LOOKING FOR JEWELRY? KEEP IT SIMPLE, MEANINGFUL

Looking for jewelry?

Keep it simple, meaningful

Diamond rings and other shiny things are always in style, especially around Valentine’s Day

By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by K.Hollis Jewelers and Liz & Kate Boutique

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Stumped as to what to give that special someone? You can’t go wrong with the gift of jewelry. Kane County Magazine tapped local experts to uncover current trends in the sparkly stuff so you can give a piece that will be worn time and again. From fine jewelry to everyday wear, there’s a price point to fit every budget — and what’s popular now may surprise you. “I love how people are really connecting to gifts,” says Karen Hollis, owner of K.Hollis Jewelers in Batavia. “There’s been a lot of births and engagements this year, and it seems that diamonds seem to cover all of it. Say you have a mother with three children. I’ve had a customer buy three rows of diamonds, calling that her mother’s ring. Another person had two kids and she got two rows of diamonds. That’s never happened before. People are just getting creative with what they want. I just think that’s so cool.” Hollis’ estate case has proven popular for gifting. “There’s been a lot of yellow gold chains, both men and women buying unisex chains that are longer. We’ve also gone through a lot of guys’ bracelets and silver chains — that paper clip link or figaro chain for guys has been really popular, mostly in sterling.” Lynne Ball, manager and buyer at Liz & Kate Boutique in Geneva, says heart-shaped jewelry is still big for Valentine’s Day, whether embellished with rhinestones or simple silver or gold. “A lot of moms get them for their daughters,” says Ball. “Dainty styles, whether single or double layers, 16 to 18 inches in length, are trending now, or some longer pieces that are great for any of your outfits for going out for a special occasion for Valentine’s or lovely gifts for everyday wearing.” Ball suggests a bolo necklace — with a centerpiece that moves up and down the chain to adjust the length — that has a tassel or gold heart at the end. “Simplicity is still trending because we still are not heading out and about overabundantly,” says Ball. “Simple silver and gold with a little bit of dazzle in stones is moving forward. Because we’re still wearing masks, not large statement pieces, not large hoops, but more sophisticated and dainty earrings, bracelets and whatnot.” Liz & Kate carries a selection of rings that flex to fit, opening over the knuckle and securing around the base of the finger, “if you want to have a little bit of something on your hand,” says Ball. “Or it might just be a bracelet as opposed to a whole set. It really comes down to personal preference.”

calling all ladies!

JOIN US FEB 11TH 6-9 PM

FOR A SPECIAL GALENTINE’S CELEBRATION!

Grab your best gals and pop by for an after hours shopping event, hors d’oeuvres and a chance to win a Galentine’s themed gift basket! Farmdog Flowers will be joining us with gorgeous pre-wrapped bouquets.

1501 Indiana Ave • St. Charles 630-803-5253 www.trendandrelic.com

SHOP LOCAL DINE LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL GIFT LOCAL

VISIT OUR LOCAL OFFERINGS OR PURCHASE A CHAMBER GIFT CARD REDEEMABLE AT OVER 500 LOCAL BUSINESSES AT:

WWW.STCHARLESCHAMBER.COM/GIFTLOCAL

ENGAGING ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days for engagements. If that could be you, here’s what’s trending in rings. “Oval diamonds seem to be popular, but round is definitely the most popular shape because it is the most brilliant,” says Hollis at K.Hollis Jewelers. She’s also done a handful of blue sapphire rings. As for the ring itself, yellow gold has been on the rise, “but white gold is still on top,” she notes. “Engagement is a fun way to get creative,” Hollis, who specializes in custom redesign, says. “It’s my favorite thing to do. Bridal has been really fun when someone has inherited Mom’s diamond and they want to take it out of the old setting.” Hollis lets nothing go to waste. After the stone is removed, she makes the band into a necklace for the bride or the mother. She also shares a money-saving tip with couples: Lab-grown diamonds are outselling mined diamonds seven to one. “They can get a bigger diamond, higher color, higher clarity for almost half the price of a mined diamond. The trend now is girls are starting with 1.25-carat diamond and going up. They’re wanting the skinniest, simple band with the big diamond on top. That’s really hot right now. Then they are adding diamond wedding bands with it.” Matchy-matchy seems to be on the decline. “Brides aren’t necessarily buying a wedding band to match their engagement ring,” she says. “They’re looking to stack one on either side or getting a different band totally instead of the one that matches. There are no rules. Everyone is getting creative and making it their own, and I love that.”