BIRKS X JULES

Expressing one’s personal sense of style through jewelry shouldn’t be an after-thought or a finishing touch. I’ve been known to put together full outfits inspired by earrings, a statement necklace, or even sometimes a stack of bangles. I know they say ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend,’ but really, all jewelry is this girl’s best friend!

Over the years, I’ve curated my own sense of personal style when it comes to anything from fine jewelry to costume jewelry (and everything in between!). I have a bank of my favourite brands, and every birthday, anniversary, and celebration, is the perfect moment to indulge and gift a little token to mark the occasion. I can remember which necklace was bought when and by whom as far back as my adolescence.

 This Valentine’s Day I will of course be spending the day cooing and canoodling with my hubby. But, this year, I also want to indulge in a quiet moment of self-love. I want to take a step back and be grateful for my family and friends, my hard work, my health, and the incredibly fortunate life I have. I will mark my celebration of love with a gift, and this year I’m going all out.

I recently had the opportunity to work with one of my favourite fine jewelry brands and what a ride it was! Birks has been a landmark in this city for over a century. They have iconic signature pieces in an architecturally iconic store in the heart of the diamond district in Square Phillips. Their jewelry is exquisite (to say the least). Birks and I share a fundamental sentiment: each piece of jewelry is part of your story. The idea that a moment shared with a loved one can be captured in a diamond ring is so romantic, because every time you slip that ring on your finger, you can time-travel to a moment of overflowing love… is there anything more powerful!?

Making traditions, creating moments, gifting love, that’s what jewelry does. Symbolizing so much more than great fashion, my Birks picks for Valentine’s Day are all so versatile. I can layer the Pétale bracelet with other delicate pieces, or wear it as a set with the yellow-gold Pétale necklace.

The stackable tri-gold ring and matching huggie earrings are legit a girl’s dream; I love that I don’t have to choose which colour gold, because they’ve incorporated all 3, and some diamonds on top of that! I’m obsessed with the Birks Iconic Dare to Dream collection, because it has such a beautiful message. I know these are pieces I will pass on to my daughter’s as they mark milestone occasions, birthdays, and graduations.

I like to mix and match and change my jewelry often but sometimes I just like to wear a necklace that goes with everything. The yellow-gold Muse necklace is the perfect touch; it’s simple and classic, and it’s great with a pair of jeans and a sweater or an evening cocktail dress. I also love that I don’t have to take it off when I go to the gym.

As Valentine’s Day draws closer, it’s the perfect time to sit back and reflect on who you love and all the reasons why. Relish in some self-love and allow yourself a moment to dream up all of the amazing things you’ll accomplish this year and how you will mark the occasion. I’ll mark my day of self-love with Birks, and one day, I’ll pass on my 2019 pieces to my girls so they can remember that being able to love people with your whole heart begins with learning to love yourself. Yes, a bracelet can symbolize all that.

Thanks Birks!

Photography by Patricia Brochu