Victoria Moss Trying it on
Always believe in gold – especially at Christmas
One medallion too brash and you’ll start to resemble a small anteroom at Mar-a-lago
It’s probably around about this time that you start to seriously consider what gifting opportunities there might be for you, personally, in the near future. You may have already been busy compiling wish lists, strategically dropping The White Company catalogue open on a page full of cashmere, your preference highlighted in bright pink, on to the kitchen table. Perhaps, the modern, digital native that you are, you’ve bookmarked several pages from Net-aporter, The Conran Shop and say, Cartier, on to unsuspecting family members’ laptops. Welcome, friend.
For someone who prides themselves on taking the initiative to self-gift all year round, often when it comes to this point in the calendar I have diligently covered off most of my material desires. But, it’s always helpful to leave a little something back. For keen well-wishers, should they be reading this, then I offer the exciting refresher that my predilection for jewellery of a particular type of lumpen gold has yet to wane. Neatly, adornment as gift offers something that clothing cannot absolutely – fit. Sure the ring could be too big or small, but request earrings, or a necklace and you’re in fail-safe territory. Unless it’s hideous, obviously.
As someone with pretty wanton levels of shallowness, an offensive gift provokes me to look into the very soul of the giver and question whether or not we can really maintain this charade of a relationship anymore. But with age comes wisdom, and each passing year I feel my horrified face soften, just a little, with each unveiling. Progress.
Of course, the narrow taste road, when it comes to gold baubles, can be tricky to navigate, one medallion too brash and you’ll start to resemble a small anteroom at Mar-alago. I advise caution.
Also, in the interests of individuality, which I feel is crucial in jewellery, it is helpful to look to more niche, under-the-radar designers rather than perhaps the heavier, more obvious, gilt-hitters.
For something special, I love Anissa Kermiche, the London-based Parisian with a knack for both wit and beauty in her pieces. Her new collection aims even higher with its homage to the forthright female figures of the French Revolution. She’s taken inspiration from the old Franc coins, adjusting its motto to Liberté, égalité, féminité.
Alighieri is another favourite with lofty credentials, with each naif fashioned piece taking its cue from one of Dante Alighieri’s 100 poems of the Divine Comedy. But see also Charlotte Chesnais, Laura Lombardi and Jennifer Fisher – all have a very good skill of producing striking work at fairly amenable prices.
Lastly, I’ve never been a big watch fan, but I may have been turned by the simple, classy designs by Freedom to Exist. Family and wannabe benefactors, do take note.