Transform your festive look with the best Christmas jewellery

Christmas is going to be a bit different this year, but whether your plans include sharing a turkey via Zoom or getting together for a socially distanced reunion, a bit of sparkle is essential. After all, what is December without a bucketload of glitter and enough sequins to make Bruno Tonioli blush? 

Jewellery is among our most lusted after accessories right now. John Lewis and Partners Jewellery Buyer Isobel Braiden confirms that fashion enthusiasts are more interested than ever in adding wearable frosting to their festive looks, with big-impact pieces resonating strongly. ‘Dressing up for Christmas may not happen in the same way this year,‘ she says. ‘But customers remain keen to add some sparkle to elevate their casual outfits.’

It’s a trend amplified by a year spent socialising via a small screen. ‘The appetite for small stackable jewellery remains but more and more people want something that will stand out and be seen over a video call,’ Braiden says. 

This collective demand for statement jewellery has also been ignited by our new found love for leisurewear. While your Christmas Day attire might focus around comfy track pants or your favourite pair of PJs, you can still add instant glamour by donning a pair of all-singing all-dancing chandelier earrings or a stone-encrusted headband loaded with sparkle. 

To be a superstar on your home screen you need earrings that are as big as they are beautiful. ‘Sparkle features heavily and oversized proportions are the key,’ advises Braidon. Breathe life into a basic sweater with an embellished pair of hoops, while chandelier styles featuring bold motifs and angular shapes are guaranteed to ensure that your look competes for attention with even the most delicious of Christmas dinners.

Fashion’s preoccupation with the star quality of gemstones extends to our festive wardrobes this year with stones such as jade and blue quartz among the most wanted. Throwing shade on anything you’ll find in a cracker, rings, bracelets and earrings featuring blue, green and amber stones will bring a sense of calm to the festive merry-go-round. As Braidon notes, ‘The colours are calming for current times but also work with any hair colour and complement all skintones.’ Wear them with your favourite little black dress or just a grey marl tracksuit and a sense of zen. 

If you’re going to treat yourself to an investment piece, you need to love it enough to wear it way beyond the festive season. After all, a diamond is for life not just for Christmas. And so is gold vermeil for that matter. ‘For a more refined look, seek out subtle statement pieces by focusing on classic design,’ says Braidon. The ideal option for those who veer towards bold prints or are going all out on sequins. 

Are you the queen of Christmas? It’s time to invest in a tiara. And if that’s too OTT for a turkey dinner or your work Christmas Zoom call, experiment with crystal-encrusted slides or a dazzling clip. Hair jewels are the jewellery world’s new plaything and for good reason: they are as effective as a layer of the perfect red lipstick when it comes to transforming a look. Pair one with your PJs and you’re good to go. 

Nostalgia for the glamorous bohemian vibes which dominated Studio 54 has infiltrated the way we dress in recent seasons, with star motifs – usually found on sheer pussy-bow blouses and Kate Moss – among the take-home trends. This winter the moment takes hold of our jewellery collections with stars bringing new energy to everything from from headbands to charm necklaces and earrings. There’s something magically festive about all things star-struck. This is Christmas jewellery without the novelty factor.