Valentine’s Day gifts from jewelry and watches to chocolates and romantic getaways.
Classic with a Twist: Polo Ralph Lauren presents its Slim Classique timepiece—the sleek, extra-thin, 18-karat white gold watch with diamond trim features a racy-red satin strap. Starting at $17,000, the Slim Classique collection features a range of slim timepieces for men and women. (www.ralphlaurenwatches.com)
Chocolate Indulgence: Le Maison Richart created the Rouge by Richart chocolate Valentine’s Day collection featuring its handmade milk or dark chocolate treats filled with chocolate coulis or ganache and packaged in a special heart-shaped box from $20 to $80. (800.742.4278, www.richart-chocolates.com)
Decadent Treats: Artisanal chocolate-maker Will Gustwiller, owner of Eclipse Chocolat in San Diego, created special flavors for Valentine’s day, including the Sweetheart Collection, a half-pound box of flavor-infused chocolate bars ($30); Crème Fraîche Caramels topped with exotic herbs ($4 to $16), and Gustwiller’s truffles infused with various flavors such as ginger green tea, pumpkin muscavado, and apricot bries ($5 to $50). Gustwiller has also created a five-course cocoa-themed Valentine’s Day dinner offering small savory plates for $95 per couple. (619.578.2984, www.eclipsechocolat.com)
Romancing the stone: Tiffany & Co. unveiled a collection of rare rubellite jewelry just in time for Valentine’s Day. The deep, saturated red stones, which are part of the tourmaline family, appear similar to rubies and range from a brilliant pink to a lustrous scarlet in hue. Designs range from delicate earrings with diamond accents to large rings like the standout 8.53-carat emerald-cut rubellite ring set in platinum and surrounded by diamonds, $17,000. (800.843.3269, www.tiffany.com)
The Beverly Hills Hotel Bungalows get a makeover: The Beverly Hills Hotel is opening two secluded bungalows to be completed March 21, 2011. Each residential-style suite has approximately 5,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space situated among extensive gardens and palm trees. The bungalows include kitchens, living and dining rooms, limestone fireplaces, three bedrooms and 3.5 baths, individual pools, and outdoor showers. Rates range from $9,000 to $12,000 per night. (800.283.8885, www.beverlyhillshotel.com)
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Rare Treasure: Nearly 30 years ago, Aristotle Onassis purchased an elaborate ruby-and-diamond necklace, christened the Segovia, from Van Cleef & Arpels for his daughter Christina. The French jeweler has reacquired the necklace as part of its Heritage Collection and is offering it for $520,000. This one-of-a-kind design features 221 rare Burmese rubies (a total of 368 carats) and 171 (12 carats) round diamonds. (877.VANCLEEF, www.vancleef-arpels.com)
A Romantic Escape to Ireland’s Historic Castles: For a Valentine’s Day getaway, Carlyle International has two new packages as a part of The Dromoland Collection in Ireland. Reside in either the Castlemartyr Resort, an 17th century manor house near the ruins of a historic castle, restored to a modern hotel and spa with an expansive golf course designed by architect Ron Kirby in East Cork. Or, stay in County Clare’s Dromoland Castle, built in the 16th century on the shores of Lough Dromoland among 410 sprawling acres, including a champion parkland golf course. Rates range from about $800 to $1,100 for a two-night package in either hotel with Irish breakfast, and amenities such as champagne upon arrival, a dinner at one of the restaurants, and gourmet desserts delivered to your room. (Castlemartyr Resort: +011.353.21.4219000, Dromoland Castle: +011.353.61.368144; www.dromolandcollection.ie)
