Valentine’s Love Stories & Fine Jewelry
Today Sassi and Lynette are each sharing their love stories and the their favorite fine jewelry piece from our Hearts Collection...
Love Story: Lynette & Seis
The love of my life is my husband, Seis. Our story began serendipitously at a Thanksgiving brunch in NYC in 2016. My family was visiting from West Coast, some from Seattle, and my sister’s friend, Seis—who had just moved to the city—happened to be there. Fate—or my sister Sassi—brought us together again at a BBQ in Seattle in July 2017, and when we both returned to NYC that August, we decided to meet up. Our first date was on August 13, 2017 at the Ten Bells wine bar, a cozy spot known for its carefully curated natural wine selection, exposed brick walls, and candlelit tables. Two years later, we married on the same day at the Manhattan City Hall followed by a wedding luncheon at Tavern on the Green with close family. In November 2019, we exchanged vows in Paris with my sister Sassi and her husband as officent and witness. Now, we share a life filled with a lot of adventure traveling the world, fine dining, and time between the Hamptons and NYC.
The Coeur de Lumière Heart Necklace (also available in sterling silver) holds a deeply personal significance for me, making it my favorite piece from our Hearts Collection. This design was inspired by one of the most cherished moments of my life—when my husband and I exchanged vows on the Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris on November 12, 2019. This breathtaking location, with its gilded sculptures and sweeping views of the Seine, has been special to me since 2014, when I first discovered it as a visiting scholar at Sciences Po. Returning years later to pledge our love there felt like the perfect full circle.
Adding to the significance of that day, my sister Sassi—co-founder of ID Rogue Fine Jewelry—officiated our vow exchange, making it an even more intimate and meaningful experience. The Coeur de Lumière was selected with these moments in mind. Its radiant heart shape and starburst diamond detail reflect both the golden light of Paris and the luminous love that my husband and I celebrated on that bridge.
Including this piece in our curated collection was a natural choice. It embodies love that transcends time and place, much like the romance of Paris itself. Whether worn as a symbol of devotion or gifted to someone special, this necklace is a reminder that love, like light, has the power to illuminate our most treasured memories.
Sassi & Mike: A Love Story Written in Snowflakes and Sunshine
When I first arrived in Seattle, the city felt like a maze of unfamiliar streets, misty skies, and endless possibilities. Little did I know, tucked somewhere amidst the bustling coffee shops and rain-kissed sidewalks, was the man who would change my life forever—Mike. Our story began with a blind date, orchestrated by my well-meaning roommate. I was skeptical, nervous even, but something nudged me to say yes. Maybe it was curiosity, or maybe fate had a hand in it. That evening, as I sat across from Mike, the world seemed to slow down. His easy smile, warm laughter, and the way his eyes crinkled when he talked—I was captivated. Not wanting to let the spark fade, he asked me out again for the very next night. As if the universe wanted to add its own twist, a snowstorm hit Seattle while we were out. The city, known more for its drizzle than snow, was blanketed in white, halting everything—except us. I was snowed in for three days, and those unexpected hours turned into moments that stitched our hearts closer with every conversation, every laugh, every shared silence. Three years later, life had woven us together in ways I never could’ve imagined. It was during a simple, cozy evening, as we wrapped Christmas gifts surrounded by twinkling lights and the scent of pine, that Mike looked at me with that same crinkled-eye smile and asked me to marry him. There was no grand gesture, no elaborate plan—just pure, heartfelt love. And it was perfect. On May 15, 2015, we stood together in an intimate courthouse ceremony in Seattle, our hearts speaking vows louder than words ever could. The next day, we celebrated with our closest family and friends at Woodinville Whiskey, toasting to a love that felt both brand new and timeless. Now, as we approach our 10th anniversary, it still feels like we just met. Every glance, every touch, every shared memory adds another chapter to our story. And while Seattle’s skyline has shifted and seasons have changed, one thing remains constant—my heart still races for Mike, just like it did on that snowy night when time stood still, and love found its way in.
The City Beat Diamond Heart & Paperclip Bracelet is my favorite piece from our Hearts Collection because it perfectly reflects my personal jewelry style—one that has evolved but always stayed true to my love for stacking. As a teenager, when I first started defining my fashion identity, I was drawn to layering bracelets, rings, and necklaces, creating combinations that felt both personal and effortlessly stylish. Over the years, stacking has remained a signature part of my aesthetic, and this bracelet fits seamlessly into that tradition.
I adore the modern elegance of the paperclip chain, a design that has become a staple in contemporary jewelry, paired with the timeless allure of a diamond heart charm. The contrast of sleek minimalism with a touch of classic sparkle makes it a perfect piece to layer with other bracelets or wear on its own for understated sophistication. Whether styled with bangles, cuffs, or delicate chains, it adds just the right amount of edge and romance to any stack.
Including this bracelet in our curated collection was an easy decision. It’s a versatile, everyday luxury piece that reflects both individuality and love—making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate timeless beauty with a modern twist.