Romance is in the air this month and Valentine’s Day soon approaching.  It’s time to get out your V-day gift wish list. Send your sweetie on over to Larkspur & Hawk post haste! It’s the insider’s source for exquisite antique jewelry as well as original one-of-a-kind designs. Larkspur & Hawk curator, Emily Satloff one of New York’s most trusted authorities on period antique jewelry shares her insight into the secrets Georgian women used to seduce a man.

What is the best way to add romance to one’s look with jewelry?
Women should use jewelry to call attention to the physical attributes that they like the most.  We all know that when you feel great in what you are wearing, you are going to be more confident, which will definitely be attractive to others.  So, if you think your eyes are sexy, focus on earrings; if it is your long neck, then pendant earrings are great or if it is your cleavage, a cascading necklace would be an ideal choice.  Above all, women should pick pieces that are mysterious and have a great play of light and color because this will draw people to those attributes you want noticed.

How did the women of the Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian eras  attract the opposite sex during courtship in terms of jewelry?
While those eras span over 150 years, the women from those times did have some commonalities.  For example, they were extremely skilled at combining showmanship with mystery.  They understood that jewelry was very seductive and had a keen sense of how to play it up.  For example, in the Georgian era, secret messages exchanged between lovers were the rage.  These messages were most romantically played out in jewels– “DEAREST” spelled out in gemstones (diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, sapphire, topaz); forget-me-not flowers made of turquoise; an esclavage given to a bride by a groom to symbolize the “chains of love”; a ring engraved inside the band with love poems i.e. “I Do Rejoice in Thee My Choice”.  Additionally, people understood that fashionable clothing came and went, but jewelry was forever and could be used to immortalize love.  All of which I try and impart in my designs.

Do you have any tips on shopping for a piece of antique/vintage jewelry?

• Before shopping for antique jewelry set your budget and don’t be pushed to spend more than you are comfortable with.
• If a dealer pressures you to buy, move onto another dealer.
• Always feel comfortable asking questions, this is how people learn.  The best dealers are the ones who want to share their passions with you by teaching.
• Follow your gut–deep down people always know when they have to have it and when they can walk away.  Sometimes when I am unsure, I walk away and see if my mind keeps racing back to the jewel in question.  More often than not, it doesn’t!

What are your favorite places to shop in NY? What makes them special and inspirational?

Barney’s– I love to see who their latest jewelry designers are.  Also, their antique jewelry is fantastic!!

De Vera–  While very pricey, I think they have a wonderful display of fascinating objects and jewels that are displayed in a wonderfully aesthetic way.

Any favorite fashion designers?
Morgane LeFay–  I am drawn to their clothing because of jewelry.  Their designs are wonderfully timeless– the closest thing to wearing antique clothing and still being modern.  When I shop her line I chose pieces that will highlight my jewelry.  It is kind of a backwards approach for many, but since I believe that jewelry is the big investment, it should be properly displayed.  Their clothing is the perfect backdrop for almost any jewel– antique or modern.

When ever I visit Florence I always load up on those little snakeskin and gold bangle bracelets. I am like a kid in a candy store! I can’t help myself when I see all of the colors hung up on the stalls on the Ponte Vecchio. I bring them home to wear in as layers or to give as gifts. When I saw this Bottega Veneta Silver plated lizard cuff it reminded me of those little Florentine bracelets. I am obsessively drawn toward this cuff because it is a study in contrasts. Metal paired with the fuchsia lizard-skin gives it a rocker edge with the luxe appeal of the lizard. Besides anything in bright pink seems to catch my eye, it is so very ’80s – that’s probably why I love it. A girl can never go wrong fun splash of hot pink, especially if it is from Bottega Veneta. One key detail that I love is the twist lock, the overlapping piece of lizard adds a unique detailing to the piece. That is why Bottega Veneta is a leading luxury house, their attention to detail is bar none. Would look great with a minimalist gray outfit or an all black jeggings ensemble.

Bottega Veneta Silver plated lizard cuff $1,950 at Net-a-Porter

StyleMaven Editor’s Picks for Snakeskin and Croc Cuff Bracelets

Don't forget, this Sunday is Mother's Day. You still have some time left to find the perfect gift for your special Mom. We love the Links of London 'Sweeties' bracelets priced at an affordable $190-$345 and are a fun alternative to the traditional charm bracelet. Mom can add charms to personalize it with her own charms. Hence, more reason to treat mom to a gift now and then for special occasions – grandchildren, anniversaries, etc.

We are also loving the "Flutter & Wow" from  Links of London.  The earrings retail for $1,100 and Flutter & Wow silver garnet necklace for $950. A bit of a splurge, but Mom is worth it!

Check out TheFind.com to search for a store near you that carries Links of London.

Mischa Barton's personal style is eclectic with a bit of whimsical edge. It seems lately Mischa's hooked on jewelry from Pantera and the Mahlia Collection. Spotted at the Miss Sixty Fall '09 #NYFW and G-Star RAW show. Mischa Barton's bejeweled style includes her is her "Pantera" Dual Ring with a pave diamond maltese cross charm, Pantera
Trio necklace, and golden Mahlia Belize bracelet. The ring is made of 18k gold paired with the maltese cross containing with pave diamonds set in 14k gold. The Trio necklace  combines three layers of micro pave on an 18k gold chain. The 18k gold Mahlia Belize bracelet is comprised of continuous interlinking clasps which are embellished with delicate crosses.

Tracy Matthews Designs
Jewelry-Prices up ranging between $28-$150 (Regularly retailing upto $425)

Online: March 1st 12:00 PM EST (Noon)- March 4th 12:00 PM EST (Noon) @  www.theSavvy.com

Organic inspired designs of fine trendsetting jewelry.  Hot designs are Tracy's square bangles and 'renewed' gold pieces with colored stones, pearls and rose-cut diamonds.

Examples: of sale prices:
'Kana' Earrings w. White Onyx – originally $70, at sale $30
'Kasmir' Necklace w. Ruby-Kyanite – originally $100, at sale $30
Set of 3 Sterling Silver Square Bangles – originally $155, at sale $70
Leaf Earrings w. Keishi Pearls – originally $120, at sale $50
Tiny Leaf Earrings  – originally $60, at sale $30

If you were watching the Academy Awards this weekend I'm sure you were awed by Angelina Jolie's gorgeous black Elie Saab gown and Lorraine Schwartz emerald earrings and ring. Schwartz's jewels can set you back tens of thousands of dollars. New York jeweler Larkspur & Hawk features a pair of similar interchangable "Jane" Day/Night earrings which transform from posts for day into dangling drops for night. The 14K design is inspired by a pair of antique Queen Anne earrings.

Jane Day/Night white topaz with verbana earrings by Larkspur & Hawk, $3500.

We recently interviewed Larkspur & Hawk's curator and designer, Emily Satloff on the StyleMaven blog.