[Something Shiny]

Gems by Chao

Trees get tinsel, and likewise, women should get something glittery for the holidays. Houston luxury jeweler Gems by Chao specializes in fine jewelry with the requisite sparkle. And in case you didn’t know it, feminine fashion this year calls for fewer but larger jewelry pieces to complement a knockout gown.

Jesse Chao assures that a golden pearl necklace from the South Seas is guaranteed to draw attention. “It’s a conversation piece,” he says. “No one else will have it.” Gems by Chao offers a striking Golden South Sea Pearl necklace with 33 pearls (11.1 mm x 13.7 mm each) for $27,500. If the woman unwrapping your gift prefers diamonds, Chao suggests an aquamarine pendant and diamond necklace, which combines an intense blue 20.6-carat aquamarine stone and 108 brilliant cut and 17 baguette cut diamonds with an 18-carat white gold necklace with 105 additional diamonds, for $32,500. gemsbychao.com

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[Something Timely]

David Yurman Watches

Gents need to shine during the holidays too. If yours wants to make the New Year’s party on time — and in style — he can’t fail with this diamond-accented watch from David Yurman. Known for his cable-design sterling silver jewelry, Yurman entered the watchmaking field in 1994, and the Belmont collection is his latest.

This Thoroughbred Belmont Automatic model in sterling silver and stainless steel features a sapphire bezel around its 41 mm case. Its elegant face sits behind a domed sapphire crystal treated to block light reflection. The Belmont also has a transparent exhibition caseback, which allows you to see its Swiss self-winding movement. The Belmont is water resistant up to three atmospheres of pressure and is secured by a black alligator strap. Available at David Yurman Houston, Dallas, New York, Beverly Hills, and Chicago. $2,050; davidyurman.com

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[Something Sporty]

Segway x2 Golf

Avid golfers keep on playing even if they have to walk all 18 holes. But with Segway’s x2 Golf they can cruise the links in distinctive, environmentally friendly style. Built on the same architecture as Segway’s flagship i Series model, the x2 uses Saphion lithium ion batteries that provide up to 14 miles of range depending on course terrain, riding style, and payload.

A golf bag secures to the x2 to the right of the rider, and the machine functions as a stand for the bag when it’s time to play, allowing easy access to the clubs. A standby function allows the unit to stay powered while the rider takes his or her shot, aiding quicker play. Unlike a conventional cart, the x2 Golf generates zero emissions and is almost silent, and at eight inches off the ground, it offers riders a great view of the fairway. $6,175; segway.com

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[Something Productive]

Caran d’Ache Léman Fountain Pens

In this electronic age, overall sales of writing instruments have dipped. However, demand for luxury pens is higher than ever. People choose fine writing instruments like watches, so it’s appropriate that luxury maker Caran d’Ache is located in the horological mecca of Geneva. The firm’s name derives from the pen name of Russian-born French caricaturist Emmanuel Poire, who signed his works “Caran d’Ache,” a transliteration of the Russian word for pencil.

Among Caran d’Ache’s fine writing instruments is its Léman collection. The Léman line features four writing modes, from fountain pens with smooth 18-karat gold nibs plated in rhodium, to capped rollerballs, ball pens, and 0.7 mm pencils with twist-advance mechanisms, and the instruments come in a range of colors, shapes, and materials. The Blue Sapphire Rhodium Léman Fountain Pen (shown) has a lacquer-finished body and cap, rhodium-coated 18-karat gold nib, and silver-plated trim. Available at Fahrney’s Pens. $465; carandache.com, fahrneyspens.com

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[Something Remote]

Sony LF-V30 LocationFree
Base Station

“Remote viewing” is pop science–speak for abilities once known as clairvoyance or telepathy. You’ve probably wished for remote TV viewing while traveling. Well, thanks to Sony’s LF-V30 LocationFree Base Station, mere mortals can now surf their local TV channels, access their home DVD/DVR/VCR, or even monitor their home from any place where there’s broadband access.

The LF-V30 connects your TV, DVR, cable box, or camcorder to your home Internet connection and streams whatever content you select. On the road, you simply connect to the net via your laptop or PlayStation Portable and launch the LocationFree player software to access any device connected to your Base Station. Connect the LF-V30 to your camcorder and keep an eye on the house via live Internet feed. A programmable on-screen version of your home remote makes control simple. It’s not pricey, but it’s definitely a luxury. $249.99; sonystyle.com

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[Something Swinging]

Shano Luxury Golf Accessories

Looking smart on the golf course isn’t simply a matter of making the shot (though that helps). The right gear can make the golfer as well. The David Shano Golf collection of accessories will spark putting-green conversation and possibly even intimidate your opponents.

Designer David Shano’s fascination with icons from ancient cultures is reflected in the contours of his sterling silver divot tools and ball markers, accented with precious stones. Shano’s Blue Sapphire Celtic Triple ball marker ($110) and divot tool ($130) are good examples, displaying a Celtic motif with .925 sterling silver and blue sapphire center stones (0.23 total carat weight). His Black Diamond ball marker and divot tool ($325/$350) signal class, win or lose. The backside of each piece is readily engravable, to allow monogramming. shanodesigns.com

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[Something Busy]

Dakota Jackson
Partners Desk

When the holidays end, it’s time to get back to business. A desk is the physical, mental, and spiritual center of work for most of us, so why shouldn’t it be magnificent? Dakota Jackson designs everything from fine furniture to pianos with a showman’s flair, and his love of arcing lines is evident in his Partners Desk.

Custom built to your specifications, the Partners Desk is made with exotic woods, veneered to a high gloss in the tradition of fine European woodworking. Top and leg supports are polished stainless steel, and the drawer-pulls are polished chrome. Jackson calls the combination an elegant reminder of the connections between past and present. The desk is architectural, but with a sense of movement, and its 96-by-42-inch surface and 30-inch height should provide ample space for your executive clutter. $25,839 as shown; dakotajackson.com

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[Something Fast]

Escort Passport 9500i
Radar/Laser Detector

Escort radar detectors have offered motorists a measure of extrasensory perception since 1978, and these days, in states where they’re legal, they also alert you to laser speed guns. Escort’s Passport 9500i adds GPS functionality, dramatically reducing false alerts.

The 9500i’s TrueLock GPS feature incorporates a SiRFstar III GPS module, which enables the detector to know where it is and how fast it is moving at all times. TrueLock enables the user to store a false alert in the memory by location and specific frequency. Once stored, the device will not respond to the specific signal in the same area, but its design provides an alert if a second or third signal is present. A new Mark Location feature allows users to store a known speed trap location for future reference and receive a reminder before they reach it. $449.95; escortradar.com

— Eric Tegler

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Photographs: Courtesy of Gems By Chao; Courtesy of David Yurman (watch); Courtesy of Caran D’Ache (fountain pen); Courtesy of Segway; Courtesy of Sony (Base Station); Courtesy of Shano; Courtesy of Dakota Jackson (desk); Courtesy of Escort (radar)