all photos: Emma McAlary

Don’t tell anyone this – but Valentine’s Day is this weekend. And sure you could go the expected route of flowers (some great winter suggestions here), chocolate (maybe from DC’s first fully fledgled chocolate factory), Making-A-Murderer VDay cards (those exist) and standing in line for Rose’s Luxury in 7 degree weather. But you could also get that special someone a super cool, DC area designed and made piece of jewelry.

To help you select something for those you love (and that includes yourself), we handpicked some of our favorite area makers and pitted them against flowers. We think they won. And while there are some very special, extremely treasurable pieces you’ll find below, sometimes it is truly the thought that counts (and not money): pieces below go for as low as $21.

Fully shoppable list of sites is at the bottom of the article (including some great local retailers that carry them).

Obviously, we start with putting a ring on it.

>>>>>>>>>>>> Here is a Featured Event >>>>>>>>>>>>

Friday 06/16

Geek Night Comedy @ DC Improv Lounge

$17

Geek Night Comedy is a stand-up comedy show created and run by geeks, for geeks. It includes a unique hybrid of both standup and improv. In its 5-year history, the group has run successful shows at the Virginia Beach & Richmond Funny Bones, here at the D.C. Improv, the Orlando Improv, and Awesome Con, their partners in this year's event! Past shows have received news coverage from local TV stations, as well as print coverage in The Virginian-Pilot, Inside Business and Sirius-XM's wildly popular "Monsters in the Morning." Charity is important to the Geek's Night, and their productions have raised thousands for ALS-TDI, the leading research group in the fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and will be doing so once again here at the DC Improv by giving away FREE passes to Awesome Con, along with other great items and collectables from local video game & comic book shops via our $1.00 raffle! A portion of door sales will also benefit this awesome non-profit.

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Tickets>>

>>>>>>>>>>>> Ok, back to the article! >>>>>>>>>>>>

Below: Silver Band, Mallory Shelter Jewelry, Black Onyx Ring-$135, Emma Marty; Pink Agate Ring – $135 Emma Marty; Silver Hand Cast rings – $95, UDOP Jewelry; Rhodochrosite Ring – $80, Emma Marty; Triangle Ring – $85, Emma Marty

And we continue with…. More rings? MORE rings.

In the pictures below: Pink Cobalto Calcite Ring, $182 – Rachel Pfeffer Designs; Heart Scratch Ring $72 – Rachel Pfeffer; Triple Onyx Ring $135 – Emma Marty

The Bar / Swiss Blue Topaz Ring -$85, Emma Marty; Flower of Hearts Ring – $25, Chris Bergman

The Knucks – $95, UDOP Jewelry

A bright, young and thingy mix of stepping up your every day accessory game.

Below: Flower heart pendant – $25, Chris Bergman; Woven Bangles – $21, Kicheko Goods; Handmade Pink Cloud Necklace – $65, Chris Bergman; Flying Amazonite Pendant – $112, Rachel Pfeffer.

You know what your jewelry game was missing? A healthy mix of Seinfeld references AND Stevie Nicks inspiration.

Below: Shmoopy necklace – $42, Rachel Pfeffer; Geometric Faceted Heart Pendant – $55, Chris Bergman

Below: Bronze textured amulet – $120, UDOP Jewelry; Hammered Disc Necklace – $115, Mallory Shelter Jewelry

You stud.

Below: Fang earrings, $45 UDOP Jewelry; Prism Topaz Studs, $72 – Rachel Pfeffer; Polymer diamond necklace – Chris Bergman;

A “thinking of you” pendant for any occasion (and any hashtag)

Nameplate pendants $25 – Chris Bergman

And, in case you couldn’t decide on any one thing, a charm necklace that has IT ALL.

Necklace, $325, Chris Bergman.

Shopping Guide:

• Emma Marty
• Rachel Pfeffer Designs
• Mallory Shelter Jewelry
• UDOP Jewelry by Whitney Staiger
• Chris Bergman Handmade Jewelry + Design
• Kicheko Goods

Great retailers to score locally made jewelry & accessories at:

• Salt & Sundry
• Redeem
• Stitch & Rivet
• Nomad Yard