Jewellery has taken something of a backseat over the past few years, with our usual social occasions and business events put on hold during the ongoing global pandemic, and our day-to-day attire taking on a more simplistic feel than ever. But now that virtual events have made way for real life ones and festive drinks, parties and get-togethers are filling our diaries once again, it’s the perfect time to pull out the jewellery box, ramp up the bling and get yourself feeling like a million dollars once again.
From diamond earrings to statement necklaces, the right piece of jewellery has the power to really make an outfit, and this season, its role takes on a new importance as we celebrate the season of goodwill double-time. After last year’s strict lockdown rules putting paid to all of our favourite ways to celebrate and keeping us relegated to our homes on the big day, we’ll be going all out for Christmas 2021 – and with a flurry of new autumn and winter trends to take advantage of, it might just be time to do some shopping.
We asked the experts at GemPundit to share the key trends to get your hands on this festive period, and from chunky chains to mismatched earrings, there are plenty of ways to make a statement.
Chunky chains
Thick chain necklaces have been ruling the roost in the high-end jewellery stakes for the past couple of years, and their reign isn’t set to end any time soon. It’s just as well, as we’ve barely had time to work this trend – and now is the perfect time. Givenchy, Tiffany and Gucci have all come out with one or two signature chunky chain necklaces – the former in yellow gold and the latter two in silver – and while bold, their simplicity means that they lend themselves to almost any kind of look. Our advice? Pair with an LBD and chunky boots for an alternative rock-chic vibe. Throw on a leather jacket for those colder evenings, and you’re good to go.
Statement pendants
If you prefer your jewellery with an added dose of glamour, then head to Fendi, which has one-upped the simple chunky chain by adding an iconic cube-shaped pendant. Over at Versace, you’ll find a similarly interesting twist on the season’s essential, but this one is for the loud and proud and features shimmering, branded gold medals on a yellow gold chain.
Of course, if you want to nail the chunky chain trend in a unique and individual way, then there are options, too – Bvlgari’s stunning Serpenti Viper necklace is made up of snake coils rather than chain links, with a diamond-encrusted snake tail hanging from the centre.
Signet rings
Signet rings are set to be big news in 2022, and the trend is already beginning to bubble as we head towards Christmas. To cement your status as a style leader, now is the perfect time to get on board,
Signet rings originated amongst religious leaders and Pharaohs, when they were used to mark and seal documents with hot wax – but these days, they are the ultimate expression of opulence. Choose a dainty version, as there’s a fine line between sophistication and style suicide – gold varieties work the best.
Coloured gemstones
While there’s certainly no denying that diamonds are a girl’s best friends, other gemstones can make for pretty good companions, too – and this season, we’ll be embracing coloured varieties like the sapphire, emerald and ruby. From stud and drop earrings to delicate bracelets, the season ahead is all about colourful accents, and lighter, brighter varieties of these traditional stones are the order of the day.
And if you can’t quite bring yourself to make the departure from your usual sparkling diamonds? There are some unique and unusual diamonds that will do the job just as well. Pink, yellow and green diamonds are all having a moment, and are the perfect choice for a lavish drinks reception or an opulent red carpet event.
