10 best jewellery gifts for her this Valentine’s Day

Jewellery makes for a wonderful gift no matter the occasion but, on Valentine’s Day especially, there’s nothing quite like opening a beautifully wrapped box to find something sparkly inside.

Unlike customary flowers and chocolates, jewellery lasts forever, shows the recipient you have paid attention to their tastes and means they will be reminded of you every time they wear it.

Whether it's a luxury necklace for her to save for special occasions or a simple pair of gold hoops she can add to her everyday rotation, a well thought out jewellery gift is bound to make their 2021 a whole lot brighter.

However, jewellery style is very personal and the endless choice available can make it tricky to choose wisely for your valentine. The key here is to find something that they will adore but that also fits in with their existing collection.

Before shopping, we suggest considering what type of colour metal and jewellery styles they usually wear. Are they a silver, rose gold or gold kind of person? Do they have their ears pierced and do they like to stack on lots of rings?

If you don’t have anyone on your shopping list this year, why not practise a little self-love by treating yourself to a gift instead. After a statement necklace that will serve as a talking point on work Zoom calls or a sentimental piece to treasure? Now is as good a time as any to invest in great jewellery.

Whether you're shopping for a friend, your significant other or looking for something new to add to your own collection, we’ve rounded up the best jewellery pieces to buy right now.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Read More

9 best lingerie sets that make you look and feel great

11 best Valentine’s Day beauty gifts they’ll love to receive

10 best vegan make-up brushes that deliver a flawless finish

8 best sustainable knitwear brands: The eco-friendly labels to know

Daisy London estee lalonde sunburst signet ring

No longer refined to the pinky fingers of aristocrats, signet rings have been reimagined by fashion and fine jewellery designers alike. A style worn by the likes of Princess Diana, Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, signets are one of the biggest trends we’re seeing on Instagram right now but, because of their simple aesthetic and extensive history, they remain timeless nonetheless.

If your recipient’s fingers are looking a little bare, we suggest investing in this eye-catching ring from Daisy London. Forming part of the brand’s latest collaboration with influencer Estee LaLonde, the piece is designed with a traditional flat oval top which is embossed with a beautiful sunburst motif. We love how unique and versatile this ring is, with the sleek band allowing for it be worn alone or stacked and layered with other pieces for a more contemporary take. The ring is made from recycled sterling silver, making it a flattering option for anyone with a monochrome-based wardrobe, and is available in sizes XS to XL.

If you’re unsure which size to opt for, check out the brand’s handy guide which compares its sizes to standard UK letter measurements and provides the exact diameter and circumference, in case you want to compare it to a ring they already own. Each order also comes beautifully packaged with our ring arriving in a soft drawstring pouch, white box and tissue paper, along with a gift bag. You can also select to have a gift note included at checkout, which is handwritten by the Daisy London team.

Buy now £59.00, Daisy London

Astrid & Miyu crystal jewelled huggies

When it comes to earrings with serious sparkle, you can’t go wrong with this crystal encrusted style by London-based jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu. Referred to as “huggies”, the earrings are teeny-tiny hoops that touch the bottom of the earlobe, meaning they're much more wearable for every day, and can be worn in several different places on the ear, including the upper lobe, forward helix and tragus.

The earring itself is made from sterling silver and the sparkling stones are cubic zirconia. We love this colourway, but they can also be picked up in gold and rose gold depending on what your recipient prefers to wear. One of the best things about this style is that they look understated and elegant if worn on their own, which is how Meghan Markle wears hers, but that you can also wear them alongside other styles in a second, third or fourth piercing, for a more dramatic look.

All orders arrive in Astrid & Miyu’s signature pink boxes and come wrapped in delicate tissue but you can also choose to have your item gift-wrapped. You can choose to have your box wrapped with pink paper and branded ribbon for an extra £4 and there is an extra option to add a branded gift bag for £1. Perfect for making a subtle but effective statement, we’re confident your recipient would be pleased with these dainty decorations for their ears.

Buy now £55.00, Astrid & Miyu

Astley Clarke medium biography locket necklace

If you want to go above and beyond for someone you love this Valentine’s Day, we recommend opting for this locket necklace from Astley Clarke, which promises to become a much-loved heirloom. Crafted from 18-carat gold-plated sterling silver, the piece is inspired by a vintage gold locket necklace that the brand’s founder inherited from her grandmother. The locket itself is made with a lustrous polish and features a beautiful star-set white sapphire in the centre as well as an adjustable chain that can be made into three different lengths.

Though all jewellery is cherished, lockets are perhaps one of the most personal pieces of all because of what can be kept inside. What you decide to put in the necklace is, of course, up to you, but Astley Clarke does offer the option to add two special photographs, which it will print and insert into your locket for free. For an extra-special touch, you can also choose to have the back of the locket engraved with a personal message. All engraving is done by machine in the brand’s London design studio and you can see what it will look like before ordering using its free personalisation tool.

If you’re sending the item directly to the recipient, you can have it gift-wrapped for an additional £5. The service includes a gift tag for your own message, a gift bag, and hand-screen printed gift wrap on Japanese paper. Also available in silver and rose gold, this is a piece that, while sentimental and deluxe, is perfect for everyday wear.

Buy now £175.00, Astley Clarke

Missoma silver pave mini spike charm hoop earrings

They say good things come in small packages and, in the case of these mini hoop earrings, that’s certainly true. British brand Missoma creates perfect jewellery for your everyday wardrobe and has become well-known for its highly Instagrammable statement of gold pieces. However, it also has plenty to offer those looking for more refined styles.

In an on-trend hoop style, these dainty silver earrings perfectly straddle the line between distinctive and timeless. Featuring spike charms that are dusted with miniature crystals, they are an edgier take on the classic hoops and make for a luxurious piece that’s perfect for making a subtle yet effective statement. In the flesh, these look far pricier than they really are and the cubic zirconia stones do an impressive job of catching the light at every angle.

The sparkly spikes are striking on their own but, because the hoops are so small, you can easily style them with other earrings for a more playful look. The earrings arrive in a tiny soft blue drawstring pouch which is housed in a co-ordinating branded box. Gift wrapping is available for an additional £5, including a ribbon, gift bag and the option to add your own message.

Buy now £69.00, Missoma

Pandora birthstone beaded ring

Send a meaningful message to your Valentine by choosing a piece that features their birthstone. Every month of the year is represented by a different coloured stone, each with its own unique meaning, so incorporating theirs into a piece of jewellery will make for a sentimental touch.

Hitting that sweet spot between fine and costume jewellery, we recommend this beaded ring from Pandora. While the brand is best known for its charm bracelets, a ring like this is ideal for those who prefer to wear more delicate jewellery that still packs a punch. Made from sterling silver, the ring has a unique bubble design that can take some getting used to. However, after a while of wearing we assure you that, if it wasn’t for its beautiful design, you might just forget you have it on. The stone is a different colour depending on which month of the year you choose and is designed with a subtle claw-set that sits flush with the beaded band.

Unlike standard UK letter sizing, this ring is sold in numbers, but you can check your size against Pandora’s handy online guide. If you’re buying for someone else, there are several great options you can choose from when it comes to ordering. If you know their size, order as usual and don’t forget to select the “this is a gift” box so you can receive complimentary wrapping. Alternatively, Pandora offers “smart gifting”, where you can choose a product and send it electronically to the recipient who can them choose their preferred size or style. You'll then receive a payment link once the recipient has selected their gift. While this isn’t the most romantic option, it’s a great service that will avoid any awkward conversations about returns.

Buy now £40.00, Pandora

Monica Vinader fiji friendship bracelet

British jewellery designer Monica Vinader's eponymous brand shot to fame soon after it launched in 2008 thanks to the popularity of its Fiji bracelets, which are a grown-up take on friendship bracelets. The throwback style remains one of the brand’s bestselling styles today and for good reason.

While the idea of a friendship bracelet might sound familiar, these elegant designs look very different from the woven bands you wore back in the day. The bracelet features a smooth, curved metal bar, which you can choose in sterling silver or plated with 18ct rose gold, and a metallic cord that gives off a subtle sparkle. A huge plus point here is that the cord is easily adjustable using a metal toggle slide, so you don’t need to worry about ordering the wrong size.

We also love that the brand offers complimentary engraving, which can be either a personal message or a motif, such as a smiley face or their zodiac sign. You can choose to have your item gift-wrapped too for an additional £3.95, which means it will come packed in a Monica Vinader gift bag and tied with ribbon. The recipient, whether a pal or lover, is sure to cherish this friendship bracelet and what it represents for years to come.

Buy now £140.00, Monica Vinader

WALD conversation heart pendant necklace

If you’re after something a bit more light-hearted and quirky, you’ll love this acrylic heart necklace courtesy of Berlin-based brand WALD. Heart-shaped jewellery might sound like a cliché on Valentine’s Day but we think this fun spin on the classic motif is the perfect piece to put a smile on your special someone’s face, especially during this period of uncertainty.

The necklace is made with a gold-plated chain and features a laser-cut heart pendant that’s emblazoned with an inspiring message. There are four different colours to choose from, each of which carries a different slogan but our favourite is the pink version, which reads: “The future is yours…”. This whimsical necklace is a thoughtful gift for anyone that prefers to ditch the silver and gold in favour of something a little more exciting.

Buy now £85.00, WALD

Tilly Sveaas small silver t-bar on belcher chain

A contemporary take on a Seventies style, this silver necklace is a real head turner. The piece features a vintage-inspired belcher chain, which means it is made with classic D-shaped links, and while it feels great quality, it’s lighter around the neck than it looks. Attached to the chain is a solid chunky T-bar, which provides a nice focal point and is sure to have people asking you where you got it from.

Both elements are made from sterling silver, meaning you can wear the necklace everywhere, be it in the shower or while working out, and the metal will not become damaged. Bold, beautiful and easy on the eye, this is just how we like our jewellery.

We think this necklace looks brilliant worn alone but because it comes in two lengths – 50cm or 60cm – it can also be layered with other pieces, from dainty, shorter chains to something longer and heavier, depending on which size you choose. Your order will come wrapped in tissue paper and a super-soft drawstring pouch to keep it in top condition, all of which is housed in a sleek off-white branded box.

Buy now £80.00, Tilly Sveaas

Larsson & Jennings lugano milanese 40mm watch

Whether you want to use this gift as a promise to spend more time together, to make an inside joke about them always running late or you’re simply looking for a unique way to update their jewellery box, a classy timepiece is always a solid choice. A piece that the recipient will want to wear for years to come, this Larson & Jennings watch is inspired by contemporary Swedish design, featuring a simple yet bold dial that, while sizeable, won’t overpower small wrists.

We love the contrast between the black dial and the delicate silver roman numerals, while the silver-plated link strap is smooth to the touch, making it a dream to wear. The watch fastens with an adjustable clasp that’s easy to manoeuvre for the perfect fit and is also water-resistant up to 30 meters. While we’re big fans of the silver version, as it doubles up as both a casual and dress option, you can also pick up this style in gold and rose gold, with a choice of dial colours, including satin white. Practical and stylish, it's a simply stunning piece that the recipient will want to slip on right away.

Buy now £179.00, Larsson & Jennings

Lunar James lalo gold pearl hoops

For a long time, pearls were a signifier of conservative taste but, thanks to a host of designers they have now been given a modern makeover and redefined to become one of the most popular jewellery trends. While you can find pearls in every possible iteration, from hair clips to necklaces, we recommend opting for a pair of earrings that are guaranteed to add an elegant touch to your lobes.

Our pick is this pair of hoops from sustainable brand Lunar James, which has a focus on organic shapes, textures and natural colours in all its pieces. For this reason, the materials used don’t have a perfect finish, as they are handmade using AA quality freshwater button pearls. Measuring 3cm, the hoops are small enough that they can transition from every day to evening seamlessly and look great with pretty much everything. Sure, the classic gold hoop is a great all-rounder, but these will give you the full wow factor.

We also love that all the materials used to make these earrings are sourced from local UK suppliers and lovingly designed and handcrafted in London by the brand’s founder, Arianne. Ethical and eco-conscious, this is jewellery that’s designed with love and made to last. Each item arrives ready to gift in the brand’s luxury signature packaging, with items up to £40 coming wrapped in a gift bag and those over £40 in a luxury gift box.

Buy now £65.00, Lunar James

The verdict: Women’s Valentine’s Day jewellery

Whatever you choose is likely to be guided by your recipient’s personal taste, but for a piece that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser we love Daisy London’s signet ring for its simple, yet striking, sunburst design. If you’re worried about getting the sizing wrong though, opt for Missoma’s spiked earrings which add just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit.

We also have to give Astley Clarke’s locket necklace a mention for delivering such a personal approach to jewellery gifting. One for enduring lovers, family and lasting friends, it’s a piece that is guaranteed to be treasured for a lifetime.

Looking for meal inspiration for the big day? Look to our round-up of Valentines Day supermarket meal deals