A DISH OF A GIFT

Here really is the gift for the man or woman who have everything - from someone who must have quite a lot.

This magnificent solid silver creation is a caviar server. It was made to order by a London silversmith Greg Dennis just ten years ago for a Texan oilman. The life-like sturgeon on the lid is three feet long - living ones reach from 4 to over 9 feet - 21 inches wide and the whole server over a foot high, weighing in at 35kg . The lid conceals five glass dishes that would cost some £22,000 to fill with Royal Beluga caviar. It is to be found at silver dealers, A. Pash & Sons of Mayfair's South Audley Street, price £142,000. Suggesting conspicuous consumption out of kilter with the times, it nevertheless represents a piece of stunning craftsmanship. www.pashantiques.com

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

A lasting reminder of tiny feet and hands is the sort of one-off gift that any parent might treasure. Wrightson & Platt are the highly talented leaders in the creation of life cast sculpture, as shown here, as well as a wide range of other tactile pieces.

This British duo founded the company in 1999 and have established an international name for themselves. With their own foundry in South London, they have now opened their first shop, in London's prestigious Walton Street, where their mix of old and new influences and techniques may be seen in a variety of works.

These include many examples of infants and children's hands and feet. Casts may be taken from a baby and then preserved forever, some life-size on stands or in glass, as above, or miniaturised on cuff links or as jewellery charms. Lead crystal baby hands start from £1,150, silver ones from £3,200.

Other keepsake pieces include bronze heads, a dog's paw, champagne corks plated in gold or silver, and engraved pedants. Pieces may be in bronze, lead crystal, silver or gold. All of their work is done in consultation with the client, providing a bespoke service, and no two pieces are ever the same.

Their aim is to "capture memories and events" says Vicky Platt, in ways to suit the individual customer. As with the piece at top, their work shows that the British silversmith craft is alive and well and still a world leader. www.wrightsonandplatt.com

VINTAGE SPEED BOAT

BOND, Brigitte Bardot and George Clooney are just some of the celebrities who have sped across the water in a Riva boat, and a new promotion devoted to VintageRiva celebrates the glamourous history of this starry vessel, as well as other vintage luxuries.

One of the models on sale is this 1973 Olympic model, conceived in 1968, the year of the Mexican Games. All sorts of tempting considerations come with the purchase, not least shelter over two years at any of Riva's Mediterranean ports. Price around £145,000. www.vintageseekers.com