With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s jewelry shopping season. If you’re looking to invest in a timeless, lasting piece of fine jewelry for someone in your life, Westport Lifestyle spoke to two of the most knowledgeable people in the business: Nikita Green, the estate and e-commerce specialist at Lux Bond & Green, and Michael Halpy, owner of LENOX Jewelers in Fairfield. Here are their top tips for purchasing something perfect.
Color, color, color!
When it comes to gems, brights are back. “We anticipate 2026 to be the year of colored stones,” says Michael Halpy, owner of LENOX Jewelers in Fairfield. Sapphires, tanzanite, rubies, amethysts, citrines, emeralds, and tourmaline are all rising in popularity, as are tinted diamonds. “There is growing enthusiasm for fancy-colored diamonds and warmer diamond hues: light yellows, browns, and soft pinks are being considered in engagement rings,” explains Nikita Green, the estate and e-commerce specialist at Lux Bond & Green.
That said, gift the classics
Unless you’re sure your gift recipient will love a brightly-hued stone, the experts recommend sticking to traditional styles for a Valentine’s gift. “You can never go wrong with staple pieces such as diamond studs, tennis bracelets, or necklaces or eternity bands,” says Michael. Of course, simple doesn’t have to mean uninteresting. “Items with subtle customization, such as initials, birthstones, or a favorite color offer a thoughtful touch without risking concerns related to sizing or style,” says Nikita. “It also helps to consider how your loved one spends their day. Someone with an active routine may appreciate durable materials such as gold or platinum and secure settings like bezels. Knowing what they already wear is the best way to choose a piece aligned with their taste.”
Consider the longevity of a piece
Fine jewelry is often passed down through generations, and it can be helpful to think of a piece’s future lineage when gifting something intended to last. “We are seeing a resurgence of clean, minimalist designs,” says Michael. “These classics transition seamlessly across decades as they don’t rely heavily on trend-driven detailing.” Heirloom-style detailing, however, is a great investment. “Vintage-inspired elements like antique cuts, migraine details, and heritage motifs reimagined in updated scales and refined finishes honor tradition without appearing dated,” says Nikita. “Gold continues to be the preferred metal, yet mixed-metal designs adapt easily to shifting personal styles, whether worn alone or combined in new ways over time, which helps them remain relevant and cherished for years to come.” And of course, the best way to extend the life of your jewelry is to take good care of it. “We recommend bringing items in [to our store] periodically to be cleaned and checked for wear and tear,” says Michael.
Don’t forget the men!
Gifting jewelry to the men in your life may not be the obvious choice, but it can be a great one. “Among our male customers, personal expression is continuing to be a driving force,” says Nikita. At Lux Bond & Green, layered chains— especially in different lengths and textures—are popular, as well as signet and stacking rings. At LENOX Jewelers, Michael says their male customers gravitate towards three categories: luxury timepieces, chain link necklaces, and layered bracelet stacks. “These pieces offer an elevated feel and are easy to wear every day,” he says. For more unique options, Nikita loves pearls from brands like Paspaley and statement pieces from King Baby.
No matter who you’re shopping for this year, the experienced and knowledgeable teams at Lux Bond & Green and LENOX Jewelers can help you find something special and unforgettable.
Lux Bond & Green is located at 136 Main St. in Westport, and online at lbgreen.com. LENOX Jewelers is located at 2500 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield, and lenox-jewelers.com
“Items with subtle customization, such as initials, birthstones, or a favorite color offer a thoughtful touch without risking concerns related to sizing or style,” says Nikita. "It also helps to consider how your loved one spends their day. Knowing what they already wear is the best way to choose a piece aligned with their taste.”