Gold-Flake Syrup? Yup, That’s One of the Holiday Gifts I’d Give to Jewelers

By Karen Dybis | December 20, 2024

If you wanted to buy your favorite jeweler a gift—or buy something for yourself for surviving another holiday season—you could pick up jewelry-making tools, some new design software, or maybe a gemstone. But what about maple syrup with edible gold flakes?

Curating a holiday gift list for someone who works with gold, diamonds, and other gemstones is difficult. But when I heard about Kelli Ferrell’s 24k gold–flaked maple syrup, I knew I had found the right present for the jeweler in my life—and maybe for the discerning JCK reader as well.

You may know Ferrell’s name, as she is one of the newest cast members of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. If you’re a Food Network fan like I am, you may have seen her on two televisions shows there: Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge and Guy’s Grocery Games. Ferrell is a chef and owner of both the Kooking With Kelli brand and Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles restaurant in McDonough, Ga.

The self-appointed Queen of Waffles put up with my questions—I mean, did an interview with me to talk about her 24k Magik maple syrup and why it’s a great for (or from) jewelers this holiday.

“Gold has always been considered a symbol of luxury because of its long-standing relation to wealth, power, and royalty,” Ferrell says. “Since a young girl, I’ve always appreciated gold. Whether it be a high-end watch or a holiday ornament, I’ve always loved gold. Aside from it looking expensive and luxurious, its appealing to the eye with a clean and crisp aesthetic.”

This isn’t her first experiment with gold, Ferrell says. At Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles has used gold in some dishes that were available for a limited time.

“Many people inquired about us bringing them back, so we figured that this was away for people to apply a gold syrup to any breakfast dish such as French toast, waffles, pancakes,” Ferrell says.

So who would Ferrell send her 24k Gold Syrup to? Ferrell says the list is long—friends, colleagues, coworkers, and more.

“This would be perfect for the person who appreciates exclusivity and luxury but also has a sweet tooth,” Ferrell says. “This would be the perfect gift for the wife who’s not only the chef in the family but also a fashionista. This is the perfect gift for the granddad, who’s retired and lives in Florida but still wears his opened shirts and gold chains. This is for the person who loves to eat great-tasting food but pays close attention to aesthetics and details.”

And, of course, it is the perfect gift for jewelry lovers and jewelry-makers.

“This would be the perfect gift overall, because we all love to eat and the 24k gold maple syrup tastes great,” Ferrell adds. “But a jewelry lover/maker will be more appreciative. Whenever gold is used in food, whether it’s a gold leaf or gold flakes, it adds a level of extravagance. Edible gold is safe to consume in small amounts and can elevate your dining experience.”

Here are a few more gift ideas for the jeweler who has everything—extra special items I remember from stories and interviews I’ve done in 2024.

Chris Ploof Eye glasses — *Chris Ploof makes custom eyeglass frames ($3,000) out of one of his favorite materials to work with, hand-forged Damascus steel.*

Mignon Faget rainbow Eclipse necklace — *A favorite Mignon Faget piece is this Rainbow Eclipse necklace ($285) because its freshwater pearls make me think of my fashionable grandmother, Jean.*

Nigel OReilly book — *I was lucky enough to chat with master goldsmith Nigel O’Reilly, and found him delightful and charming—so is his book is more of the same (photo courtesy of Nigel O’Reilly).*

Jared Goff ring — *Anyone who has suffered as a Detroit Lions fan is celebrating the past two seasons—the current one in particular—and would appreciate this winning game-ball ring ($999) from Jared.*

Diana sheep watch — This lovely Maurice de Mauriac watch ($1,950) from Rowing Blazers hits right in the feels: It recalls Princess Diana’s famous sweater and was created in collaboration with Warm & Wonderful, the knitwear brand that made the sweater.

Simone GOAT Heller — *Janet Heller Fine Jewelry created the ultimate necklace for the GOAT (greatest of all time) gymnast Simone Biles. And jewelers are the GOAT for how hard they work!*

Top: Everything can look and taste better with some 24k Magik maple syrup on it. (Top photo courtesy of Kelli Ferrell; other photos courtesy of the brands)