It’s not only diamonds that are forever

Jewellery is one of the most satisfying ways to add a pop of colour to your look. The settings may date, but the brilliant stones – never. Yet often, according to Kiki McDonough, women remain timid. Mindful perhaps of the expense, “they worry they’ll get bored with their choice or that it won’t go with everything – or that they’ll get it wrong,” she says.

McDonough has been merrily combining bold combinations since she fell in love with the Spring Fairy’s pale blue and peridot tutu in a production of Sleeping Beauty 20 years ago. That prompted her to launch her Eternal Collection of contrasting and sometimes clashing double oval studs. There are 30 combinations. Some provide a sugar rush, others a jolt – and customers agonise over their choice, and often return to buy more. A pop of light reflection on the ears turns out to be an addictive mood enhancer. “We all wear so much black, navy and grey, earrings are such an easy, flattering way to wear colour,” says McDonough. But how to get it right?

“Don’t match them to your outfit. It’s far more important to pick the right colours for your skin tone and hair. Blondes and light brunettes tend to suit blue topaz or green amethyst (still her best-selling double stud) and look wonderful with all types of gold. Dark hair is amazing with citrine and peridots. Brunettes can vary a lot – but amethysts are good because everybody’s colouring varies so much, it’s impossible to have a hard-and-fast rule.” Which is why every day next month, McDonough is offering one-onone colour advice in her Chelsea shop. If you’re a generous mother, godmother, or due a vital present to self, you know where to go.