Razzle dazzle them: Shine in the pick of this season's bold jewellery buys

Want something big, sparkly and on-trend for Christmas? Read our magpie's guide

Rhiannon Harries
Saturday 20 December 2008 20:00 EST
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Gothic

Seen at: Givenchy

It isn't just clothing that has turned toward the dark side this season, which is good news for women who find the usual baubles and beads a little too girly. Hot Brooklyn duo Lady Grey's beautifully crafted triple cross bracelet in silver is tough but delicate (£280, www.kabiri.co.uk), while Tom Binns' neon drop earrings give a classic chandelier style a contemporary, colourful spin and prove Gothic doesn't always equal black (£142, www.net-a-porter.com). If an instant update for a simple outfit is in order, let your jewellery do the talking with a multi-strand necklace (£25, www.topshop. com). And if it is all just a little bit scary, take the edge off with a gold charm necklace from Dogeared, which pairs a skull design with a sweetheart (£53, www.my-wardrobe.com).

Super-sized

Seen at: Dries Van Noten

Those who believe that large accessories make one look thinner should be jumping for joy at the proportions jewellery is taking on. This Art Deco-meets-Futurism necklace may not give you an instant supermodel body, but you will earn top fashion marks for picking up a piece by one of the originators of this trend - Lanvin (£918, www. matchesfashion.com). If your budget is more diminutive, Mango's striking cuff nails two looks in one with its added Gothic vibe (£68.51, www.mangoshop.com). Make sure hands are well-manicured if you opt for a chunky cocktail ring - no one will miss Kenneth Jay Lane's rock (£105, www.my-wardrobe.com). And for instant glamour, follow Miss Moss's example and go bold and beautiful with some enormous chandelier earrings – CC Skye's pink crystal numbers are perfect partywear (£175, www.kabiri.co.uk).

Flora and fauna

Seen at: Marni

Floral motifs have long been a favourite in jewellery design, but this season they have had a modern makeover and ditched any signs of tweeness. Italian fashion house Missoni's cuff is bold and contemporary in metal and resin (£235, www.browns fashion.com), whil eLondon jeweller Philippa Holland's woodland-inspired bracelet in 18-carat gold vermeil has an earthy yet sophisticated look (£495, www.astley clarke.com). It's not all about plant life, though; there is a menagerie of animal motifs on offer too. Tatty Devine's whimsical flying fawns in sparkly black acrylic have a festive feel (£66, www.tattydevine. com), while Alex Monroe's delicate flying swallow in 22k gold plating is the perfect piece to see you through to spring (£98, www.net-a-porter.com).

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