A Skull Talisman and Boots of Quickness go a long way towards boosting survivability.
If I'm absolutely rolling in gems, a spirit helmet or a deathwand, er, rod of the phoenix (20 fire gems) plus some armor would help.
If it's late game and I'm just toying with the AI, I like a Vampire Lord with a Hellsword, perhaps some Armor of Souls, quickboots, spirit helm, black heart, and luck charm.
