Christmas Treats: Jewellery We Would Love to Find Beneath the Tree

December 9, 2020

By Katerina Perez

14 min read

The festive season is well and truly underway, which means shopping for jewels that can express all your sentiments with diamonds, gemstones and precious metals.

The strangeness of 2020 has seen many of us searching for timeless jewellery pieces that highlight the finest earthly treasures, namely rubies, emeralds and sapphires. There is, however, a contingent of jewellery connoisseurs looking to brighten up a miserable year with unique creations that evoke parties, grand adventures and holidays… all the things we’ve missed. Here’s a selection of gorgeous Christmas treats that will suit all tastes this holiday season. 

Paul Morelli earrings and an AENEA Snowflake pendant

Paul Morelli earrings and an AENEA Snowflake pendant

Sunita Nahata

Driven to create jewels that uplift their wearer, Sunita Nahata focuses her designs around vibrant coloured gemstones set in unconventional ways. Her cocktail rings play with proportions to draw the eye of bold personalities everywhere – these are adornments that will not go unnoticed at a festive party! Her Floral Fantasy earrings create distinctive palettes of coloured gemstones that skim the shoulders, while her Happy Moods Collection seeks to inspire joy with amethyst, guava quartz, London blue topaz, black onyx, honey quartz and green amethyst. Although Sunita Nahata draws on her Indian heritage when designing jewellery, there’s always a twist on a classic shape, pattern or motif that keeps her clients entertained and desiring more.

Sunita Nahata emerald and diamond necklace

Sunita Nahata emerald and diamond necklace

 Sunita Nahata Crown Necklace from the Emerald Art Deco Collection, set with a 9.42 carat shield cut Colombian emerald

Sunita Nahata Crown Necklace from the Emerald Art Deco Collection, set with a 9.42 carat shield cut Colombian emerald

 Sunita Nahata Blue Planet cocktail ring with a 16 carat Santa Maria aquamarine, accented with Paraiba tourmaline, alexandrite and diamonds

Sunita Nahata Blue Planet cocktail ring with a 16 carat Santa Maria aquamarine, accented with Paraiba tourmaline, alexandrite and diamonds

 Sunita Nahata gemstone rings from the Opaque Fantasy collection, set with pink opal, lapis lazuli, black onyx and malachite

Sunita Nahata gemstone rings from the Opaque Fantasy collection, set with pink opal, lapis lazuli, black onyx and malachite

 Sunita Nahata Briollete earrings in white gold

Sunita Nahata Briollete earrings in white gold

 Sunita Nahata Architectural Art Deco cocktail rings with amethyst and honey quartz

Sunita Nahata Architectural Art Deco cocktail rings with amethyst and honey quartz

 Sunita Nahata Symphony of Lights set with over 65 carats of yellow diamonds

Sunita Nahata Symphony of Lights set with over 65 carats of yellow diamonds

 Sunita Nahata Floral Fantasy collection earrings with tanzanite, sapphire, tourmaline, pearl and diamond, set in 18k rose gold

Sunita Nahata Floral Fantasy collection earrings with tanzanite, sapphire, tourmaline, pearl and diamond, set in 18k rose gold

Piranesi

Perhaps your loved one has a jewellery box full of a single colour and a passion for collecting a particular gemstone. If so, Piranesi reverently creates fine jewellery pieces that celebrate coloured stone icons, including rubies, sapphires and emeralds in cabochon and faceted forms. There are whispers of the House’s Italian heritage in each design, but it’s the boldness, vivacity and larger-than-life appeal of New York City – Piranesi’s home since 1976 – that takes the dominant leading role. Vibrant emerald earrings, with three uniquely shaped emeralds descending to a diamond drop, are so timeless they could have been plucked straight from Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary jewellery box.

Piranesi emerald and diamond earrings

Piranesi emerald and diamond earrings

 Piranesi Wave Heart earrings

Piranesi Wave Heart earrings

 Piranesi Boutique Mosaique chains set with candy coloured gemstones

Piranesi Boutique Mosaique chains set with candy coloured gemstones

 Piranesi emerald cabochon and diamond earrings

Piranesi emerald cabochon and diamond earrings

 Piranesi three-stone diamond and emerald ring and a 'Toi et Moi' sapphire and diamond ring

Piranesi three-stone diamond and emerald ring and a 'Toi et Moi' sapphire and diamond ring

 Piranesi pear-shaped emerald and diamond ear climbers

Piranesi pear-shaped emerald and diamond ear climbers

 Piranesi Double Flower ring with diamonds and sapphires

Piranesi Double Flower ring with diamonds and sapphires

Lydia Courteille

For jewels that tell a story, I am always drawn to Lydia Courteille and her whimsical pieces, which look like they’ve been taken straight from the pages of a fairy tale. These are opulent Christmas gifts and you’ll no doubt need time to choose the right creation that resonates with the special individual in your life. Your matchmaking skills will be distracted, however, by the plethora of colour combinations, styles and motifs that wind their way through Lydia Courteille’s collections. There are billowing clouds of blue gems, diamond-set squirrels, sunbursts, contemporary cameos and Aztec-inspired birds, and that’s just the tip of the fantastical iceberg.

A model wears Lydia Courteille rings and cuff from the Marie Antoinette Dark Side collection

A model wears Lydia Courteille rings and cuff from the Marie Antoinette Dark Side collection

 Lydia Courteille long line necklace

Lydia Courteille long line necklace

 Lydia Courteille 'sun and moon' earrings from the Marie Antoinette Dark Side collection

Lydia Courteille 'sun and moon' earrings from the Marie Antoinette Dark Side collection

 Lydia Courteille cocktail ring with aquamarine and yellow sapphires

Lydia Courteille cocktail ring with aquamarine and yellow sapphires

 Lydia Courteille earrings from the Marie Antoinette Dark Side collection, inspired by the Queen's bedroom in Trianon Palace, Versailles

Lydia Courteille earrings from the Marie Antoinette Dark Side collection, inspired by the Queen's bedroom in Trianon Palace, Versailles

 Lydia Courteille bird-inspired earrings with sapphires

Lydia Courteille bird-inspired earrings with sapphires

 Lydia Courteille La Vie en Rose Leda bracelet with morganite and sapphires

Lydia Courteille La Vie en Rose Leda bracelet with morganite and sapphires

 Lydia Courteille earrings with teardrop-shaped white opals

Lydia Courteille earrings with teardrop-shaped white opals

 Lydia Courteille Squirrel earrings

Lydia Courteille Squirrel earrings

 Lydia Courteille Dressed Cameo cocktail ring with diamonds and rubies

Lydia Courteille Dressed Cameo cocktail ring with diamonds and rubies

Paul Morelli

This fine jewellery house perfectly captures the idea of American individualism with jewellery creations that deviate from the status quo. Within Paul Morelli’s collections, you will find confidently proportioned solitaires, starbursts of pavé set gemstones and fancy cut diamonds, as well as more unusual materials like carved lilac jade. The House can trace its history back to the Philadelphia Theatre District in the early 20th century. At the time, Paul Morelli was known as a premier costumier and craftsman of unique theatre garments. This showman spirit is still evident in the jewellery creations of the house and would suit the performer, drama queen and entertainer in your life.

Paul Morelli Pearl Lagrange earrings

Paul Morelli Pearl Lagrange earrings

 Paul Morelli Icy Jade earrings with purple sapphire, blue chalcedony and carved jade

Paul Morelli Icy Jade earrings with purple sapphire, blue chalcedony and carved jade

 Paul Morelli Aqua Navette Diamond Nimbus ring

Paul Morelli Aqua Navette Diamond Nimbus ring

 Paul Morelli Sapphire Triptych drop earrings with pink, purple and blue sapphires and diamonds

Paul Morelli Sapphire Triptych drop earrings with pink, purple and blue sapphires and diamonds

 Two cocktail rings by Paul Morelli set with a sapphire and emerald with baguette-cut diamonds

Two cocktail rings by Paul Morelli set with a sapphire and emerald with baguette-cut diamonds

 Paul Morelli diamond and sapphire earrings

Paul Morelli diamond and sapphire earrings

 Paul Morelli Colette necklace with pink garnets, purple garnets and 126 carats of smoky quartz

Paul Morelli Colette necklace with pink garnets, purple garnets and 126 carats of smoky quartz

 Paul Morelli Mandala earrings with white diamonds, tsavorite, pink sapphires and blue sapphires

Paul Morelli Mandala earrings with white diamonds, tsavorite, pink sapphires and blue sapphires

 Paul Morelli gold and diamond bracelet

Paul Morelli gold and diamond bracelet

 Paul Morelli Small Crescent charm with diamonds in 18k yellow gold

Paul Morelli Small Crescent charm with diamonds in 18k yellow gold

JRS

Delve into the collections of JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun if you are Christmas shopping for a maximalist who loves layering pieces and combining gold tones, with just a smattering of carefully placed diamonds. The eponymous designer, who hails from Morocco, has broad inspirations that range from reviving lost languages to encouraging communication between cultures. And while his pieces have a strong message, they’re perfectly wearable for every day, with just the right amount of conversation-starting charm. The 3ternity cuff bracelet in yellow gold and diamonds is an especially lavish piece in the JRS collection and always catches my eye, as does its platinum cousin with sensational pear-shaped diamonds.

A model wears pieces from the JRS Twiga and 3ternity collections

A model wears pieces from the JRS Twiga and 3ternity collections

 JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun 3ternity rings and cuff bracelets

JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun 3ternity rings and cuff bracelets

 A model wears Sun collection designs by JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun

A model wears Sun collection designs by JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun

 JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun Babylon Play cuff bracelets

JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun Babylon Play cuff bracelets

 JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun Skinny choker

JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun Skinny choker

 A model wears the Sulun collection by JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun

A model wears the Sulun collection by JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun

 JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun Sulun pendant in rose gold

JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun Sulun pendant in rose gold

 JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun Sun earrings

JRS by Julien Riad Sahyoun Sun earrings

Gismondi 1754

Christmas presents shouldn’t just inspire conversation on the day itself, but for months if not years to come. If you’re looking to gift striking pieces that will inspire Christmas memories, take a look at the Genesi collection by Gismondi 1754. A crisp swirl of pear-shaped emeralds appears fringe-like on a curl of white diamonds in the collection’s signature earrings, which are complemented with matching rings and cuff bracelet designs. The brand’s Essenza collection is also eye-catching thanks to its blend of white diamonds, pink sapphires and emeralds in daintier pieces that sit delicately on the wrist or hover about the neckline. 

Gismondi 1754 Genesi earrings with pear-shaped emeralds and diamonds in yellow gold

Gismondi 1754 Genesi earrings with pear-shaped emeralds and diamonds in yellow gold

 Gismondi 1754 Genesi cuff bracelet with emeralds and diamonds in yellow gold

Gismondi 1754 Genesi cuff bracelet with emeralds and diamonds in yellow gold

 Gismondi 1754 Genesi ring with pear-shaped diamonds in white gold

Gismondi 1754 Genesi ring with pear-shaped diamonds in white gold

 Gismondi 1754 Essenza aymmetric ring with diamonds in white gold

Gismondi 1754 Essenza aymmetric ring with diamonds in white gold

 Gismondi 1754 Dedalo 2020 rose gold bracelet with diamonds and white ceramic

Gismondi 1754 Dedalo 2020 rose gold bracelet with diamonds and white ceramic

 Gismondi 1754 Genesi ring in rose gold with diamonds and white ceramic

Gismondi 1754 Genesi ring in rose gold with diamonds and white ceramic

 Gismondi 1754 Essenza bracelets with emeralds, diamonds and pink sapphires in rose gold

Gismondi 1754 Essenza bracelets with emeralds, diamonds and pink sapphires in rose gold

 Gismondi 1754 Dedalo 2020 rose gold and diamond necklace with white ceramic

Gismondi 1754 Dedalo 2020 rose gold and diamond necklace with white ceramic

 Gismondi 1754 Essenza bracelets and necklace with emeralds, diamonds and pink sapphires

Gismondi 1754 Essenza bracelets and necklace with emeralds, diamonds and pink sapphires

 Gismondi 1754 Essenza ear climbers with pear-shaped emerald drops, pink sapphires and diamonds

Gismondi 1754 Essenza ear climbers with pear-shaped emerald drops, pink sapphires and diamonds

Alexander Laut

If you know someone who’s in need of a vibrant pick-me-up this season, the colourful creations of Alexander Laut will do the trick. My eye is immediately drawn to a lavish suite of aquamarine jewels, accented with green tsavorites, blue sapphires and white diamonds, and a red spinel and diamond collar necklace with a dizzying array of shapes and cuts. Alexander Laut was born in Moscow but moved to Hawaii in the early 1990s to live a life filled with sunshine. His background as a medical student may explain the exacting standards and meticulous way in which he crafts his fine jewellery pieces, which are fantastically detailed and architectural in nature.

Alexander Laut red spinel and diamond collar necklace

Alexander Laut red spinel and diamond collar necklace

 Alexander Laut tourmaline and diamond ring

Alexander Laut tourmaline and diamond ring

 Alexander Laut necklace with aquamarine, green tsavorites, blue sapphires and diamonds

Alexander Laut necklace with aquamarine, green tsavorites, blue sapphires and diamonds

 Alexander Laut earrings with aquamarine, green tsavorites, blue sapphires and diamonds

Alexander Laut earrings with aquamarine, green tsavorites, blue sapphires and diamonds

 Alexander Laut Colombian emerald cabochon earring with diamonds

Alexander Laut Colombian emerald cabochon earring with diamonds

 Alexander Laut Panjshir emerald ring with pear- and marquise-cut diamonds

Alexander Laut Panjshir emerald ring with pear- and marquise-cut diamonds

 Alexander Laut cocktail ring with a central spinel surrounded by pink sapphires and diamonds

Alexander Laut cocktail ring with a central spinel surrounded by pink sapphires and diamonds

 Alexander Laut Blue Planet Paraiba tourmaline and diamond ring

Alexander Laut Blue Planet Paraiba tourmaline and diamond ring

 A colourful cocktail ring by Alexander Laut

A colourful cocktail ring by Alexander Laut

AENEA

Described as Salzburg’s hidden gem, Aenea Jewellery should be high on your Christmas shopping list if your loved one’s jewellery box needs a touch of the avant-garde. You’ll struggle to choose between asymmetric earrings, including a pair with 11.64 carats of perfectly coordinated candy green and pink tourmalines, and pieces that utilise more unusual materials like the Wave Earrings with blue anodised titanium and diamonds. These designs emerge from the mind of AENEA creative head, artist and designer, Costán A. Eghiazarian, who takes a personal approach to matching the right client with the right jewel. Perhaps his expertise is what will take your festive shopping to the next level this year.

AENEA Sarpa collection ring with an 8.32 carat octagonal emerald and diamonds in in yellow gold, platinum, sterling silver and rhodium

AENEA Sarpa collection ring with an 8.32 carat octagonal emerald and diamonds in in yellow gold, platinum, sterling silver and rhodium

 AENEA asymmetric earrings with green and pink tourmalines in platinum

AENEA asymmetric earrings with green and pink tourmalines in platinum

 AENEA Candy collection ring with a 7.3 carat pink tourmaline and diamonds in white gold

AENEA Candy collection ring with a 7.3 carat pink tourmaline and diamonds in white gold

 AENEA Mesh earrings with rubies

AENEA Mesh earrings with rubies

 AENEA Sarpa collection ring with multi-tonal gemstones

AENEA Sarpa collection ring with multi-tonal gemstones

 AENEA asymmetric earrings in shades of red and gold

AENEA asymmetric earrings in shades of red and gold

 AENEA Foglio Di Rosa bracelet in white gold with diamonds and yellow sapphires

AENEA Foglio Di Rosa bracelet in white gold with diamonds and yellow sapphires

 AENEA Candy collection ring with a 3.75 carat pear-shaped pink-brown diamond finished with black rhodium

AENEA Candy collection ring with a 3.75 carat pear-shaped pink-brown diamond finished with black rhodium

 AENEA Candy collection rose-cut diamond earrings in platinum

AENEA Candy collection rose-cut diamond earrings in platinum

 AENEA Sarpa collection cocktail ring with aquamarine and diamonds

AENEA Sarpa collection cocktail ring with aquamarine and diamonds

 AENEA Sarpa collection gemstone drop earrings with diamond-set infinity studs

AENEA Sarpa collection gemstone drop earrings with diamond-set infinity studs

When it comes to spoiling the precious people in your life, sometimes only equally precious stones will do. Making a choice may not feel easy at first, but when hunting for the perfect gift you will soon discover a moment of clarity when you say: “She would love that.” This intuitive gut reaction to a piece is what makes shopping for jewellery so exciting.

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