Valentine’s Day Jewelry (And Chocolate) Forecast

OK, last-minute shoppers, here’s what to expect in local jewelry stores for Valentine’s Day gifts: lower prices, ever so slightly, and no standout deals.
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Consumer Reports, meanwhile, likes these chocolates (sorry, most available only online):

In order of taste quality: Norman Love Confections signature gift box (25 pieces; $49), a CR Best Buy; Woodhouse Chocolate assortment (48 pieces; $90); Christopher Elbow collection (21 pieces; $40); and Candinas (36 pieces; $48), a CR Best Buy.

And some to avoid:

Hershey’s Pot of Gold, Fannie May Fine Chocolates assorted, Lindt Classics, Whitman’s Sampler and Soho assorted, and Russell Stover assorted chocolates and Private Reserve all had flaws that resulted in no better than a Good overall Rating.

Some good values, in order of taste:

Godiva Gold Ballotin 36-piece ($2.87/ounce); Ferrero Collection fine assorted confections ($1.25/ounce); Leonidas Chocolate general assortment ($2.25/ounce); and See’s assorted chocolates ($1.06/ounce). Godiva, Ferrero and See’s are sold in stores so you might be able to avoid shipping charges. Leonidas has only one store, in New York City.