Last week I walked into the Boucheron exhibition at Christie’s and briefly forgot how to breathe.
Picture a gallery painted midnight-black. Then, out of the dark, mannequins. Dozens of them, dripping in emeralds, pearls, and diamonds the size of cough drops. Oh, and rock crystal and mother-of-pearl absolutely everywhere (who knew Boucheron had such a soft spot for them?). A necklace slung over a shoulder. Earrings pinned to a lapel. A brooch older than the Titanic, worn like it was bought on Tuesday.
Here's the thing: I could probably open your jewelry box right now and guess your color season. No psychic abilities required—jewelry just has seasons too.
Think about it. The woman who keeps reaching for chunky amber beads and those hammered bronze cuffs? She's not the same person drawn to delicate silver chains with icy crystal drops. One craves weight, warmth, earth. The other wants shimmer, stillness, cool precision. Neither is wrong. One of them, though—that might be you.
December has arrived, which means we've officially entered the season of High Necklines Everywhere. For the next few months, you're essentially living in turtlenecks—the chunky knits keeping you alive during the commute, the sleek mock necks anchoring every "I definitely have my life together" work outfit. And then there's the holiday party circuit, where suddenly everyone's pulling out the dramatic collars. The Victorian ruffles. The architectural necklines that make a statement before you've said a word. And of course, the earrings—those statement pieces that have been waiting in your jewelry box since last holiday season. The chandelier drops. The "these cost more than my electric bill but I regret nothing" dangly situation.
Okay, let me tell you something about jewelry collections that took me way too long to figure out. The perfect piece? It's never the one with the fancy price tag that catches your eye first. I've spent years buying, losing, breaking pieces in car doors, gifting things I probably should have kept, and hoarding others I never wear. And you know what I finally realized? The stuff you grab every single morning has almost nothing to do with what it cost. It's all about that little jolt you get catching your reflection in the elevator doors. How it swings when you gesture. The way it just becomes part of you.
Brooches are definitely having a major moment in 2025. These eye-catching accessories are everywhere — dotting the lapels of stylish women, adorning shoes and handbags, even pinned artfully in updos. Brooches have become the go-to way to add a pop of personality and panache to any outfit.
While brooches used to be seen as prim, even old-fashioned, the brooches of 2025 are big, bold, and unapologetically modern. Elaborate sculptural shapes, colorful resins and glittering crystals have replaced the dainty cameos of yesteryear. Designers are supersizing brooches for maximum impact, with some statement pieces reaching saucer-sized proportions.
