Heart-to-Heart

Need a last-minute gift for a special friend or loved one? How about something special for Mom? Consider heart jewelry, one of the few "can't miss" gift choices in any season. Here's why:

Everyone knows that hearts are the universal symbol of love, romance, passion, and devotion. And jewelry is the ultimate gift of love. Put the two together and you have heart jewelry, the perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Giving a beautiful piece of heart jewelry to someone special shows them how much they mean to you -- much more so than words ever could. And Jewelry.com's newly expanded Heart Jewelry category can guide you to just the right choice for your special someone.

This classic, timeless category has become a staple of gift giving because its message of love matches the sentiment we feel toward our loved ones. It also symbolizes a return to tradition, nostalgia and romance. The message is particularly poignant and heartfelt in light of the emotional turmoil we all feel in today's uncertain political climate.

Although heart jewelry has been one of the most basic jewelry categories for many years, it appeals to today's younger customers as well as older ones because it is a personal, emotional gift available in a dizzying array of styles -- many of which are modern updates of classic heart pieces.

Diamond heart pendants, for instance, will be one of those "must-have" items for many shoppers this holiday season. Whether your heart design preference is one diamond or many, conservative or flashy, big and bold or dainty, elaborate or simple, you're sure to find something that appeals to you as a gift for your special someone.

Vintage Style jewelry is another item in the "what's old is what's new" category. These timeless classics have enjoyed a major resurgence this year and hearts are extra special gifts for mothers and grandmothers.

Likewise for heart charms. A major resurgence in charm bracelets this year has made heart charms a top seller this holiday season. Heart charms are available for bracelets as well as for earrings.

Engagements, wedding plans and betrothals have all soared in the time since Sept. 11, with many singles re-evaluating their lives and deciding it is time to "tie the knot" as they realize they don't want to be alone anymore. If you really want to create a magical, romantic bond between you and your love, you might want to consider giving a promise or even an engagement ring with a heart-shaped center stone -- a style that has seen stronger than usual sales of late. Our New Bridal Boutique can give you all the guidance you need to insure you'll win her heart.

Another reason to go for heart jewelry: many of today's designs are affordable and convey style and value well beyond their price tags. If you're on a tight budget (and who isn't in these tough economic times?) then hearts are the way to go, with some pieces available for well below $100.

And don't forget to engrave your heart jewelry with a special message. Engraving turns an average piece of jewelry into something unique, highly personal and emotion-filled. She'll remember the moment you gave it to her every time she looks at it and reads the inscription -- for as long as she lives.

Add up all these factors and you have an instant heirloom that can be handed down to daughters, granddaughters, sisters or nieces.

If you're still worried about picking up the right piece of heart jewelry, don't worry -- you've come to the right place. Jewelry.com has dozens of modern heart jewelry designs displayed on the site, and we can help you -- quickly -- find the perfect piece for your loved one. You can pinpoint the exact style of heart jewelry you're looking for (in your price range), and click on a link that will take you to the site where you can buy the item. Or you can use Jewelry.com's store locator to identify the closest retail store in your zip code that stocks the piece.

Jewelry.com showcases merchandise from some of the nation's largest and most trusted retailers, including Zales Jewelers, Helzberg Diamonds, Macy's, Sears and J.C. Penney -- giving you unprecedented buying options all on one site. And you can do it all easily and conveniently, from the privacy of your own home --without shopping hassles or sales pressure -- which can be particularly intense as the holidays approach.

As an added bonus, Jewelry.com can help transform you from a jewelry novice into an expert. On our site, you'll find information on the 4Cs of diamond quality, the birthstones for each month, the differences between gold, platinum and silver, how to select the right piece of jewelry as a gift, how to care for your jewelry, the latest fashions and trends, and much more.

This educational information will help you make the most informed decision possible when buying heart jewelry as a gift.