I simply can’t let Valentine’s Day slip by without giving my sister and brother-in-law a shout-out about their one-of-a-kind wearable art. Billie Beads are handmade, Swarovski crystal encrusted jewelry and objects. They’re famous for their Piggy Banks (carried by Barneys NY) and Christmas Tree pins (stocked seasonally at The Florence Griswold Museum) but they create particularly beguiling chubby hearts in various versions: key chains, paper weights and necklaces among them.

Each piece is created by hand, using ancient caning techniques in the tradition of Mille Fiore and they are, as they like to say, mesmerizing. I call them eye candy. For Valentine’s Day, but certainly wearable anytime, are these lovely heart necklaces strung on natural leather cord. If you email Billie right away, you can get one delivered in time for the BIG day. Normally $60, just for The E List readers, $50.  Email Billiebeads@earthlink.net  or call 718.372.3954. Find them on facebook, here.