With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, students all over campus are rushing to find that perfect gift for their special someone.

Many choose to go the jewelry route and spend hours wandering the malls, looking for that exceptional ring or necklace that will make her friends jealous. This year, shoppers won’t have to go past downtown Athens to find that perfect gift.

Athena Jewelers, formerly known as “The Art of It All,” is an artsy, upbeat jewelry store located on Clayton Street. Locals also might be familiar with their famous metal frog, Fran�ois, who stands outside the store smiling at shoppers.

Since 1990, Athena Jewelers has provided the Athens community with a beautiful selection of one-of-a-kind pieces.

“We’re always searching for more original and handcrafted designs,” said Danna Lea, the store’s owner. “We look all over and are now going global to be able to provide that perfect piece.”

Besides carrying a selection of various charms, Athena Jewelers is expanding to carry more beading supplies and various supplies for making jewelry.

“We want to be known for our selection and our service,” Lea said.

The store offers jewelry repair, sizing, cleaning, polishing and watch battery replacement.

They also offer engraving in six different fonts and glass etching.

One of their newest editions to their assortment of services is custom jewelry making.

“Technology now allows us to digitally design jewelry from any photo. From that image we are able to make charms and pendants and rings,” Lea said.

The image is scanned and then the computer produces a wax mill, out of which the pendant or charm is made. Then stones are selected and placed into the piece for a finished touch. Athena Jewelers also offers jewelry recycling and custom engagement rings.

“If there’s something that you want and you can’t find it in the store, we’ll find it or make it for you. We can do anything from the simplest to the most complex,” Lea said.

Athena Jewelers has promised a fresh rose with every purchase just in time for Valentine’s Day.