Gifts That Dazzle

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift? Pop into the recently remodeled Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers on El Paseo in Palm Desert to find a stunning piece of jewelry or an heirloom timepiece for that special someone — or yourself. 

Story by Emily Chavous 
Photography courtesy of Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers

Ahhh, Valentine’s Day. However you celebrate — solo, with your best friends, or with a significant other — it’s the perfect excuse to dote on yourself and those you hold near and dear. So, add a little sparkle to your shopping list. You’ll find the Coachella Valley’s largest selection of fine jewelry and timepieces at Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers on El Paseo in Palm Desert.

The well-loved jeweler marks 75 years in business this year. To celebrate, they remodeled the store and recently debuted an entirely new look. Pop in to see the interior update, and pick up a special piece that will make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Not sure what to get? We asked the team at Leeds to share a few ideas.

With wildflower season right around the corner, it’s time to shed the monotonous palette of your winter wardrobe and lean into the vibrant colors that come to mind whenever you think of desert wildflowers. Take these limited-edition precious gemstone earrings as an example, crafted by Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels with careful consideration for the colors of the season.

Unsure of the right size? No problem. The Xpandable Collection from Picchiotti uses a patented stretch technology to ensure every delicate ring and bracelet fits like a second skin. The pieces — available with diamonds or colorful gems set in 18-karat yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold — expand comfortably over knuckles and wrists, allowing bracelets to be clasp-free and rings to accommodate a fit range of approximately two-and-a-half sizes. No tailoring required.

All diamonds over 1 carat at Leeds & Son are GIA certified, which means the Gemological Institute of America has rated them for the Four Cs: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. The emerald cut, shown here, is among the oldest shapes, emphasizing long parallel step cuts with truncated corners. This 8-carat beauty from Rahaminov Diamonds, available at Leeds, was manufactured in Los Angeles.

Inspired by the classic Tudor divers’ watches that became popular in the 1950s, the Swiss-made Black Bay GMT is designed to withstand the elements — it’s waterproof to a depth of 660 feet, and luminescent hour markers ensure legibility in all conditions. The handsome timepiece shown here features a 41-millimeter steel case and a riveted steel bracelet with a polished finish; leather and fabric straps are also available.

Since opening in 2005, Messika has become a fast favorite among young celebs. Kendall Jenner stars in the Parisian brand’s latest campaign, and Beyoncé, Hailey Bieber, and Selena Gomez are among designer Valérie Messika’s clients. Known for their modern, feminine designs and exceptional craftsmanship, her delicate pieces are showstoppers on their own. Wear them in layers for the ultimate wow effect.

Not only for women, Messika also designs sleek pieces for men. The Move Titanium collection includes rings, bracelets, cufflinks, and a pendant necklace available in three polished finishes. These creations intend to juxtapose the strength of titanium with the brilliance of diamonds for a contemporary look that is confidently masculine.