8 uniquely symbolic Valentine’s Day gifts that will last a lifetime

1. Cartier Trinity

It is well-known that the Cartier Trinity design of three interlocking rings is a popular symbol for timeless love. Shaking the collection up are the maison’s latest iterations referencing three animals emblematic of Cartier’s fauna: the panthere, tiger, and snake.

Imbuing the Trinity with elements of power, strength, and sensuality, the creatures’ motifs are individually interpreted on the bands of a bracelet, single and two-finger rings, as well as a single earring. Reptile scales are featured on white gold, while panther spots or tiger stripes in black lacquer embellish yellow and rose gold. Each creature is also afforded its own shape: rippled for the snake, pyramidal for the tiger, and rounded for the panther.

If a wild aesthetic is not your thing, then the refined playfulness of Cartier’s cushion shape, iconic in its watchmaking universe, will do it for you — in a selection of necklaces, bracelets, and rings. The bands come in an ultra-graphic form that glide over each other with the same fluidity as the round version. No matter what range you choose, these jewels make one statement: fierce.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels Papillon

Van Cleef & Arpels is all about dreamy romance and poetic elegance, and one of its key motifs, the butterfly, simply oozes a sense of light-hearted enchantment. The winged wonder’s grace is brought to life on the Lady Arpels Papillon Automate, which unites both technical and craftsmanship brilliance.

Housed in a 40mm white gold case adorned with a diamond-set bezel, crown, and serti-neige pave diamonds, this timepiece showcases a self-winding movement with a pioneering automaton module. Through it, the fluttering of a golden butterfly’s delicate plique-à-jour enamel wings, can be activated at random or on demand.

The delightful insect is set against a metiers d’art dial depicting a dream-like nocturnal landscape. The scene includes elements such as a sculpted mother-of-pearl flower, as well as foliage in shimmering champleve enamel and curved plique-a-jour enamel. A moon in paillonne enamel reflects over a sapphire-studded pool, framed by round and pear-shaped diamonds. On the caseback, a bas-relief engraving and decorated sapphire oscillating weight complete this visual spectacle.

3. Bvlgari Serpenti Cuore 1968

Can a purse send a message of love? Most certainly, especially when its a bejewelled masterpiece that represents transformation, passion, and timelessness. Case in point: Bvlgari’s new sculptural Serpenti Cuore 1986 bag that takes the form of two halves of a heart.

Constructed with a calf leather body on one side and a sinuous Serpenti-shaped handle on the other, it is inspired by the 1968 Serpenti Harlequin jewellery-watch and pays homage to the maison’s heritage. A veritable head-turner, this creation is created under the artistic vision of fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, who is Bvlgari’s creative director of leather goods and accessories, the Serpenti motif continues its evolution.

The gold-plated brass handle, crafted using the “lost wax” technique, embodies Bvlgari’s deep-rooted jewellery-making tradition. Each enamelled snake scale is meticulously hand-set, while the padded leather structure accentuates its silhouette. The bag transitions effortlessly between crossbody and hand-carry styles, thanks to a detachable chain strap, and is available in a range of rich hues. If a statement-maker is what you’re seeking, there is a dazzling evening edition, adorned with nearly 5,000 hand-applied crystals.

4. Tiffany HardWear

The Tiffany HardWear collection is also “heartware”, for it embodies the strength, resilience, and unbreakable bonds that define love. Inspired by the raw energy of New York City, the jewels are defined by bold links, industrial shapes, and fluid lines symbolising the interconnectedness of relationships.

As much as the pieces are a seamless blend of elegance and edge, the collection’s modern, gender-fluid aesthetic also make a strong statement about inclusivity. The collection’s signature gauge links, often adorned with pave diamonds, represent the enduring connections between souls, while the tension between structured metal and fluid movement mirrors the dynamic nature of love.

Featured here is the HardWear by Tiffany double-link pendant in rose gold with pave diamonds, in size large. It is eye-catching and versatile, with the interlocking links almost forming a heart shape — what’s not to like?

5. Blancpain Ladybird

It may not be readily apparent that the Blancpain Ladybird watch collection alludes to romance, but its namesake creature with a vibrant red shell is a traditional European symbol of passion, vitality, and good luck. Its playfully elegant design was also born during the mid-1950s, when the manufacture launched the world’s smallest round movement, the R550 caliber, and bejewelled watches in dainty sizes were all the rage.

The newest showpiece of Blancpain’s 25-year dedication to celebrating Valentine’s Day with special releases, is this Ladybird Colors Saint-Valentin 2025. Encased in white gold, the 34.9 mm timepiece radiates warmth and ardour through its deep red hues. The fiery shade adorns the alligator leather strap, the extra-white mother-of-pearl dial’s applied hour markers, and a heart-pierced by the seconds hand’s Cupid’s arrow.

The Blancpain moonphase, a signature of femininity and mystery, is depicted by a face framed by delicate eyelashes, full lips, and a beauty spot. Two golden hearts accompany this celestial muse, floating upon a cloud of iridescence. A sparkling gem-setting pattern of over 2 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, tapering like a crescent moon, extends across the case, lugs, crown, and buckle. And there is yet another hidden significance — every owner has one of 14 of this model’s highly exclusive pieces.

6. Chaumet Bee My Love

You wouldn’t imagine a hardworking little bee to have an association with love, would you? In the early 19th century, as French military general-turned-emperor Napoleon Bonaparte rose to prominence, he adopted the bee as a symbol of his empire to represent immortality and industriousness.

While it became synonymous with his reign, he is also remembered for his profound affection for his wife, Empress Josephine. Having created countless lavish gifts for her on Napoleon’s behalf, Chaumet, his imperial jeweller of choice, has interpreted the insect as a modern-day emblem of enduring love — no doubt an inspiration from its two royal patrons.

The Bee My Love fine jewellery collection features geometric honeycomb designs that symbolise unity and harmony. It showcases mirror-polished gold and diamond honeycomb patterns that capture and diffuse light uniquely, with gold openwork behind the diamonds enhancing their brilliance. As lightness of wear is key part of Chaumet’s design language, these jewels are made superbly chic and wearable.

7. Panerai Luminor Due

While twinning similar watches isn’t a new concept for horology lovers, Panerai’s latest day-to-night pair from its Luminor Due collection is made to embody the essence of love and precision. “Due” means “two” in English, and certainly they are made for couples who value personality and performance in their timekeepers.

The Luminor Due Metal Bracelet PAM01508 features a 38mm polished steel case paired with a white sun-brushed sandwich dial. Its minimalist and practical design is elevated by a second strap in pink satin calf, adding a romantic touch. Its soulmate is the opulent Luminor Due TuttoOro PAM01442, which is a 42mm timepiece flaunting a Panerai Goldtech case. The material is an innovative gold alloy composed of platinum, silver, and copper — offering improved durability and an intense red hue.

Both are powered by the P.900 automatic movement, renowned for its reliability with a three-day power reserve. The newly designed bracelet features a cool V-shape design that tapers from the case to the buckle. The PAM Click Release System also allows for effortless switching between metal bracelets and straps without tools.

8. FRED Pretty Woman

One of the greatest romance movies is immortalised as a jewellery motif, and it’s none other than Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The story goes way back to 1990, when FRED’s Rodeo Drive boutique in Beverly Hills received a visit from the film’s production team, which selected a diamond and ruby heart necklace for Roberts’ character.

Needless to say, the piece became made waves, and inspired FRED to create the Pretty Woman collection to represent the raw passion between the leads. The latest designs from the collection are the Hypnotic pink gold necklace and ring, which feature the house’s signature heart-within-a-heart motif.

The necklace showcases two movable hearts connected by a detachable diamond-and-gold pave clasp. One heart is adorned with mother-of-pearl, while the other shimmers with diamonds. Both hearts are reversible to allow for four different style combinations. The ring mirrors this playful spirit by way of a double-heart design that is reversible in a single motion. One side displays mother-of-pearl and gold; the other pink gold and diamonds.