Deborah Marquardt's Gift Picks
Oliver Valverde, $131
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What she’s giving: “I discovered a range of fragrances by Spanish perfumer Oliver Valverde. His M.O.U.S.S.E perfume combines oak moss, lime, sandalwood, white musk, lavender, and clove—and the packaging has beautiful botanical illustrations.”
Todd Pownell, $2,120
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Temple St. Clair, $5,400
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What she wants: “Vintage Cartier cannot be beat. A Todd Pownell floating-diamond necklace and a Temple St. Clair gold-and-pavé serpent ring are some long-standing items on my secret wish list. And I’m dying for a yellow-gold, bezel-set, east-west set, emerald-cut diamond ring for my right hand. Erika Winters makes one, but it’s not set east-west, so the hunt is still on.”
How she’ll treat herself: “One-third of U.S. diamond-jewelry purchases are made by women, and self-purchase is the fastest-growing segment of the market. Earning power is up, women are marrying later, and fine jewelry has evolved past a place where it’s seen primarily as a gift. Plus, diamond jewelry is a meaningful and visual way to express a personal mile- stone, or an important moment or memory, and to reflect your self-confidence. Eight years ago, I bought a pair of diamond hoops with an unexpected bonus. I knew what I wanted, I waited until I found the perfect pair, and I still wear them almost every day. Honestly, there’s nothing like the feeling of putting on diamonds you’ve bought for yourself. You feel sort of invincible.”
Her holiday hack: “I highly recommend playing the movie Elf while wrapping presents and drinking wine. Does that count as a hack?”
Smythson, $75
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The gift that never fails: “A Smythson notebook."