20 Gift Ideas for the Leading Lady on Your List
“Gifts for Her” is the second Insider Picks edition of Invaluable’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide. From now through mid-December, we invite you to explore our wish list of one-of-a-kind gift ideas and find inspiration for those with the most discerning tastes and styles this holiday season.
In search of the perfect gift for the gal who has it all, our editors teamed up with gemologist and blogger (and avid jewelry collector herself), Gem Gossip, to find 6 of the season’s most dazzling jewels at auction.
Beyond jewelry, our editors present their top picks for gifts that offer bold, artful, and even playful ideas – from Andy Warhol soup-patterned dresses to 18th-century perfume bottles – for the ladies on your list this year.
For Her Jewelry Box
‘Tis the season for something sparkly. For the woman who loves to shine, Gem Gossip sparked up her current favorites now available on Invaluable.
“I love the contrasting colors of the onyx and coral on this German Art Deco ring. Of course, the bold and geometric style of this design only adds to its appeal,” says Gem Gossip.
“This ring is jaw-dropping for all the right reasons – I love the calibre cut sapphires and the way they are put together to create this design. If you follow my blog, you know that I am a huge fan of elongated rings and this is a perfect example. Get in my jewelry box!”
“This ring has an uncanny resemblance to my own engagement ring; a bypass crossover ring set with two diamonds in a moi et toi fashion. This one is more modern than mine, a Victorian example, but very similar nonetheless.”
“The intricate style of this pendant necklace is what makes it so special – an instant heirloom and a piece to be treasured. The filigree style of Art Deco jewelry is one of my favorite design motifs.”
“My husband collects circular pendants, and although most are medallions, he has a few coins in his collection. This particular Austrian coin is in great condition, and I like how the bezel is twisted. All it needs is a jeweler’s special touch to repair the broken bail.”
“Safety pins are having a moment right now as many are wearing them to voice a powerful message. This diamond encrusted example would by far and away be the best one anyone could wear.”
For Her Closet
For the woman on your list with an eye for fashion, our editors chose these bold accessories as the perfect way to spice up her everyday style.
Classic meets contemporary with this leather wallet, created by urban fashion designer Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton. Sprouse mixed a classic uptown aesthetic with downtown street style by overlaying a graffiti-inspired print on top of the traditional Louis Vuitton monogrammed design.
Scarves are an easy way to add a polished pop of color to a neutral outfit. This black and gold patterned piece is designed by Versace, the Italian fashion house known for its prints and colors.
The Hermès Constance belt offers an elegant, bold look. These two examples are reversible, so the whimsical blue and orange leather sides can easily transition t brown and black options for more everyday use
For Her Vanity
For the woman who relishes her morning routine, add a unique touch to her vanity with antique decorative objects to adorn her tabletop. Whether she’s in need of a new scent or a little extra storage, these gifts prove that good things really do come in small packages.
A heart-shaped scent bottle with a royal crown from Germany adds a delicate touch to a tabletop or bookshelf. The hand-crafted silver detailing makes this piece an especially unique gift.
This small bowl is ideal for storing rings, buttons, or other small items we tend to lose track of if they aren’t in one place. The piece is completed with the ornate detailing we expect from Fabergé, a maker most well-known for intricate precious metal and gemstone eggs made for the Russian imperial family.
This blue enameled pill box is decorated with a delicate rose motif, offering a sweet touch to complete a morning routine.
For Her Wall
For the art lover on your list, our editors suggest inspired artists’ muses. From celebrity candids to personal portraits, these images will inspire confidence and strength in that important female in your life, every time she walks past them.
Street photographer Garry Winogrand is known for depicting American life and social issues in the Bronx and elsewhere (specifically New York and Los Angeles). This image of a mother and child connotes strength and beauty, a snapshot of life in the 1970s.
Born and educated in Vietnam, artist Vu Cao Dam moved to Paris to launch his career as a painter. This intimate portrait is indicative of the blend of cultures he is inspired by. The artist is known for his depictions of Vietnamese women and children.
American fashion photographer Mark Shaw is well known for his portraits of President John F. Kennedy’s family and for these images of Audrey Hepburn on the set of Sabrina. Shaw spent over two weeks with the actress, capturing many casual and personal moments.
Just for Fun
For anyone interested in a quirky celebration this season, enjoy these additions that add exuberance to any and all festivities.
Bubbles are the perfect way to get the holiday party started. This mixed lot featuring Perrier, Bollinger, Martel and Co, and Moët et Chandon is perfect for someone who is entertaining during the holidays or who wants to build their cellar.
A playful and exuberant pose from beauty icon Marilyn Monroe is a perfect addition to any woman’s home decor. Monroe’s joy is contagious and has us looking forward to the next perfect summer day.
For the art or fashion enthusiast, Andy Warhol’s soup cans are fun in any form. “The Souper Dress” combines Warhol’s Pop art sensibilities with his desire to merge fine art and commercialism. While meant to be throwaway fast fashion, the surviving examples of this dress are a unique way for budding art collectors to display their passion for art.
…And to Carry it All
For the lady in your life with a serious handbag obsession, these picks run from classic to contemporary. Whether she needs a staple handbag to take to the office or wants something a little funkier for evening excursions, give her a gift she’ll treasure forever.
“The fashion industry’s ‘it-bag,’ the Hermès Kelly bag, is perfect for those in search of gifts that demand individuality, creativity, and a touch of class this season. This particular Kelly Ghillies bag is from a limited edition,” says Lena Seltzer, specialist at Auktionshaus Eppli. “Our December and January auctions feature Kelly Ghillies in three variations of leather so rare that only few customers were able to purchase these editions at Hermès.”
“These exquisite bags are not only an iconic accessory, but also investment pieces that do not depreciate in value.”
High fashion meets fine art with this collaboration between classic handbag designer Louis Vuitton and artist Yayoi Kusama. One of Kusama’s iconic prints is superimposed on top of Louis Vuitton’s traditional logo pattern, making this a unique addition to the handbag enthusiast’s closet.
Looking for more stunning gift options for her? Explore upcoming auctions this month and next, including Henry’s Auktionshaus’ Diamonds, Gemstones, Antique Jewellery, and Silver (November 24), Phillips’ Jewellery & Jade (November 28), Leonard Joel’s Jewels (November 28), Sotheby’s Russian Works of Art, Fabergé & Icons (November 29), Forum Auctions’ Jewelry & Jadeite (November 30), Lempertz’s Photography (December 2), Artcurial’s Impressionist & Modern Art (December 6), Dreweatts & Bloomsbury’s Handbags & Luxury Items (December 6), Freeman’s Modern & Contemporary Art (December 6), Lyon & Turnbull’s Select Jewellery and Watches (December 6), and Auktionshaus Eppli’s Fashion, Jewelry, Accessories, and More (December 10).
About Gem Gossip
Former head gemologist and appraiser at her local antique jewelry store, Danielle Miele started her website Gem Gossip for “endless talk of all things sparkly” in 2008. Since then, she’s pursued her passion for writing and is frequently dubbed a top jewelry blogger to know and follow. Danielle travels the world to consult and cover jewelry stories, collaborates with high end jewelry brands and auction houses, and has been featured in publications like InStyle and People Style Watch.