Marilyn’s Holiday Gift Guide: My Favorite One-of-a-Kind Finds
Every holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the joy of giving. Not just any gifts - but gifts that carry meaning, artistry, and a little bit of magic. As a jewelry designer, I’m surrounded by beauty every day, but certain pieces speak to me in a way that feels personal. They remind me of people I love, of stories I’ve heard from clients, and of the kind of sparkle that feels just right for the season.
So this year, I’ve gathered some of my favorite one-of-a-kind creations, each chosen with a specific personality in mind. Whether you’re shopping for someone bold, sentimental, or quietly elegant, I hope this guide helps you find a treasure that feels as special as the person you’re celebrating.
For the Glamorous Dreamer
Golden South Sea Pearl Double Strand Necklace
If there’s someone in your life who walks into a room and instantly elevates it, this necklace was made for them. Every single one of these golden South Sea pearls glows in its own unique hue - soft golds, creamy champagne, and subtle rose tones that shimmer together like candlelight on a holiday table.
I hand-string each pearl and finish the strands with my 18k gold risoni links. It measures 24 inches, so it layers beautifully over a sweater or a simple black dress. To me, this piece feels like pure celebration: timeless, regal, and full of warmth. It’s for the person who loves classic beauty but isn’t afraid to turn heads.
Perfect for: Your mom who still gets dressed up for Christmas morning, your friend who collects heirloom treasures, or the person who always finds the most beautiful wrapping paper.
For the Artistic Free Spirit
Pearl and Emerald Assemblage Earrings
These earrings might be my proudest creation of the year - they’re bold, a little unpredictable, and full of movement. I used unpolished Ethiopian emeralds, white South Sea keshi pearls, and just a dash of cobalt glass beads for contrast. The result? A pair that dances when you do, catching the light and radiating confidence.
They’re slightly asymmetrical, because life (and art) isn’t always perfectly balanced, and that’s what makes them exciting. When I wear them, I feel like I could wander into a gallery opening or a festive cocktail party and fit right in.
Perfect for: The artist, the adventurer, or the friend who insists on bringing homemade ornaments to every holiday exchange.
For the Modern Minimalist
Australian Sapphire Geo Cut Necklace
Sometimes the most powerful statement is simplicity done beautifully. This necklace features a single geometric-cut Australian sapphire: a stone that instantly caught my eye for its mesmerizing striations and depth. I gave it an open-back setting so the light can flow through, creating a quiet shimmer that feels intimate and natural.
It’s suspended on an 18k gold cable chain and sits at that perfect 18-inch length, right at the collarbone. It’s the kind of piece that whispers luxury rather than shouting it, and it pairs effortlessly with everything from silk blouses to cozy knits.
Perfect for: The one who keeps their décor simple but impeccable, who prefers champagne to cocktails, and who believes less is always more.
For the Bold Romantic
I still remember the moment I first saw this spinel - its deep pink hue stopped me in my tracks. Spinel is one of those under-appreciated gems that deserves the spotlight; it’s durable, striking, and full of personality. I set this one horizontally in 18k gold, giving it a fresh, modern edge while keeping the romance alive.
This ring is for someone who embraces color, confidence, and a sense of fun. It’s a “main character” kind of ring, the kind that catches the light (and maybe a few compliments) every time you lift your glass at a holiday party.
Perfect for: The romantic who believes in love at first sight, the friend who always wears lipstick, or anyone who collects stories as much as jewelry.
For the Ocean Lover
The holidays might be all about evergreens and snowflakes, but my heart always drifts back to the Gulf Coast - and these coral earrings remind me of that connection. Each red Mediterranean coral branch is sustainably harvested and polished by an Italian family that’s been perfecting the craft for generations. I hand-make each gold cap myself, ensuring no two pairs are ever the same.
Lightweight, vibrant, and full of life, they bring a coastal twist to holiday style - like a sun-kissed alternative to mistletoe. That bright red pop feels festive, joyful, and just right for the season.
Perfect for: The beachcomber at heart, the traveler who longs for the sea, or the friend who always has a coral-colored manicure.
For the Quiet Sophisticate
December babies, this one’s for you…but honestly, anyone can fall for this ring! The tanzanite’s rich violet-blue shifts beautifully with the light, and setting it on its axis gives it an unexpected twist (literally). It feels architectural and elegant, yet a little playful too.
I love how it looks from every angle - the lifted basket lets you admire the stone’s facets in motion. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece for someone who appreciates fine details and loves the idea of wearing something truly rare.
Perfect for: The friend who prefers jazz to pop, who collects vintage books, or who always has a beautifully wrapped gift ready before you’ve even started shopping.
Wrapping It All Up
Every one-of-a-kind piece I make carries a story - of where the materials came from, the moment of inspiration, and the joy of bringing it to life in my Apalachicola studio. During the holidays, those stories feel even more meaningful. Jewelry isn’t just a gift; it’s a memory waiting to happen.
So whether you’re treating yourself or someone you love, I hope one of these pieces speaks to you. After all, the best gifts are the ones that shine with personality and remind us how beautiful it is to be one-of-a-kind.