The Holiday Edit: Styling Jewels for the Festive Season

F ine jewellery is topping our wish lists this holiday season for a multitude of reasons. It’s the perfect gift for your loved ones, or even yourself. With no shortage of holiday parties or festivities, it’s also the ideal time to show off unique pieces from your own collection, be it a dazzling diamond ring or statement necklace.

Illustrated by offerings from Sotheby's jewellery exhibition held at Regent Singapore from 7 through 9 December, here are our top jewellery trends to invest in (or wear) during this festive season.

Cocktail rings have always been favoured by women who want to make a statement (they became popular during the prohibition era as a symbol of independence and style). While designs have evolved over the years, the original is still the most popular and features a precious stone at its centre, often surrounded by smaller accent stones such as diamonds to add brilliance. Emeralds and rubies are the ideal choice for the festive season, but don’t be afraid to mix it up by wearing different coloured gems on each hand. The shape of the stone can also change your look – round stones are more traditional while cushion cuts feel more contemporary. Just remember to keep it to one ring per hand – in this case, more isn’t necessarily better!

The holidays are the perfect time to show off pieces that you have been saving for a special occasion or that would normally seem over-the-top during the rest of the year. Who needs haute couture when you can wear haute joaillerie? These distinctive pieces are not only rare but celebrate the innovative techniques and craftsmanship that established jewellery maisons are renowned for, making them even more special. Whether you choose a colourful precious stone necklace or fancy coloured diamond ring, be sure to match it with more understated clothing such as a black cocktail dress. That way each piece can really take its place in the spotlight.

The popularity of jadeite has gone beyond its native Asia thanks to its vivid and striking green colour. Though it also comes in a range of shades and colours to suit various skin tones, the most prized is perhaps what is dubbed Imperial green. In Chinese culture it is known for its magical, protective properties and symbolises beauty, grace, and purity, making it the perfect gift for a loved one, or an ideal investment piece for yourself. Jadeite bangles make popular gifts thanks to their versatility. Wear multiple pieces on each arm for a more modern look. Designers have started to incorporate jadeite into more contemporary styles be it an Art Deco inspired sautoirs or beaded necklace. It also pairs perfectly with diamonds for a more festive look.

White diamonds have been revered for centuries thanks to their exclusivity and beauty, but coloured diamonds are even more covetable making them a gift to remember. Like their white counterparts, fancy coloured diamonds are made in nature but often contain trace amounts of specific minerals which give them their magical hues. Pink diamonds are among the rarest and are a popular choice thanks to their feminine colour. Each stone can feature multiple hues from intense pink and orangey pink to purplish pink, only adding to their beauty. Other rare colours that will make a memorable statement include blue and grey.