Valentine’s Day gift ideas for every whim and fancy.
The best gifts come from the heart, without the need for any special occasion. But if you do need a reason to splurge on a present for that special someone, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Here’s a charming selection that will make the heart flutter even for cynics of the festival of love.
Cartier
If the four-letter word eludes you, say no more with the iconic Love bracelet from Cartier. Since its inception in 1969, the clean, structured silhouette has become a timeless tribute to passion and romance, whether it is worn on its own or stacked up on the wrist.
Available in white, yellow and rose gold, with a choice of diamonds, the versatile oval bracelet is fastened by screwing two flat circular arcs with a dedicated screwdriver. A seal of love, for sure.
Breguet
For the romantic and unconventional, Breguet makes love come alive in the exclusive Cœur, or Heart edition of its iconic Reine de Naples watch, limited to 28 numbered pieces and accompanied by a matching grained calfskin leather clutch. The timepiece is rejuvenated with a new invention – a minute hand in the shape of a “beating” heart that expands or contracts ever so slightly as it makes its way around the elongated oval dial.
Composed of two independent arms that twist with an ingenious set of gears – hand-finished in the Breguet tradition – to create a heart that is extended at 12 o’clock and more rounded at 6 o’clock, the mechanism features an oval-shaped cam that allows each of these arms to move at different speeds to create the effect. This innovation is exclusive to the Reine de Naples, and protected by four patents.
The tip of the heart-shaped minute hand is marked by a subtle red heart showing the minutes on the hours chapter, punctuated by tiny hearts every five minutes, while quarter numerals, distinguished by their size and outline, are lacquered with vermilion. The hour, indicated by a drop of purple lacquer, appears in the centre through a window. Set against the sapphire-crystal dial is lacquered in white, the details shine through.
Harry Winston
Define your love with a melody of jewels by the King of Diamonds – Harry Winston. Make a promise of love with a lyrical design in the form of the Classic Winston Ruby Ring, play up the vibrant notes of Winston Candy’s coloured gems against sparkling diamonds, or choose a symphony of dazzling coloured gemstones in the Winston Kaleidoscope collection. Then sing of your Valentine’s radiance with the brilliant Winston Gates medallion pendant, and the Lily Cluster inspired by nature, where flower petals are reimagined in rose gold and diamonds.
Blancpain
Blancpain’s first self-winding ladies’ wristwatch was created as far back as 1930. Over the years, the Manufacture celebrated women with a succession of feminine horological creations. Gift the important woman in your life a declaration of eternity with the “Valentine’s Day 2021” edition of the fine watchmaker’s Villeret Women Date model.
Limited to 28 pieces, the watch features a crimson heart roused by the sweeping second hand, against a white mother-of-pearl dial reminiscent of fluffy clouds where playful Cupid hides. The refined design is enhanced with openworked hour and minute hands, along with a diamond-set chapter ring and bezel.
Housed in a 33.2 mm red gold case, the self-winding Haute Horlogerie movement – Blancpain calibre 1151 is derived from the famous 1150, with a silicon balance-spring and a four-day power reserve, along with a date display. The intricate inner workings are revealed with a sapphire caseback.
Piaget
Say it with roses… in the form of shimmering jewelled creations by Piaget. The Piaget Rose Jewellery Collection immortalises the flower it was named after – the Piaget Rose – an award-winning flower prized for its large blooms with 80 layers of petals, mesmerising shades of pink and citrusy notes of fragrance. The jewelled interpretations of this prized flower are brought to life by the exquisite skills of the Maison’s artisans. Each piece is a labour of love.
Surprise your love with a “bouquet” of the new Piaget Rose collection in 18K white gold and the finest diamonds emulating the petals of the Piaget rose unfolding under the sparkle of sun rays.
Or choose a contemporary take with the new 18K rose gold collection embellished with brilliant-cut diamonds. The collection showcases a ring and necklace with a mobile diamond not unlike a fresh drop of morning dew.
Van Cleef and Arpels
Should dainty intricacies tickle your love’s fancy, Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature four-leaf clover-inspired Alhambra® jewellery collection will not disappoint. The masterful details of the distinctive beaded silhouette are complemented with the use of a broad palette of natural materials.
The Lucky Alhambra long necklace with 12 motifs showcases playful artistry in the shape of butterflies, leaves and hearts in carnelian, malachite, mother-of-pearl, and tiger eye, while the Magic Alhambra necklace with 6 motifs, sees four-leaf clover motifs in various sizes coming together in a jubilant dance. For a subtle statement, there is always the rose gold Sweet Alhambra heart pendant and heart bracelet, or the delicate Effeuillage ring with striking details.
Or gift a poetic scene encapsulated in the Lady Arpels Féerie Rouge watch from the Poetic Complications Collection. The graceful fairy, sculpted in white gold and diamonds against a translucent guilloché red enamel background, watches over the passage of time, drawing the hours with her magic wand as one of her wings points out the minutes.
Housed in a 38mm white gold case, the manual-winding mechanical movement (JLC 846) is equipped with an Agenhor retrograde module developed exclusively for the Maison, with a 30-hour power reserve.
Product images courtesy of respective brands featured, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
Related links:
Breguet’s Reine de Naples, for Love
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole: Blooms of Light
