With Love, The Best Valentine’s Accessories

Unpopular opinion, heart-shaped accessories can be timeless. The heart has been a symbol of love and loyalty used throughout time, even seen in brooches as early as the 1400s. For centuries, the shape has been featured in everything from works of art to necklace pendants to encasing a box of chocolates. Simply put, the heart is truly an iconic shape.

Valentine’s Day has become a notoriously commercialized time of year with bright red ribbons stuck on almost every corner of pharmacies across the globe. It’s far too easy to get tired and embittered by the Hallmark holiday, especially when gift expectations always seem impossible to meet. Accessories, jewelry in particular, pose the ultimate challenge when finding the right balance between sentimental and tacky. Whether it’s for a friend, partner, parent or a treat for yourself this Valentine’s Day, rest assured there are legitimately chic ways to show the love.

For A Friend

Get Your Bag

There’s a reason so many hearts have been spotted on the red carpet in the hands of icons like Jared Leto and Celeste Waite. The heart-shaped handbag trend exploded in 2021 after Gucci showcased a bejeweled clutch in the shape of an anatomical heart as a part of the Aria collection. Two popular concepts have been driving trends towards bright colors and big shapes, those being nostalgia and kitsch. Heart motifs for handbags aren’t particularly revolutionary, but they are superbly fun and adorable, following the ideal of childlike fun with fashion.

The Heart Crossbody from Coach has redrawn attention after the brand debuted its ready-to-wear 2023 collection and teased heart motifs for Valentine’s Day. A classic patent leather handbag with a geometrical twist, anyone would be overjoyed to receive one of these for V-Day or any special occasion. If you’re someone who wants to jump in on the anatomical movement, you may have to get creative with a bedazzler; Gucci’s $7000 heart clutch is currently sold out, and dupes are hard to track down.

Lockets of Love
You can never go wrong with gifting a necklace as long as you really know the person who you’re buying for. Taste in jewelry can be very specific to each individual, but that doesn’t mean you have to gift something generic out of fear that they won’t like what you pick. People mean it when they say it’s the thought that counts, and what’s more thoughtful than adding complementary pieces to your friend’s already-amazing wardrobe? If you’ve got a friend with a darker side to their style, dive into the world of Stinky Jewelz. A favorite of Olivia Rodrigo and Doja Cat, this designer creates jumbo heart necklaces with pendants and ball chains that boost an outfit from dramatic to downright theatrical (without appearing costume-y). With Jéan has a similar romantic, gothic heart pendant with a luxe velvet tie. Go for a more sentimental touch by adding a memorable picture or mini portrait to the sleek, gold heart locket from Wanderlust + Co.

Olivia Rodrigo Wearing Stinky Jewelz — Image via With Jéan

With Jean Heart Pendant — Image via Stinky Jewelz

For Mom

Essential Earrings
Earrings are a final and important addition to complete an already stunning outfit. Without them, I personally feel naked from the neck up. Sophistication is the name of the game when gifting jewelry to your mom or mother-in-law. The best way to lean into the spirit of Valentine’s Day without going overboard is to don a simple pair of earrings. Ana Luisa’s Mother of Pearl earrings are wearable anytime of year, making them the perfect Valentine’s gift for any regular jewelry wearer. Simplicity isn’t for everyone, and for the more colorfully-inclined accessorizers, I urge you to use your earrings as your biggest statement. Colorful Lovesick danglies from Girls Crew are an ethereal option for the more cosmic-inclined. The more interesting the jewelry, the more attention is paid to the look. Beyond that, they’re a romantic way to draw the eye towards your face.

Ana Luisa Heart Earrings — Image via Ana Luisa

All Wrapped Up

Scarves are a versatile and artistic accessory that can visibly elevate any outfit. They’ve made a resurgence as a fashionable daily addition as a handkerchief can basically become any article of clothing you need it to be. A useful gift is always a good bet, and one that can be transformed into anything from a top to a hair tie is ideal. If you’re looking to spoil your well-deserving mom, Coach’s Signature Heart Print Silk Scarf is a wonderful high-end gift for just around $100. If you’re operating with a smaller budget, however, fear not! Kate Spade’s Unlock Your Heart silk scarf is just what the doctor ordered, pricing in around $65.

For You

Put a Ring On It

Rings are a great way to incorporate a motif into your look in a subtle yet intentional way. For the minimalist, simple stacking rings look especially on-theme when combined with a small heart icon as an accent piece. You can also opt for a more eclectic style and load each finger up with a chunky individual piece à la Phoebe Buffay; you can find these through Columbian jeweler Daniela Salcedo, who makes her creations by hand. However you decide to do it, you can’t go wrong with a handful of rings. Try starting with an all-gold, solid foundation with the Signature Heart Ring from Smoothie London.

There are countless handmade heart rings on websites like Etsy, but one of my favorite dainty pieces is the well-loved freehand design from Pandora. An understated band and a solid color all the way around, it’s a foundational addition to any ring-wearer’s collection. You can take your gift a step further by encasing it in an antique-style velvet ring box from Indie South.

Daniela Salcedo Rings — Image via Daniela Salcedo

Brace Yourself
The bracelet is an often-overlooked accessory that I wish received more consideration. It seems like attitudes regarding bracelets lie on two far ends of a spectrum; you’re either giving your cabinmate a strand of cotton friendship at camp or your husband is buying you a diamond tennis band for your 10th anniversary. I’m here to tell you that there is a happy medium. Any accessory infused with a little bit of meaning is perfect for the wrist because your friend or loved one can appreciate the piece every time they look down at their hands. Charms are already making their way back into high-end jewelry, so why not capitalize on the trend’s resurgence and make it even better by adding your own significance? The charm bracelets from Greene is Gold flaunt shiny pink rosebuds and gorgeous botanical heart lockets. The simple gold chain sprinkled with pearls is easy for adding your own clip-on charms; keep an eye out for a restock as these coveted pieces have sold out quickly. If you’re looking for a more petite piece, the Candy Hearts Bracelet from Items by Mel features tiny, colorful hearts held in 14k plated gold that look good enough to eat.

Written by Lily Baldwin

Copyedited by Mary Renfroe

Graphics by Mary Renfroe