Now I know there are more than a few Valentine's Day haters out there - those angsty souls who either hate being reminded of their singlehood or protest the "commercialization of love." I fall into neither of these camps. While I'm single this Valentine's Day, I love that there's a day in the year set aside to celebrate romance in all of its messy, butterfly-inducing, complicated forms. As for the commercialization bit, you don't need to spend a single dime if gifting is not your love language! Cook a glorious dinner, print out your favourite photos together and make an album, go ice skating at free rink, but for gods sake, please don't protest a day meant to celebrate happiness. With that being said, I suggest you take the quiz with your partner to figure out your "languages. If gifting isn’t one of them, this blog post may not be for you.

Gifting for me, has always been a love language. I think there’s something special about paying attention to the little things that someone you love, loves, in order to show them that you listen and care about what they share with you. I’ve had boyfriends put together assortments of foods and drinks that I didn’t even realize I loved as much as I do until they gave me the present (i.e. ginger ale, horseradish and chai tea - so random yet so special because I knew they paid attention). Another boyfriend gave me opal earrings for Christmas one year because he remembered me telling him about how opals are my birth stone and my favourite gem when we were at a rock display at a museum together. Memories can be built into gifting in this way. I will never forget these beautiful gestures of love because I knew they meant they cared and payed attention to the things I shared with them.

There is no better gift than to listen to the things your loved one enjoys. If one of those things is jewelry, then this post is for you! I have a couple suggestions for beautiful jewelry designers that create everything from stunning statement pieces to simple, minimalist designs. Should you get them a ring or a necklace? Silver or gold? Sadly my friend, the heavy lifting will have to be done by you - but here are a couple options to get you started.

Oh and P.S… Valentine’s Day can also be a great opportunity to express self-love… you know, if something catches your eye and you’d like to treat yourself!

Bauble Bar

For the gal who loves to make a statement.

Brinker and Eliza

For a tropical beach goddess ladyfriend.

Catbird

For the about-to-become-engaged-with-a-really-gorgeous-unique-vintage-inspired-ring kinda gal.

Wanderlust + Co

For the girl who takes her horoscope seriously.

Mejuri

For the woman of classic taste, with a twist.

Statement Grey

For the minimalist, with a preference for delicate, stackable rings.

BluBoho

For the girl who loves symbolism, metaphors, and ~manifesting her destiny~

Super Cool Supply

For the hippest girl you know, who is certain to live in a Brooklyn loft at one point in her life.

Leah Alexandra

For the yoga-loving, meditation queen, with an extensive gemstone collection.