ears: there is a clip-on version available in gold tone. Otherwise, go with the standard post in 14k gold fill. Note that the earrings are sold individually, so if you prefer to wear a matching set, be sure to select the pair option ($300).

Recently I’ve been feeling tired of yellow gold so I was thrilled to discover that these huggies come in black gold. It’s the perfect departure for valentines who favor a darker color palette.  Huggies are my favorite style of earring because they provide just enough canvas to make a statement without dangling in the way. These 14mm earrings show off baguette cut diamonds that coupled with the black gold make for an understatedly unconventional combination.

While a heart pendant may feel a bit too on the nose, you can opt for an elegant symbol of love with this necklace depicting Aphrodite. Common Era’s myth-inspired jewelry draws from ancient sources but has a modern and conscientious sensibility with conflict-free gems, 100% recycled metals, and plastic-free packaging. The goddess of love necklace features a Valentine’s Day-appropriate heart-cut rhodolite garnet that sits left of the deity’s visage. For immediate shipping, choose the 18k vermeil option which is solid 925 sterling silver plated with a 3-micron thick layer of 18k gold. This option is five times thicker than industry standard gold plating (which is often cheap brass with a thin flash-plating of gold) and composed entirely of precious metals. But if you prefer 14k solid gold (and can wait for a made-to-order piece), you can order it custom for $3,000.

Pinks and reds are the usual choices for Valentine’s Day color palettes, but these beautiful blues and greens will motivate you to break from tradition. Ada Hodgson is a Melbourne-based jeweler who grafts the classical with the contemporary, as seen in this delightful ring inspired by seaside, gem-colored pools. The band is 9k yellow gold featuring sapphire, tourmaline, topaz and peridot gems. Various sizes of gems arranged asymmetrically create a poetic effect that feels much more personal and handmade than a perfectly polished and cut diamond.

No jewelry roundup is complete without an anklet option. Whether you love or hate them, adorned ankles are not going away. To my mind, the anklet is the ultimate vacation accessory, symbolic of beach strolls and poolside piña coladas. This ten inch chain will encircle your ankle comfortably and complete your look whether you’re barefoot or wearing island-ready wedges.

If you fall in love with this understated link chain, there’s a matching necklace ($350) to go with it.