Putting feelings into words is challenging enough for some men; expressing the depth of their affection for that special someone through the perfect Valentine’s Day gift can provoke an existential crisis. In an effort to spare these anguished readers further Sturm und Drang
—and perhaps months of couple’s therapy—we have assembled an assortment of distinctive and whimsical gift ideas for her. From exotic chocolates to rarefied diamonds, these exquisite love offerings are certain to melt a woman’s heart.
AN UNRIVALED MATCH. Leviev (212.763.3500,
www.leviev.com) cut and polished two exceptionally rare pear-shaped fancy intense pink diamonds and incorporated the 5.61- and 5.29-carat stones into these earrings, which feature square-emerald-cut diamond tops. One fancy intense pink diamond of this size is a rare find; the discovery of two is extraordinary, indeed. Price upon request.
SENSUOUS SOUVENIRS. Wrap her in
Loro Piana’s (212.980.7961,
www.loropiana.com) luxuriously soft chinchilla shawl. This $14,995 cashmere-lined accessory, which has concealed side pockets and belt loops, can also be worn as a vest. If red is the color of love, then
VBH’s (212.717.9800) saturated red crocodile handbag makes a truly ardent declaration. Fashioned from two symmetrical skins, the $16,300 purse has an inventive zipper pull with a patent-pending locking mechanism for added security.
La Maison du Chocolat (800.988.5632,
www.lamaisonduchocolat.com) has crafted a selection of decadent treats especially for Valentine’s Day, including dark-chocolate hearts filled with Madagascar Bourbon and Tahitian vanillas. A $70 gift box contains 30 chocolates.
RED HOT. For centuries, rubies have been associated with power and passion—a legacy that makes
Martin Katz’s (310.276.7200,
www.martinkatz.com) 14.88-carat Burmese ruby ring the perfect gift of love. This 1930s-inspired cocktail ring, priced at $145,000, features 27 rubies, 45 baguette diamonds, and 396 microset diamonds.
ROMANTIC RETREAT. Nestled in the bucolic hills of Washington, Conn., the
Mayflower Inn & Spa (860.868.9466,
www.mayflowerinn.com) offers a romantic getaway two hours outside New York City. The two $1,500-per-night suites in Allerton House feature four-poster beds, fireplaces, and expansive wilderness views. Steps from Allerton House is the 20,000-square-foot Spa House, which includes couple’s treatment rooms, an indoor pool, four exercise studios, a salon, and a hammam with a blue-domed mosaic whirlpool.
BIG LOVE. Jacob & Co. (212.719.5887) offers a 75.42-carat briolette-cut fancy intense yellow diamond pendant. To achieve the best possible color, clarity, and light refraction, the jeweler sacrificed nearly 25 carats when cutting the 100-carat stone. Price upon request.
STYLISH SYMBOL. Well-heeled women appreciate the timeless nature of the camellia design by
Chanel (800.550.0005,
www.chanel.com). The classic motif, which for decades has appeared on the brand’s handbags, jewelry, and suit lapels, now graces this $44,000 diamond-studded watch with a sleek white alligator strap.
SCENT OF A WOMAN. French fragrance master
Francis Kurkdjian (through Neiman Marcus, 877.634.6263, and Bergdorf Goodman, 212.872.8700) concocts bespoke fragrances that reflect a woman’s unique sensibility. After consulting with a client in his Paris boutique or in New York, Kurkdjian develops a test scent that is modified at least once before the final fragrance, priced from $8,000 to $10,000, is delivered, usually in about six months.
PERSONAL PALETTE. Parisian leather-goods house
Zilli (212.207.4028,
www.zilli.fr) recently opened its first U.S. boutique in the Four Seasons Hotel New York to showcase its alligator accessories for men and women. These practical yet elegant alligator wallets, priced at $3,300 each, are available in a range of colors to suit every woman’s taste.
IF THE SHOE FITS. Inspired by a 19th-century Russian tradition in which adoring gentlemen toasted a prima ballerina by sipping Champagne from her slippers, shoe designer Christian Louboutin collaborated with Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck to create a crystal flute that resembles a sexy black stiletto shoe. The flute accompanies a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Brut in
Le Rituel (
www.le-rituel.com), a $500 gift set that comes in a shoebox-like package.
