The Insta-Want #1: An Oyster

covetable watches

No, not a Kumamoto (though that’s good too), but Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust that’s famed for its feminine elegance-meets-robustness (it’s water-resistant to a depth of 100m thanks to its “air tight” case). What makes its latest version a guaranteed crowd pleaser is not just the pretty updates (rose-tinted dial, subtle diamond hour markers), but the fact that in its over 50-year history, nothing much has changed about its look, which – in this gone-in-an-instant age – is a true test of timeless design. Steel and 18K white gold watch with diamonds, price unavailable

The Insta-Want #2: Something With Rubies

covetable watches

There’s always been something festive about the colour red (cue Santa, Rudolph, and the sleeve of every Christmas album you’ve heard of). This season, it’s also fashionable – in full flush in various shades at brands from Givenchy to Hermes, which only makes it better for the luxury jewellers returning to it. Tiffany & Co., for one, is using the precious cardinal-hued stone for the first time since 2003, when it stopped mining for them in Myanmar. Now, the ones on its Enchant Scroll bangle ($34,400) and ring ($15,600) above are ethically sourced from Mozambique, so you can dazzle sans guilty conscience. Both in platinum with diamonds

The Insta-Want #3: Gucci’s Really Fine Jewellery

covetable watchesBecause almost everyone digs the ornate, antique-y costume jewellery that creative director Alessandro Michele has been conjuring since taking on the role in 2015. (Style tip: One cameo ring of his and – boom – you’re interesting.) So when the look gets interpreted in precious stones like grey diamonds, opals and pearls under the brand’s highly under-the-radar fine jewellery line – the first time he’s touched it – expect even more “wants”. Clockwise from top left: Le Marche des Merveilles 18K yellow gold ring with topaz and pearl, $2,270, matching necklace, $2,120, and 18K yellow gold bracelet with diamonds, price unavailable

The Insta-Want #4: Something In Exotic Skin

covetable watchesThat it’s one of the most luxurious materials makes it a real treat in a financially unstable year like this one. That there are options for every personality and need, and now more options budget-wise, makes it an even more obvious choice. Right: Tank Louis Cartier 18K pink gold watch (an Art Deco-inspired edition for the timepiece’s centenary) on alligator strap, $13,800, Cartier. Below: Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello Toy Kate snakeskin sling wallet, $2,250, Saint Laurent

covetable watchesPhotography Zaphs Zhang Styling Adeline Eng and Jonathan Chia

This story first appeared in Female’s December 2017 issue.

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