With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you may be wondering what to give the special woman in your life. Instead of flowers, which only last for a short while, or candy, which is also a temporary pleasure, why not give her a gift that can last a lifetime? It may not smell as sweet as flowers or be tasty like chocolate, but few objects can compare to the beautiful look of sterling silver jewelry. Below are five gift ideas that are sure to fill her heart with joy this Valentine's Day:

Heart Jewelry. When you think of Valentine's Day, no image is more symbolic than that of the heart. Retailers decorate their shelves with heart-shaped boxes of candy, greeting cards filled with sentiments of love and even teddy bears with words of love written on their clothing or accessories. Because the image of a heart is so popular on Valentine's Day, jewelry featuring this timeless design will be the perfect gift for the special woman in your life. Whether it is a pair of earrings, necklace, ring or charm bracelet, she will fall in love with the gift and the thoughtfulness that went into its selection.

Engagement Ring. When you think of one special day that's all about love and celebrating the happiness that you share with another, you probably think of Valentine's Day. With that in mind, this day is the perfect one for proposing to your sweetheart. If you're in the market for an engagement ring, the option of a sterling silver and cubic zirconia design may be one to consider. Perhaps you have discussed marriage and the importance of conserving finances or maybe you simply don't have the budget for a large ring, which is why the precious metal of sterling silver combined with the strength of cubic zirconia is a popular option for many couples.

Gemstone Jewelry. While every gemstone color is beautiful in its own way, the two most common for Valentine's Day are red and white. For the jewelry lover, this means that a red/white cubic zirconia combination or a garnet/white topaz duo will be the perfect gift to receive in February. Not only will she love the careful selection that was made by choosing colors that coordinate with the holiday, but she will always remember when she received it simply because of the color combination.

Personalized Jewelry. If you're in the market for a truly unique gift this Valentine's Day, nothing is more special than a piece of personalized jewelry. If you have a pendant or charm with a polished surface, you can easily have it engraved by most jewelers. The same is true of a ring, which is ideal for engraving a special message on the inside of the band. If sterling silver is your metal of choice, you will be glad to know that it, too, can be engraved.

Pearl Jewelry. Like love, a pearl never goes out of style. Its timeless beauty has withstood the test of time as the pearl remains one of the most classic designs in jewelry. These days, simulated pearls are an affordable option for those who want to get the look of an expensive necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings without spending a fortune. Available in shades of white, mauve and black, simulated pearls are a real 'find' for Valentine's Day.