Christmas 2018: Gifts for the girl who has it all

December 13, 2018

By Jodie Smith

8 min read

One of the most difficult challenges of Christmas is finding the perfect gift for the woman who already has a plethora of jewellery, and who understands what luxury is. Often, these ladies are well versed in the best brands and the newest collaborations, so how can one surprise them?

Offer Christmas gifts which even the most demanding of jewellery fans will find intriguing: from houses of historical luxury such as Fabergé and Mellerio dits Meller to burgeoning brands – this article is brimming with gifts that are gloriously unexpected to suit a whole host of scenarios and a variety of Christmas gift budgets.

If she wants learn more about jewellery:

Education, education, education! The more we learn about jewellery, the more we can enjoy the artistry behind it and jewellery expert Joanna Hardy knows this only too well! She has put together jewellery masterclasses at The Capital Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge for groups of up to 14 people – with the topics that can be edited for your needs. The doyenne of the jewellery industry insists: “there is a whole world out there of exciting jewels and my masterclasses will help people to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing jewels to buy. During my masterclasses there is often the opportunity to study jewels and gems close up and with my guidance we will discover what is good craftsmanship and good design.”

Joanna Hardy masterclass

Joanna Hardy masterclass

 Joanna Hardy

Joanna Hardy

 Joanna Hardy

Joanna Hardy

If she wants celebrate Christmas in style:

Can you think of a more glamorous gift to give than jewellery bedecked champagne? Available from Harrods for £115,000, Mellerio dits Meller have collaborated with Piper Heidsieck to create bejewelled bottles of the prestige cuvée ‘Le Secret Rare’. Each of the 10 exclusive bottles is encrusted with a 1.15 carat diamond, ruby, sapphire or emerald adorning the neck of the bottle, with interwoven bands of gold set with 510 diamonds. Gold and platinum threads run up each bottle, building to a crescendo of the final flourish – a 24 karat solid gold muselet. Once each of the bottles is empty, it will be transported to Maison Mellerio’s workshops in Paris, and the 1.15 carat stone is transformed into a bespoke piece of jewellery for the owner, in the form of an elegant brooch, pendant or bracelet. The inspiration from the jewellery design came from Marie Antoinette: “Marie Antoinette is a natural link between our maisons,” Laure-Isabelle Mellerio, the creative director of the 400 year-old jeweller and a direct descendant of its founding family, said.

Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles with 1.15ct ruby, emerald and sapphire accented with diamonds in yellow gold and platinum

Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles with 1.15ct ruby, emerald and sapphire accented with diamonds in yellow gold and platinum

 Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottle with 1.15ct diamond accented with diamonds in yellow gold and platinum

Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottle with 1.15ct diamond accented with diamonds in yellow gold and platinum

 Rendering of Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck  collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles

Rendering of Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles

 Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles with 1.15ct diamond accented with diamonds  in yellow gold and platinum

Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles with 1.15ct diamond accented with diamonds in yellow gold and platinum

 Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck  collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles

Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles

 Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck  collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles

Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles

 Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck  collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles

Mellerio dits Meller and Piper Heidsieck collaboration ‘Le Secret Rare’ prestige cuvée bottles

If she wants to add sparkle to her home:

Angie Crabtree’s scaled up images of diamonds and gems have become incredibly popular with jewellery aficionados in recent years, showcasing her work at two Chopard boutiques, the Forevermark Forum and Luxury JCK in 2017 alone. Each painting is created by decorating each individual facet in multiple layers of colours, in Angie’s own words: “capturing a diamond’s beauty, colours, and light refraction down to the smallest detail.” These elaborate portraits depict gems at 1000 or more times their normal size, and each is based on detailed reference images and sketches by the artist herself. This gift would be perfect for those who truly believe the idiom ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend’!

Angie Crabtree and her diamond paintings

Angie Crabtree and her diamond paintings

 Angie Crabtree diamond paintings

Angie Crabtree diamond paintings

If she wants a diamond infused beauty treatment:

Diamonds definitely aren’t just for jewellery! Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, the founder of the anti-aging skincare line 111SKIN, introduced a hero ingredient in his latest collection of products – black diamonds. Nano-particles of the precious stones are the exciting addition within his Celestial Black Diamond line. They create a micro abrasion which allows the active ingredients to effect deep dermal layers. The ultra-luxurious Celestial Black Diamond facial is also available from their Harley Street location – just be sure to book in advance as these treatments are in high demand!

111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond skincare range

111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond skincare range

 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond skincare

111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond skincare

 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond skincare

111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond skincare

 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond skincare

111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond skincare

If she wants the ultimate luxury car accessory:

Combining two of the biggest names in luxury, Fabergé and Rolls Royce have come together to create a bejewelled version of the famous ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ emblem, encased within the form of the renowned egg. It features design cues from Fabergé’s heritage – such as the ‘surprise’ mechanism revealing the figure inside the precious shell. The egg is 160mm tall and in spite of its decoration weighs only 400g. How to open this modern day version of the famous Imperial egg? A discreet lever at the base of the hand-engraved, purple enamel guilloché base of 18 karat white gold stand allows for the boughs comprised of rose gold and embellished with almost 10 carats of diamonds to open. Once open, the egg reveals slices of amethyst weighing a total of over 390 carats surrounding The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ figure, which has been hand-forged in matte rock crystal.

 Fabergé and Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Imperial egg with 390ct amethyst, 10ct diamonds , rock crystal and enamel in 18k rose and white gold

Fabergé and Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Imperial egg with 390ct amethyst, 10ct diamonds , rock crystal and enamel in 18k rose and white gold

 Fabergé and Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Imperial egg with 390ct amethyst, 10ct diamonds , rock crystal and enamel in 18k rose and white gold

Fabergé and Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Imperial egg with 390ct amethyst, 10ct diamonds , rock crystal and enamel in 18k rose and white gold

 Fabergé and Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Imperial egg with 390ct amethyst, 10ct diamonds , rock crystal and enamel in 18k rose and white gold

Fabergé and Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Imperial egg with 390ct amethyst, 10ct diamonds , rock crystal and enamel in 18k rose and white gold

 Fabergé and Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Imperial egg with 390ct amethyst, 10ct diamonds , rock crystal and enamel in 18k rose and white gold

Fabergé and Rolls Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Imperial egg with 390ct amethyst, 10ct diamonds , rock crystal and enamel in 18k rose and white gold

If she wants accessories as glamorous as her jewellery:

Rubeus is an Italian accessories brand so devoted to luxury that they named the company after the latin name for ruby! Rubeus focuses on creating crocodile and exotic animal skin handbags utilising artistic traditional craftsmanship of Italy and only exceptional materials. They truly celebrate luxury in their line of jewellery evening bags –  large and small ‘Mydas’  clutches are adorned with tutti frutti motifs in emeralds, rubies, sapphires or pearls that embellish solid gold hardware. All the models are crafted entirely by hand as unique pieces, and take up to 6 months to create. Aren’t they the perfect gift for a girl who has it all?

The making process of Rubeus 'Myra' bags

The making process of Rubeus 'Myra' bags

 Rubeus 'Myra' bag with ruby clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

Rubeus 'Myra' bag with ruby clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

 Rubeus 'Myra' bag with emerald clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

Rubeus 'Myra' bag with emerald clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

 Rubeus 'Myra' bag with emerald clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

Rubeus 'Myra' bag with emerald clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

 Rubeus 'Myra' bag with pink sapphire clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

Rubeus 'Myra' bag with pink sapphire clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

 Rubeus 'Myra' bag with pink sapphire clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

Rubeus 'Myra' bag with pink sapphire clasp accent, tutti frutti style carved emerald, sapphire, rubies, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

 Rubeus 'Myra' bag with ruby clasp accent, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

Rubeus 'Myra' bag with ruby clasp accent, pearls and diamonds in 18k yellow gold frame

These unconventional jewellery gifts should have provided some inspiration for the festive season of giving. And if any of these options have truly tempted you, don’t be afraid to treat yourself as well!

Gübelin: ‘Wings of a Dragonfly’ necklace design determined by a unique gem

continue reading

Blinded by the Light: The April Birthstone Through the Lens of Diamond Pavé

Let's consider pieces that showcase this method of craftsmanship in all its sparkling glory…

by Katerina Perez

Love Language: Introducing the Expressive Creations of Zome Jewellery

For designers like Meghna Biswas, the woman behind Zome Jewellery in the United Arab Emirates, the process of transforming coloured gemstones and precious metals into beautiful creations is an ever-evolving love language

by Katerina Perez

Diamond Garden: Creating Digital Delights with AI Artist Anastasia Rogozhina

Take a look and consider the incredible feats that artificial intelligence can achieve in empowering creativity and broadening our minds

by Katerina Perez

100 Years of Art Deco: Top 10 Pieces of Art Deco Jewellery Sold at Auction

From the legendary Van Cleef & Arpels Jarretière bracelet worn by Marlene Dietrich to a striking aigrette that was once part of the Al Thani collection, all the pieces below are infused with the fearless originality of the Jazz Age

by Claire Roberts

Spirited Jewels: The Expressive Creativity of Elena Semy Jewellery 

Today, I'd like to introduce you to the creative designs of Elena Semy Jewellery and Elena, the artist behind them

by Katerina Perez

Rings of Power: Bold Torques are Making a Fine Jewellery Comeback

This powerful necklace with ancient roots is reclaiming its place in contemporary jewellery collections. Its sleek yet rigid silhouette speaks to confident women who want to assert a quiet power. Plus, it is the perfect setting for a chic diamond drop. 

by Rachael Taylor

Ocean Depths: Sotheby’s to Auction the Fancy Vivid Mediterranean Blue Diamond 

This sensational stone is due to be unveiled globally in Abu Dhabi on April 8 and will be auctioned by Sotheby’s Geneva on May 13. Before the bidding flurry commences, let’s take a closer look at this rare blue specimen that’s estimated to sell for in the region of US$20 million

by Sarah Jordan

All That Jazz: 100 Years of Art Deco Jewellery

This wonderfully decadent period of Prohibition parties, glittering cocktail soirées and exuberant Art Deco jewellery, which straddled more than a quarter of a century from 1908 to 1935, had a profound effect on society that touched upon almost every aspect of life in its pursuit of beauty, with the worlds of art, adornment, fashion, interiors, architecture and technology all irreversibly changed as a result

by Claire Roberts

Girls Just Want To Have Fun: An Elevated Take On Nostalgic and Joyous Jewellery

The days have just gotten lighter, which makes them seem longer, indicating that Spring will soon be here. And today, on April Fool’s Day, we begin to feel a sense of frivolity and play. Therefore, we hope to put a smile on your face with this article dedicated to jewellery with a dash of humour and a whole lot of wit

by Beth Bernstein

Aquamarine Tales Part II: Epic Stones, Extraordinary Finds & Royal Treasures

Aquamarine has long been adored for its serene blue hues and storied past. But beyond its beauty lies a world of extraordinary discoveries, epic stones and tales of fate that seem almost too incredible to be true

by Katerina Perez

Tanzanite Temptations: The Gemstone Specialisms of the Royal Touch Group

I spoke to Royal Touch Group Principal Ashish Rawat about his third-generation family business, its beginnings in emeralds, and its ties to the global promotion and distribution of Tanzania’s famed blue gem

by Katerina Perez

Aquamarine Tales Part I:  Stories of Healing, Connection & Some Truly Extraordinary Gems

I’ve always been captivated by the stories behind jewels and gems, so to celebrate March’s birthstone, I recently took to Instagram and asked my audience to share their most memorable aquamarine tales

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Century of Splendour:Louis Vuitton Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds Chapter II

Creative Director Francesca Amfitheatrof offers her unique interpretation of a pivotal period in France’s history, marked by the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era, and the rise of industrialism

by Sarah Jordan

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.