Smokey quartz may seem like a strange choice for expressing love, at least at first, but its subdued, always-perfect good looks prove to be the perfect way to celebrate a relationship that’s steadfast and that brings out the best in you. This gemstone lives up to its name as it sparkles with a brownish-gray hue that brings to mind a soothing, smoldering campfire and adds a hint of mystery to your jewelry collection.

The Crown Heart Smokey Quartz and Diamond Pendant is a lovely example of this gem’s understated intrigue. A 10mm heart-shaped smokey topaz is placed in the center of a unique, airy, 14K white gold crown, celebrating the one who rules your heart. Filigree-like heart shapes constitute the points of this crown, while three small diamonds serve as accents.

Pink topaz is bold yet feminine, providing unexpected, dazzling color with a touch of a sweet yet outgoing personality. It’s simultaneously girly and grown up, with a sophisticated sparkle, and pieces that feature it are perfect ways to demonstrate that your unabashed love. For instance, the 4.75 Carat Heart-Shaped Pink Topaz Pendant in 14K White Gold features a sizeable heart of pink topaz that will leave no question about how you feel. Accented with diamonds placed in a graceful, asymmetrical setting, this pendant includes an 18” chain so that it’s ready to slip around that special someone’s neck.

Opal has an iridescence that makes it unique among gemstones. Pliny, the Roman philosopher, raved about the beauty of this gem:

“Made up of the glories of the most precious gems, to describe them is a matter of inexpressible difficulty. For there is amongst them the gentler fire of the ruby, there is the rich purple of the amethyst, there is the sea-green of the emerald, and all shining together in an indescribable union. Others, by an excessive heightening of their hues equal all the colors of the painter, others the flame of burning brimstone, or of a fire quickened by oil.”

Pliny wasn’t too far off when he described the opal as having a multicolored allure. This stone appears to change color depending on the angle at which it’s viewed. The Opal and Diamond Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold pairs this gem with three classic diamonds, creating an expression of love that’s always fitting. A 0.48-carat pear-shaped opal is suspended from the top of a gleaming 14K white gold heart, held by a twist of white gold and diamonds. The highly-polished finish and sweeping lines of this piece will sweep her off her feet.

Heart pendants with unexpected gemstones are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time that you want to celebrate your unique love. Give one to show that the one you love stands apart from the rest.

Ruby

The ruby is one of the four classic precious gemstones, and its rich hue has caused it to be sought after and treasured for thousands of years. It’s an especially fitting stone for expressing your love as it’s durable, long-lasting and deeply beautiful.

The Ruby and Diamond Heart Ring in 14K White Gold is a perfect example of the timeless allure of this crimson stone. This Victorian-style ring features a 5mm round ruby, surrounded by an intricately-carved vintage motif that frames this stone with a hexagon of white gold and accents it with a heart on each side. A small round diamond accents each of these hearts and adds sparkle. This ring, with its century-old design, is a lovely way to tell your special someone that you’re in it for the long haul. This piece could also serve as a unique and meaningful engagement ring if you’re planning a February 14^th proposal.

Garnet

As a semiprecious gemstone, garnet is an affordable alternative to the ruby, but it’s not just a stand-in: garnet has a deep red beauty all of its own. Garnet jewelry has been prized for thousands of years in cultures spanning the globe, and its saturated hue speaks of the depth of your affection.

The Garnet Heart and Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold is a lovely piece to slip around a loved one’s neck on Valentine’s Day. This elegant pendant features a 10mm-high, heart-shaped garnet, suspended within a heart of white gold filigree, and accented by a diamond. This piece is light yet substantial, perfect for communicating that you’re the love you share is strong and able to lighten your heart.

Pink Topaz

Pink topaz jewelry is bold, feminine and impossible to miss. This brilliantly-color variety of topaz strikes the perfect balance between girlish charm and daring sophistication. Its slightly unexpected vibrancy makes it an unashamed statement of your affection.

An eye-catching heart-shaped pink topaz is the centerpiece of the Heart Shaped Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold. This vibrant 10mm-high gem is accompanied by accent diamonds that stud this piece’s unique, sweeping setting. From now until February 14, you can purchase this piece at 10 percent off by entering the coupon code “PINKHEART”. You also have a shot at winning it: enter at http://applesofgold.com/jewelry-sweepstakes/, either for yourself or for a special someone.

Ruby, garnet and pink topaz are all perfect picks for Valentine’s Day. These red and pink stones each represent your love in their own unique way.