Flowers die, chocolates make you fat, but jewelry lasts forever!
That’s my motto when it comes to the big love holiday, which is right around the corner! (hint, hint) Nothing says, ‘I care about you’ quite like a timeless piece of jewelry. Yet, it seems the men in our lives never really get that message. Dinner reservations, flowers, chocolates, and lingerie are among the top Valentine’s Day gifts. But nearly one-third of women, 29%, would choose jewelry if they could receive only one gift for Valentine’s Day, according to a new survey by Sentient Decision Science for Sears.
Think jewelry is too expensive? Well think again, on average last year about $25 was spent on candy, $73 on flowers, $70 on lingerie, and between $220 to just over $500 on jewelry. Yet, at Joint Venture we have lots of great, affordable options starting at only $40.
Curious about the most popular jewelry item to give for Valentine’s? Engagement rings! Four million consumers expect to propose, or be proposed to, during Valentine’s Day. Don’t worry not all jewelry has that kind of commitment attached to it.
Here are a few of our favorite jewels for all the women in your life, perfect for Valentine’s Day:
FOR YOUR WIFE
She already knows you love her, but why not give her another reminder? We suggest a colored-stone ring. For example, with this citrine ring she’ll gaze at it all day long and think of you. On average, women stare at the rings on their fingers about a million times a day, so why not have her think of you with each glance?
Two Tone Citrine Ring, $450
FOR YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Not ready to pop the big question but this is the woman of your dreams? Diamonds are always a girls best friend. You really can’t go wrong with a diamond necklace, like the vintage one pictured below. Diamonds say forever, and a necklace will buy you a little time before the ring.
White Gold Vintage Diamond Necklace, $850
FOR YOUR GIRLFRIEND
It’s not puppy love, but it’s a young relationship. And that’s ok, jewelry is still always a winner. A bracelet is a great option for this type of relationship. This diamond heart bracelet is sweet and unique. She’ll be wowed by the thought you put into it. Remember, a thoughtful gift can go a long way.
White Gold Diamond Link Heart Bracelet, $500
FOR YOUR MOTHER
A piece for the woman who brought you into this world, and who has loved you through everything. Why not show her how much you care? Pearls are a timeless classic. This yellow gold pearl necklace will surely wow the first women you ever loved!
Vintage Sapphire and Pearl Necklace, $3,200
FOR YOUR SISTER
She’s been with you through thick and thin. She knows all your secrets and still loves you even with your flaws. So wish your sister a happy Valentine’s Day with a hand crafted Kenda Kist original necklace or earrings.
Kenda Kist Sterling Silver Swarovski Crystal Drop Earring, $90
FOR YOUR DAUGHTER
Don’t forget your little one! This heart pendant would make a great addition to her blossoming jewelry collection.
Sterling Silver Heart Pendant, $100
FOR A FRIEND
She’s there for you through the good times and the bad, doesn’t she deserve a little something special around this time of year? If you’re both single, why not treat each other? These fruit and vegetable cuff bracelets are perfect! Hand made by a California designer and Eco-friendly too!
Various fruit and vegetable cuffs, $40 each
Have you ever received jewelry for Valentine’s Day? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Tassels are no longer just decorative additions for your curtains, they are a trending accessory for the Spring and Summer of 2012. I am excited to see them adorned on shoes, handbags and jewelry. I love to see the fashion trends on the red carpet, but it’s fascinating to look back to see where tassels got their start.
During the Edwardian Era, (1890-1920) jewelry was characterized by delicate filigree bows, and swags in white gold and platinum, predominately with diamonds and pearls. Throughout this time period, colored stones were used less frequently. Thanks to Queen Alexandrite, King Edwards wife, wide choker dog collar necklaces and long fringed sautoir necklaces were a popular adornment around women’s necks.
Dog Collars and Sautoir Necklaces
Although I love to look back at these vintage beauties and the gems they wore, it is also great to look at how jewelry has changed and adapted to current trends.
It seems everywhere you look on the red carpet these days, some of the the biggest starlets are wearing tassel jewels. Celebrities like Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman, Katherine Heigel, Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep are guilty of wearing these incredible vintage fashions.
Kate Hudson 2010 SAGs, Natalie Portman 2011 Oscar's, Katherine Heigel
Kate Hudson looked stunning at the 2010 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards wearing a long fringed sautoir necklace. Natalie Portman wore some of my favorite jewels last year at the 2011 Oscar’s where she won best actress for “Black Swan.” While keeping her jewelry accessories simple, I am glad she glamed her wardrobe up with these fuchsia tassel earrings.
My favorite tassel jewels from the award shows this year were worn by Julianne Moore. She made me jealous to be a red head. Her emerald and diamond tassel earrings by Fred Leighton looked spectacular in contrast to her auburn hair. With those gorgeous earrings, I’m glad she kept her black Chanel dress elegant and simple. 
Are you eager to add this year’s trend to your wardrobe? Not a problem, take a look at these great tassel jewels for less.
Yellow Gold Tassel Pin/Pendant, $600
Yellow Gold Tassel Charm, $150
What were your favorite jewels from the Red Carpet events so far this year? To be honest, there have been so many great gems it’s hard to only choose one!
On January 11th, 2008 I arrived for what I assumed would be a typical Friday at work. After about an hour on the job, one of my bosses came in and handed me an envelope marked, “Katie.” My boss then instructed me to open the envelope and follow the instructions enclosed.
After opening the envelope, I found the first clue of a large scavenger hunt. This first clue, and three others I uncovered in order, eventually leads me to the top floor of a hotel on Carolina Beach.
In a room on the top floor I found the fifth and final clue, which instructed me go outside to the balcony, which looked out over the beach. When I ran to the balcony I looked down and saw “KATIE WILL YOU MARRY ME?” written in the sand, with my boyfriend Albie standing next to it.
I scrambled down to the first floor, but couldn’t find access to the beach from the hotel. I eventually just circumvented the building entirely and ran out to the beach to meet Albie with a beautiful ring in hand, and the rest is history.
As one year ends and another begins, we all do a personal review and decide what areas need revised. Year after year, we all make over the top resolutions to go to the gym every single day, or swearing off our favorite food! To put it simply, most new year’s resolutions are unrealistic (go figure)! So this year, why not make some easy resolutions you can actually stick to!
Take the stairs
We all see that vacant stairwell while waiting for the crowded elevator and think, “I really should take the stairs.” Although the elevator is easy, taking the stairs will incorporate exercise into your day, and hey, by the end of the year, you may even drop a few pounds! Now don’t the stairs look like a better option!
Unplug
Can you remember a minute that passed by where you weren’t in electronic overload? In this day in age, we are all wired, all the time! This year, invest more time living in the moment and turn off your cell phone during social occasions. That text message or phone call can probably wait, and unplugging for a while will make your face-to-face time more valuable. Honestly, how much information do you retain with your face glued to your phone? Also, those walks in the park may be more enjoyable if you aren’t stopping to tweet about it!
A little eye contact, please
In this age of communicating through all kinds of at-a-distance contact, face time with other people is a rare and highly appreciated skill. Making eye contact is an easy way to show people around you that you’re interested and engaged.
Instead of setting yourself up to fail this new year, cut yourself some slack and get back to the basics. Keep your long term goals and reward yourself as you take the little steps towards them. Pick a few of our suggestions and make some resolutions you are sure to keep! Did you make a new year’s resolution? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!
After only one month of dating, Jenna’s mother and stepfather came to visit and met Brad. While Jenna was at work, Brad couldn’t pass up the opportunity to express his intentions of marrying her. After two months of dating, he began looking for the perfect ring and found it (he hoped). He consulted her sister and his own sister to make sure that he was on the right track and went with his original choice. Two weeks later, he drove all night to West Virginia to enjoy a Bob Evans breakfast with her dad. He made it back to Raleigh in time to have dinner with Jenna that evening, so she had no idea that he had been gone.
After exactly three months of dating, Brad bought the perfect ring (she agreed) and when the afternoon became free unexpectedly, he decided to propose that day instead of waiting any longer. He asked Jenna if she wanted to explore a hidden waterfall that they had discovered together previously and requested that she bring her camera to take some pictures. At 95 degree temperatures, Jenna reluctantly agreed. After a little walk on a forest trail, Brad asked Jenna to sit on a rock overlooking the waterfall. He presented her with a long box for their “three-month-iversary,” which contained a necklace and earrings. Much to her surprise, the box also contained a poem that he had written her two months prior. This time an additional stanza had been added. As she read the poem aloud, she noticed Brad fumbling around in his pocket. With the ring ready, Brad offered to read the final stanza:
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