Princess Kate’s Monica Vinader earrings ideal for Christmas

Nothing says Christmas quite like a touch of sparkle, and whether it’s a pair of earrings, a necklace, or a showstopping ring, jewellery can be a great way to elevate a festive outfit. If you’re looking to make a thoughtful gesture by gifting jewellery this Christmas and want something that is royally approved, Monica Vinader is a great choice. 

The British jewellery brand is renowned for timeless designs that won’t break the bank, with many pieces under £200. The brand is even favoured by Princess Catherine, who frequently wears their designs, with one particular pair of earrings stealing the show.

The Princess has been spotted wearing the green Siren Gemstone Wire earrings on multiple occasions, and while they are a bit of a splurge at £140, they’re not totally out of reach. Affiliates writer Lucy Addicott paid a visit to a Monica Vinader store to try on some pieces, including Princess Catherine’s go-to pair, to see if they are worth the spend, reports The Mirror.

She also took some time to browse the rest of their collection and pick out some of her absolute favourites in time for the festive season. From accessories favoured by royalty to birthstone bracelets and more, Lucy’s Monica Vinader top picks start from just £89.

All items can be found online, with next-day delivery available for any last-minute gift emergencies. Several pieces can also be personalised with a complimentary online engraving service, and a gift wrapping service is available.

The first stop for Lucy was to try on the Siren Wire Earrings after spotting Princess Catherine wearing the accessories so many times. 

The Duchess of Cambridge has the 18K gold vermeil and green onyx version, but customers can select from a range of finishes and stones. The rest of the finish options are sterling silver or 18K rose gold vermeil, and as well as green onyx. The stones currently available are black onyx, moonstone, amazonite, blue lace agate, and rose quartz.

The earrings are designed in a drop shape and have a hand-cut gemstone in a dainty border. The brand says they can be worn for all occasions, but Lucy found they make quite a statement.

She said: “The drop earrings were more of a statement than I anticipated, making them even more special for gifting, in my view. They were very comfortable to wear, and while they may not be for everyday use, I can certainly understand why Princess Kate includes them in her collection.”

Gifting someone a piece of jewellery with their birthstone is a thoughtful and personal gesture, and Monica Vinader offers a dainty collection of necklaces and bracelets to choose from.

“Simple and dainty, the Monica Vinader birthstone collection could easily be worn every day,” said Lucy. “And as they are made from 18K gold vermeil or sterling silver, they shouldn’t tarnish when wet.”

In both designs, a small birthstone is set on a round pendant, secured by a thin chain. It’s a subtle yet sentimental gift that can be layered with other bracelets or necklaces without looking over the top. 

The bracelet is available from £89 and the necklace from £90, making them a fantastic choice for those after a gift under £100.

Shoppers will need to do some research before purchasing this gift to ensure the correct month is selected. One of Lucy’s favourite things she found out about the bracelet is that shoppers can get it engraved for free when ordering via the Monica Vinader website.

The Monica Vinader shopping assistant told Lucy that the Nura Crossover Ring is one of the brand’s most sought-after pieces. Retailing at £95 in the sterling silver version, it has a stunning cross design that makes it stand out.

For those who want to keep their gift under £100, there is also a gold vermeil version available for £95. Additionally, two more premium options are also available. The Nura ring also comes in solid gold for £995, and  Pavé version with diamonds.

Lucy couldn’t resist trying on the Pavé Nura ring, which she called “a sight to behold”. She added: “It costs more, priced at £280, but it has some serious shine to it that fellow magpies are sure to fall in love with.”

She also found it challenging to layer with other rings, but said that when worn alone, it looks “perfect”.

Sometimes, simplicity is the key. This is particularly true when you’re unsure of the recipient’s taste but still want to give them something they’ll cherish.

The 18K gold vermeil Snake Chain Bracelet, priced at £135, is stylish, elegant and sophisticated. This sleek basic item consists of a flat chain that’s simple enough to wear alone or layer with flashier pieces for a bit of contrast. 

Lucy said: “The clasp is a bit tricky; I needed some assistance, but once it’s on, I didn’t want to remove it.”

She added: “I love how shoppers can add charms to the bracelet, from a locket to a pearl, and the assistant pointed out to me that the snake chain is a great option and its smooth finish won’t snag any clothing.”

Another way to give someone a more personal gift is to give them a piece of jewellery corresponding to their star sign, and the brand makes a range of pendants with beautiful illustrations.

“I was instantly drawn to these star sign necklaces as they are so unique and like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” wrote Lucy.

Priced at £150, they are towards the higher end of the spectrum, but they are timeless enough to ensure the wearer will undoubtedly cherish them for a lifetime. They come in gold vermeil or sterling silver, and have a coin-shaped pendant with a three-dimensional design on one side. For an extra special touch, there’s enough space in the back for engraving, which is done at no extra cost.

Lucy recommends layering this necklace with existing pieces in someone’s jewellery collection, but it’s worth noting that only one chain length is available.