Yes, it’s nearly Valentine’s Day, but don’t panic...
…we have an array of perfect luxury gifts for you to offer your loved one, and you won't even have to enter a bidding war — all of them are available for private sale
Niloticus Crocodile Birkin 25 handbag
The Hermès Birkin bag was born in the early 1980s out of a chance meeting between Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, then creative director of Hermès, on a flight from Paris to London. Though the design of the carry-all with flap closure has changed little since its inception, Hermès has played around with the colour, material and size of the model.
The Birkin 25 is the smallest version and the most desirable on both the primary and secondary markets. Complementing the finely hand-dyed and buffed leather of this glossy black crocodile bag is the chic gold hardware. It’s the touch of the exotic that makes this Birkin 25 so highly prized by collectors.
F.P. Journe Lune Havana watch
François-Paul Journe is regarded as the heir apparent to George Daniels, the legendary British horologist who has been called ‘the greatest watchmaker of the modern era’.
Generally produced in very limited numbers, F.P. Journe watches are revered by collectors for their innovative and idiosyncratic design. Trademark features include large Arabic numerals; blue-steel hands to indicate the hours, minutes, seconds and power reserve; and cases in platinum or rose gold.
This watch has an automatic winding movement manufactured in 18ct rose gold. What makes it especially striking, however, is its unique Havana dial. A combination of gold and ruthenium with a warm honey colour, it was developed by F.P. Journe’s own dialmakers in a process lasting several months.
Buccellati emerald and diamond ring
Buccellati was founded in 1919 when the 28-year-old jeweller Mario Buccellati took over a shop on Via Santa Margherita in Milan. Inspired by traditional Florentine goldsmith’s techniques, he created bold and daring designs featuring engraving, openwork and chaining, as well as superlative stones including rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
A Buccellati emerald and diamond ring. Square-cut emerald of 3.95 carats, circular-cut diamonds, silver and gold (Italian marks), signed Buccellati, US ring size 6¾. Available for immediate purchase. Price on request
Today, emeralds are widely associated with eternal love, fertility and spring (the emerald is May’s birthstone) and have long been desired by collectors for their rarity, vibrancy and strength. Surprise the one you love with this eye-catching Buccellati creation, with a 3.95-carat Colombian emerald at its heart.
Heart-shaped diamond ring
In 1562, Mary Queen of Scots sent a heart-shaped diamond ring to her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, as a token of her goodwill and friendship. Since then, the heart has become the universal symbol of love, and today it is one of the most cherished of all diamond cuts.
A heart-shaped diamond ring. Heart-shaped diamond of 5.06 carats, circular-cut diamonds, platinum and gold, US ring size 6. Available for immediate purchase. Price on request
The symmetrical heart-shaped diamond in this ring weighs just over five carats. And thanks to its 59 expertly sculpted facets, it retains the highly desired brilliance of a standard round cut. Could there be a more timeless gift on a day that celebrates love?
Patek Philippe Nautilus watch
The Patek Philippe Nautilus has epitomised the elegant sports watch since its inception in 1976. Launched in 2014, the Nautilus reference 5990 is the first example of the model to combine a dual time-zone display alongside that of a chronograph.
A Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5990/1A ‘Tiffany’, circa 2015. A steel dual-time chronograph with Tiffany retail signature on dial. Available to purchase immediately. Price on request
This watch has a grey ribbed dial with the signature of Tiffany & Co. within the 60-minute counter. Patek Philippe models with this signature are among the the most desirable of collectors’ watches and so are highly sought-after on the secondary market.
Yellow diamond necklace
Fancy vivid yellow diamonds are among the most beautiful coloured gemstones in the world. The most saturated hue of all yellow diamonds, they are created when nitrogen enters their chemical composition during the formation process.
A yellow diamond and diamond necklace. Heart-shaped Fancy Vivid Yellow VS1 diamond of 10.03 carats, round brilliant-cut Fancy Intense Yellow IF diamond of 1.52 carats, 48.5 cm; pendant length 4.5 cm. Available to purchase immediately. Price on request
Wow your loved one this Valentine’s Day with this dazzling diamond necklace, featuring a fancy intense yellow round diamond and a fancy vivid yellow heart-shaped diamond weighing approximately 10 carats. The diamond horseshoe chain gives it a stylish contemporary edge.
Caban Birkin 25 handbag
Hermès is as greatly revered for its mastery of colour as for its expert craftsmanship. The seasonal release of colours is always eagerly anticipated, and inevitably results in comprehensive analysis by Hermès fanatics.
The beautifully balanced shade described as ‘Caban’ — a deep, dark tone that closely resembles black — is a new colour from the Hermès autumn/winter 2022 collection. The gold hardware adds to its overall sophistication, making it the ideal gift for any Hermès connoisseur.
Diamond pendant necklace
This necklace is a simple but flawless statement of love that can be worn close to the heart. It features a pear-shaped diamond and pink diamond pendant, suspended from a delicate platinum chain.
A diamond and coloured diamond pendant necklace. Pear modified brilliant-cut diamond of 1.79 carats, circular-cut diamonds, pink circular-cut diamond, platinum and gold, pendant length 2.1 cm. Available to purchase immediately. Price on request
Pair with a black cocktail dress to add a touch of timeless glamour to Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Rolex Daytona watch
Originally introduced in 1963 as the ultimate timing device for endurance racing drivers, the Rolex Daytona remains in a class of its own among sports chronographs.
The reference 116519 was the base for models set with sapphire, diamond and ruby baguette-cut bezels, as well as dials made from materials including turquoise, sodalite and mother of pearl. This watch dates from 2001 and features a pink mother-of-pearl dial, diamond hour markers and a pink lizard-leather strap. In keeping with the colour scheme of Valentine’s Day, it is the perfect gift of love.
Circular and baguette-cut diamond bracelet
If in doubt, always go with diamonds. And when it comes to bracelets, opt for a classic design such as this one that will stand the test of time.
A diamond bracelet. Circular and baguette-cut diamonds, gold, length 17.6 cm. Available to purchase immediately. Price on request
Featuring alternating circular and baguette-cut diamonds, it is the epitome of elegant sophistication. What more could anyone want?
Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Retourné Kelly 28 handbag
The Himalaya Kelly is fabled as the rarest and most desirable handbag in the world. Produced in very limited of numbers for top Hermès clients, it is a perfect marriage of the subtle gradation of the Himalaya colouring and the elegance of the Kelly.
In November 2021, Christie’s sold an exceptional matte white Himalaya Niloticus Kelly 28 for HK$4,000,000 ($513,000), establishing a new world-record price at auction. More than an heirloom, it is a work of art — the ultimate expression of the artistry and tradition of the storied French maison.
Diamond cluster ring
Diamond is a classic choice for engagement rings, not only owing to the fact that it is the hardest substance known, but also because it has more brilliance and fire than any other gemstone.
A diamond cluster ring. Circular-cut diamonds, gold, US ring size 6½. Available to purchase immediately. Price on request
Sign up today
Christie’s Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week
Subscribe
It will withstand daily wear and look beautiful for an eternity — so why not give the traditional bouquet an upgrade this Valentine’s Day with this elegant floral diamond ring with delicate white gold band?