Be My Valentine

A box of candy and flowers gives you a sense of instant gratification, but if a loved one really wants to stay in the forefront of your thoughts on Valentine's Day and beyond, they give the gift that lasts: jewelry. This time of year, everything is coming up roses at Mazzarese. Rose gold, that is. "Rose gold is an exciting complement to other metals, especially cool white metals like sterling or platinum," says owner Mark Mazzarese. As an example, he shows off the way rose gold bezel links add warmth to the stainless steel band of the Serena Garbo watch by Bertolucci. "Rose gold tends to light the skin like candlelight," says Mazzarese, "and is flattering on most coloring." Create the romance of candlelight 24/7 with the Bergio for Mazzarese ring in 18k white gold. It features colorless diamonds set in 18k rose gold.

For the men, Mazzarese suggests the classic styling of Carl F. Bucherer timepieces or Montblanc writing instruments and accessories. Men of any age might appreciate a distinctive bracelet, he says. "A handmade chain bracelet in sterling silver from John Hardy is a classic and a basic for any wardrobe and lifestyle."

Tivol marries the classics with several edgier styles from some of the most important modern designers of today. The rock star in your life might enjoy a Dagger Pendant necklace from Stephen Webster, a pair of intricate platinum Sparta Oval Cufflinks by Scott Kay or a beautiful timepiece from David Yurman, like the Belmont 41MM Automatic. Tivol offers a beautiful collection of Mikkimoto cultured pearls.

Pearls have always been a symbol of romance, and Tivol offers an impressive array of Mikkimoto cultured pearls. The symbolism of a fine cultured pearl is custom made for Valentine's gifts: a small meaningless grain grows into a beautiful and lustrous sphere, much the same way that love evolves. Plus, if you still are yearning for something sweet to celebrate the holiday, Tivol bakes chocolate chip cookies on the weekends!

Putting a personal touch on your jewelry gift isn't always just about engraving. Buying directly from the designer provides a one-on-one experience that can give your gift extra meaning. Walk into Arts Incubator in the Crossroads and into the studio of Cheryl Eve Acosta. Not only can you see unique, hand-crafted pieces, but you can see her copper forms in progress. Pieces like Cheryl's "Connecting" collar/necklace blur the lines between art and jewelry. Designer Jane Signorelli travels to Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco three times a year for trunk shows, but she calls Kansas City home. Signorelli is inspired by stones and artifacts found all around the world, like her Jade With Fluorite Pendant. We only have to travel to outlets like EJ's Boutique in the Prairie Village Shops and Webster House to see her stunning work. Likewise, KC Pink Dove jewelry designer Gina Saught starts her designs with a treasure hunt. She reworks vintage pieces and brings them back to life. Her one-of-a-kind work sells at Haught Style.

Truth is, beautiful and extraordinary jewelry comes in all price ranges, colors and shapes. The trick is matching the person with the right piece. Knowing exactly what someone will love is a measure of how well you are listening and how much thought you have put into the gift. Valentine's Day is, after all, the most romantic holiday of the year: Jewelry says your gift will stick around, and that means you might get to stay, too.

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