In 2014, Sotheby’s sold a copy of Mirth Without Mischief for $23,750, dating from 1780 in which the first version of the famous Christmas carol Twelve days of Christmas appeared for the first time.
Some historians believe it could be French and could have been created as a memory game, to help Christians learn and remember the principles of their faith. Though this could and has been refuted by some, let’s have a look at what is gifted during the Twelve Days of Christmas.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.
Day 2: two turtle doves
Day 3: three French hens
Day 4: four calling birds
Day 5: five gold rings
Day 6: six geese a-laying
Day 7: seven swans a-swimming
Day 8: eight maids a-milking
Day 9: nine ladies dancing
Day 10: 10 lords a-leaping
Day 11: 11 pipers piping
Day 12: 12 drummers drumming
So many days of festivities, so many outfits! Here is my choice for what I would wear during the Twelve Days of Christmas.
The Twelve days start on the 25th December, and it is a full day of socialising so the perfect purse for this occasion would be an Art Déco velvet and coral bag by Cartier, dating 1920s, which sold at Bonhams for £2,295.
On the 26th, in keeping with the Christmas colours I would wear a sapphire, ruby and diamond swivel ring. Sure to grab people’s curiosity if I flip from ruby to sapphire during the course of the day. A ring such as the below would sell for approximately £1,000 at auction.
On the 27th, when guests have come and gone, I can sit back and admire the Christmas tree. But whilst doing so, I would wear another Cartier piece reminding me of a fancy Christmas tree: a ruby and diamond brooch mounted in platinum dating the 1920s.
With approximately 2 carats of diamonds, this brooch sold for USD 47,880, with a pre-sale estimate of USD 40,000 – 60,000
On the 28th, to remind me that time is still passing by even though it seems to have stopped for a few days, I would look down at my Patek Philippe 4282 in onyx, malachite and yellow gold with diamond highlights. A combined delight of wearing both an exceptional timepiece and quality jewellery.
This watch sold at Dawsons Auctioneers in 2022 for £14,000 against a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-3,000.
On the 29th, there might be some event, show or concert to see. And for this, I would take inspiration from non-other than the Princess of Wales. Last year she wore Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra earrings, retailing for £6,000, up from £5,400 the previous year. Seems to always be good investment to buy a renowned jewellery brand!
On the 30th, I would wear a jewel set with a restorative gem as the legends have it. This would be quartz. And who else would I wear but Pomellato who have based their name in declining all coloured quartz in every style possible based on one specific design: the Nudo ring.
Ranging from £1,800 with a rose quartz ring, the collection goes up to £5,700 with a pair of prasiolite and diamond earrings.
With quartz’ powers to energise, remove all negativity and give peace and optimism, I’m all set for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
On the 31st, I would wear the present I found under the Christmas tree. And just like it was beautifully wrapped, it too looks like a present: the Tilda Bow diamond ring by Graff.
With a little over 2 carats of diamonds, it retails for £13,000 and would be the gift that keeps on giving every time you would glance at it!
2025 will be the year of the Wood Snake in Chinese culture. Snakes symbolise eternity and in zodiac signs, they are said to be hardworking and driven. I can’t think of a better way to start the year and to embody those images. And for that the perfect bangle sold by Bonhams in 2020 for USD 2,800, set with 1.25 carats of diamonds, and coiled in the tradition of snake and serpent bangles found in all antique jewellery.
On the 2nd January I would subtly remind the people around me how they make me feel with the Tiffany T Smile pendant necklace. Retailing for £3,250 and set with under 0.20 carat of diamond, it could be seen as a costly reminder but worth every penny!
On the 3rd as I “hit the town” for some shopping to enjoy the new year’s sale, I would need something practical to plan my day and for that I choose a Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duetto, at £16,500.
With its guilloché blue or silver dial to suit day or evening mood, the Reverso is chic and understated with perfect lines. One of my all-time favourites.
On the 4th it would be a day of catching up with friends and discussing the sales purchase. And to do that, pairing a simple outfit with Chanel jewellery seems like it would be the go-to look: faux pearl and paste crystal earrings, in gunpowder metal. This vintage pair of earrings sells for £645.
Finally, as a reminder of the good and bad times, those past and to come, I would choose to wear a diamond eternity ring as I start the new year at work. As a symbol of the circle of life, the unbreakable bonds that make us who we are, and the diamonds’ sparkles representing an echo of life’s dazzling surprises. Graff’s Emerald Cut diamond ring retails for £60,500 and is set with 7.60 carats of diamonds, that’s a lot of dazzling!
These are the jewels I would wear for 12 consecutive days after Christmas. I never said it was going to be a cheap Christmas… Wishing you Best Wishes for the New Year.
If you recieved some beautiful Christmas gifts this year, make sure you have them valued correctly for insurance purposes – get in touch to find out more about our valuation services by emailing [email protected] or calling us on 01883 722736.