The Glitterati Guru: How To Buy Jewellery This Valentine’s Day
Watch and jewellery expert Misha Daud is our sparkle-centric agony aunt answering all your questions on how to buy the perfect Valentine’s Day treasures
Valentine’s Day has always been a little kitsch to me. It’s become a day of ‘show and tell’ filled with hearts, hype and plenty of social media unboxing. I enjoy the fun of it, from the playful tokens to the more considered pieces, but I don’t believe love lives in one day. For me, real love is chosen daily, in the small gestures and the meaningful ones alike. When you see it that way, Valentine’s becomes light, joyful, and exactly what it should be. And if you’re going to gift me, I don’t want flowers. I want jewellery.
This is our first Valentine’s Day as a married couple and I’m torn – fun gift or serious gift?
Rock Star, 36, Dubai
Both, always. You need to keep the fun, keep the joy, but also show intimacy; that you have really thought about the gift. Make it a considered purchase – ideally an in-joke or
something known to just the two of you – or something that represents your partnership, perhaps bespoke cufflinks for him, or a Farandole necklace by Hermès, with its signature anchor-link motif.
Is it kitsch to buy heart-shaped jewels or red timepieces as a Valentine’s Day gift?
Hearts and Flowers, 41, Abu Dhabi
A touch of red is fine, but I prefer burgundy… A deep red lip, a glossy maroon heel or a brogue leather watch strap. A chic Valentine’s Day gift is allowed to flirt with the theme, but keep it elegant. When it comes to heart shape diamonds, the bigger the carat the better – show love like you mean it. It’s also important to make sure you choose something that won’t date quickly – the right gift will be special long after February ends. The best pieces will become part of your everyday. My one Valentine’s Day rule – if it still makes sense on the 15th February, you chose well.
I wish Valentine’s Day came with less pressure… How can I manage the stress of making it a picture-perfect celebration? On top of that, I’m also stressing about a gift. Help!
Emerald Empress, 28, Dubai
Valentine’s Day is supposed to be fun. No pressure, no comparisons, and certainly no expectations. Good company, a favourite meal, a little gift (maybe) and plenty of laughter. Valentine’s day is at its best when it feels easy, not staged. You also don’t have to keep up with the Joneses – do it in private. Create memories in private. Take something that you both love, or has great meaning, and use that to inspire your celebration. Love isn’t proven on one day in February, it’s chosen quietly, daily, and without an audience. Having said that, a beautiful red and gold box never hurt anyone…
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From the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia February 2026 issue