Christmas is heart-warming, and New Year’s Eve is fun, but when it comes to romance, Valentine’s Day has got every other day beat. It’s the day when even the most macho of men and the most practical of women lets their inner romantic out, the day for roses, hearts, all things pink, and of course, thoughtful and romantic Valentine’s Day gifts.

It’s hard to be original when it comes to romantic Valentine’s Day ideas—romantic candlelit dinner? A dozen red roses? A box of drugstore chocolates? But here’s the secret about Valentine’s Day gifts—if it’s good, it doesn’t matter if it’s original. (So skip the drugstore chocolate in favor of something from Lady Godiva or an artisanal chocolatier—yum!) Have you ever seen someone turn down a romantic dinner or Valentine’s Day gift of diamond jewelry? That’s because the classics are classics for a reason—they are universally beloved, no-fail choices when it comes to impressing a special someone with a Valentine’s Day present. So when it comes to choosing a Valentine’s Day gift, you can’t go wrong with a piece of top-quality diamond jewelry. It’s simple, romantic, and unlike a bouquet of roses or a fancy dinner, it last forever. When you give your sweetheart a diamond pendant necklace, she will wear it and remember Valentine’s Day 2011 forever.

So without further ado, we present the top five Valentine’s Day ideas in jewelry for 2011:
1. Color me Mine – like Sapphires by the yard. Tap into the huge trend for 2011—diamonds and sapphires. This trend has been building for a while, but it shot up when Prince William announced his engagement to Kate Middleton with Prince Diana’s legendary diamond and sapphire ring. This trend has spread from engagement rings pave to every other piece of jewelry and accessory—sapphire is even the dominant color in clothing this season. Show your sweetheart how in-the-know you are with a Sapphires by the Yard necklace—a delicate strand of white gold interspersed with bezel-set diamonds and sapphires, creating an ethereal and colorful look, perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day gift.

2. Dreams of Africa. One of the most romantic things you can do for a special lady for Valentine’s gift is to show her how much you care—about the world. Any woman with a real heart will melt when she opens her jewelry gift with a conscience, a way of giving back to those who need and a beautiful piece of jewelry in its own right. The Dreams of Africa line by Whiteflash features exquisite necklaces and earrings that make perfect Valentine’s Day gifts, and the fact that profits from the sale are used to support victims of illegal diamond trading in Africa is only icing on the Valentine’s Day cake! Choose from a wide selection of diamond and gemstone pieces, like this Dreams of Africa mini pendant necklace.
3. Heart Pendant. Hearts are tricky when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts—a little bit of heart action is romantic and sweet; too much is overkill. If you choose a heart-shaped Valentine’s Day jewelry gift, stay away from cartoony outlines and over-the-top sparkle. Opt for a simple pendant necklace with a modern twist on the classic heart shape and a restrained sprinkling of sparkling pavé diamonds. That way, you get a heart necklace that works as a romantic V-Day gift, and for the rest of the year.
4. Diamond Earrings. Sure, diamond stud earrings are a go-to classic (and for good reason) but for an extra romantic touch for a Valentine’s Day gift, opt for something with a little more blush and pizzazz. Stud earrings are available in a variety of interesting shapes and gemstone settings; pick one that is truly unique and you know she’ll love it.
5. Huggable Hoops. These top-selling diamond earrings are called huggables, not just because they’ll make her hug you in appreciation, but because they gently curve around the ear lobe, hugging the outline of the ear. This makes them supremely wearable and comfortable, perfect for anyone from a label-wearing fashionista to a practical mom. Romantic, simple, and sprinkled with just enough diamond pavé for that special Valentine’s Day present, huggable diamond hoops are a sure-fire hit.