
The Edit: Valentine’s Day
Love is in the air at The Royal Exchange and our luxury retailers are gearing up for the big day with a sumptuous selection of gift ideas, treats and trinkets
EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
L-R: The Love Gift Box Of 12 Macarons, £32 and The Valentine Gift Box of 8 Macarons, £23.50, both Ladurée; Shilpa Reddy Flower Design bouquet, £65-£150
Shopping for your beloved isn’t always a simple task, but this year The Royal Exchange is making it easy with an all-day Valentine’s pop-up from award-winning florist Shilpa Reddy – plus a special offer from French patisserie Ladurée. Choose from a stunning selection of romantic bouquets in three different sizes (starting from £65), and two special-edition macaron gift boxes from Ladurée. If you purchase one of the bouquets and a Ladurée Valentine’s gift box of macarons at the same time, you’ll receive a discount off the total amount. That’s Valentine’s Day sorted. The Shilpa Reddy florist pop-up will take place on Monday 14th February for one day only.
SILVER SERVICE
L-R: Signature Pillow bullet cufflinks with matte onyx in sterling silver, £365, Tateossian; StarWalker metal fountain pen, £670, Montblanc; Offspring bangle, £375 and Offspring bangle, £275, both Georg Jensen; The Valentine Gift Box of 8 Macarons, £23.50, Ladurée
Romance may be in the air, but Valentine’s Day isn’t all about hearts and roses. Design lovers appreciate fine craftsmanship and detail, such as these sculptural bangles by Scandi luxury brand Georg Jensen. A Montblanc fountain pen is a gift to treasure well beyond 14 February, and the StarWalker metal edition is a truly exceptional piece. Then there’s Tateossian’s Signature Pillow bullet cufflinks made from a ravishing matte onyx and sterling silver. Miniature works of art.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
L-R: S2000 Red watch, £4,595, Bremont; TD668 col. 1880 frames, from £395, Tom Davies; Be You ring in 18 carat SMO yellow gold, £1,800, Boodles; Tiffany & Co. Atlas® X closed narrow hinged bangle in yellow gold, £6,200, Tiffany & Co.; Swedish massage oil, £25, Ron Dorff
Single or otherwise, not everyone takes part in Valentine’s Day. So why not reframe it as a day for self-love and celebrating your own achievements? This is the ethos behind the Be You collection from Boodles, which features stunning 18ct yellow gold pieces with the delta motif as a symbol of momentum and purpose. As the historic British jeweller says, ‘keep going and you’ll accomplish your goals’. This stylish chunky ring pairs beautifully with the hinged bangle in yellow gold from Tiffany & Co., inspired by Roman numerals. And while you’re at it, why not splash out on a sleek new pair of glasses from bespoke eyewear brand Tom Davies or a stunning Bremont timepiece; the ultimate ‘treat yourself’ gift.
PURPLE REIGN
L-R: Matches, £12, Fortnum & Mason; Pavilion ring featuring a 2.5 carat yellow diamond and white diamonds set in platinum, POA, Boodles; Torun bangle, £465, Georg Jensen; Naked Sauna Swedish massage candle, £45, Ron Dorff; U.K 100 limited edition sterling silver heart locket, £275, Georg Jensen
There’s nothing quite as romantic as candlelight, and a sultry new scented candle always makes a special gift. We love the minimalist design of Ron Dorff’s Naked Sauna Swedish massage candle, especially when paired with Fortnum & Mason’s extra-long matches. Also sure to add a spark to your Valentine’s Day are these striking pieces of jewellery, including an abstract heart locket necklace from Georg Jensen and a simply stunning 2.5 carat yellow gold and white diamond ring from Boodles.
MADE WITH LOVE
L-R: Knot ring, £290, Solitaire diamond pendant necklace, £2,510, both from the Made With Love collection, Vashi
If you’re thinking of popping the question this Valentine’s Day, bespoke jeweller Vashi can create the ring of your dreams; one that tells your unique story. Even if getting down on one knee isn’t in the pipeline, you can still surprise your significant other with a stunning sparkler. Vashi’s single solitaire diamond necklace is a 0.50 carat brilliant-cut round diamond floating on a delicate trace chain. Minimalist and versatile, this charming necklace will bring joy to your loved one. Then there’s the beautiful gold knot ring, a simple yet statement design that can be worn on its own or stacked with other rings. The never-ending thread serves as a symbol of the unbreakable bonds of love.
RUNNING CIRCLES
L-R: In-the-loop Phone To Go wink phone case, £1,120, Hermès; T wire hoop earrings in 18k gold, £2,150, Tiffany & Co.; White chocolate Florentines 150g, £9,95, Fortnum & Mason; TD506 col. 1525 frames, from £395, Tom Davies; Platinum plait diamond eternity ring, £2,950, Vashi
Circles have been a symbol of everlasting love for centuries. Bespoke jewellery brand Vashi’s stunning diamond eternity ring puts a modern spin on this emblem by having each round brilliant-cut diamond held in its own sculptured shared-claw setting, creating a side profile of a curving plait. Or you could go for a simpler nod to the circle with Tiffany & Co.’s classic Tiffany T wire hoop earrings in 18ct gold. Even Hermès’ plush leather phone case features circular imagery, this time in the form of a cheeky, subtle wink.
HEARTS AND FLOWERS
L-R: Heart key ring in Burgundy pebble, £45, Aspinal of London; Highgrove organic after dinner peppermint thins, £12.95, Fortnum & Mason; Woodland ring featuring an aquamarine and moonstone and white diamonds set in 18 carat white gold, £3,500, Boodles; Special-Edition Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense 50ml, £92, Jo Malone London; Tiffany Knot double row hinged bangle in yellow gold, £6,525, Tiffany & Co.
Thoughtful gifts are all well and good, but sometimes all-out romance is the best possible course. A sweet token of affection for your Valentine is this heart-shaped leather key ring from Aspinal of London. Or why not explore the opulent new collection from Jo Malone London, which is entirely dedicated to that most romantic of blooms: the rose.
AFTERNOON DELIGHT
Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange available from Monday – Friday, 2:30 – 4:30pm, Tin of Grind Coffee, £9, Grind
Is your other half a bit of a coffee connoisseur? Treat them to this stylish refillable tin from London’s favourite coffee shop, Grind. All Grind coffee is ethically sourced from sustainable farms around the world before being roasted in the Big Smoke. Or why not treat your beau to a traditional afternoon tea in the splendour of the Fortnum & Mason Bar and Restaurant at The Royal Exchange? This classic affair includes delectable finger sandwiches, cakes and scones with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Bubbles optional (but encouraged).
HEAVY METAL
L-R: TDH032 col. 1046 frames, from £995, Tom Davies; Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer Small Seconds 34 mm 131.20.34.20.63.001, £9,360, Omega; T pierced money clip in sterling silver, £265, Tiffany & Co.; Sky corkscrew, £45, Georg Jensen; Pink Marc de Champagne truffle drum 250g, £24.95, Fortnum & Mason; Rhodium plated sterling silver cufflinks CL2604, £330, Tateossian
Although crafted from stainless steel, Omega’s iconic Constellation range is one of the luxury watchmaker’s most elegant and timeless collections. This dreamy ladies’ timepiece will pair well with every outfit, day or night. Magpies will also be drawn to Tiffany & Co.’s sterling silver money clip and the quirky Sky corkscrew by Georg Jensen with its mirrored polish sterling steel finish. Also adding a little sparkle is Tateossian’s rhodium-plated sterling silver cufflinks, which can be engraved for a sweet personal touch.
L-R: Great Characters Enzo Ferrari special edition fountain pen M, £885, Montblanc; LE18616 frames, from £995, Tom Davies; Sky food/cocktail sticks (6 pcs), £43, Georg Jensen; Solo Lady K, £5,495, Bremont
They say that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. We believe that dining well or cooking for someone is a failsafe romantic gesture, regardless of gender. But why not experiment a little this Valentine’s Day (food-wise) with some upmarket canapé-style dining or cocktail making with Georg Jensen’s stainless steel cocktail sticks. A unique and thoughtful gift designed to last.