It’s been a complicated year for our wardrobes. From TikTok aesthetics and an obsession with ‘personal style’ to Bella Hadid’s Western era, trends and movements have been shilled at us in volumes, with all appeal evaporating by December. But in the worlds of horology and jewellery, craftsmanship and enduring style will always be the trend du jour. Maybe it’s because they’ve come to be seen as an investment over fleeting fads, but trends in accessories are not pinioned by time and an ephemeral shelf-life.
So, what did this year have in store? 2024 saw a renaissance of unapologetic glamour, both on and off the runway, reflecting a zeitgeist that craves indulgence and individuality. Along with bold statements, particularly the kind of vintage silhouettes and experimental design codes that serve as outfit-makers, versatility has become akin to surface beauty, where designs and materials that can be effortlessly mixed and matched take the guesswork out of styling.
On the watch front, timepieces have evolved beyond mere functionality, transforming into wearable art that marries heritage craftsmanship with a contemporary edge. Reports have even shown Gen Z demonstrating a quickly growing appreciation for watches. Meanwhile, favoured jewellery collections are a study in contrasts—mixing metals, textures, and finishes in ways that feel both audacious and harmonious. It’s a way to eschew convention but in style.
Whether it’s statement necklaces for special occasions or everyday rings, jewellery in 2024 is designed to tell a story. One Maison who knows this better than anyone is Chanel. Throughout a century of artistry, the French luxury House has always celebrated self-expression and heritage through its jewellery, understanding that, unlike some things in fashion, accessories should never be vacuous.
As an editor who has spent the better part of the year immersed in the industry’s minutiae, I can confidently say it’s never been a more exciting time to build a jewellery collection that endures. And if you’re unsure where to begin, just look to Chanel’s End of Year celebrations range, which brings together the magic of the moment and timeless craftsmanship with bold creativity.
Ahead, five stand-out pieces that will hold their ‘it’ factor forevermore.
Chanel’s quilted motif is as iconic as the Maison itself, and the Coco Crush rings breathe new life into this signature design. Available in beige, yellow, or white gold, and with the addition of diamonds, these rings are polished to perfection. Their crisscross patterns create a striking interplay of light and shadow, just like the House’s famous flap bags, and are just as appropriate for all occasions. So, whether worn solo or stacked, they make for the kind of staple you never want to take off.
The Première Watch is not just a timepiece; it’s a legacy. Famously inspired by the geometry of Place Vendôme—home to both Chanel’s flagship and the famed Ritz hotel, where founder Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel lived for 34 years—and the N°5 perfume bottle stopper, its octagonal dial is a subtle nod to Parisian elegance. This watch redefines wristwear, blending the utility of traditional horology with the sophistication and beauty of fine jewellery, as inspired by Chanel’s iconic chainlink. A piece to be passed on through generations? Absolutely.
For those who dare to invest in the piece of a lifetime, the Eternal N°5 necklace is for keeps. With 49 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 1.97 carats, this delicate negligee silhouette is a breathtaking centrepiece, toeing the line between a piece of jewellery and a work of art. It’s hard to imagine leaving a jaw un-dropped when walking into a room with this objet de désir.
Horology meets haute couture with the J12 Calibre 12.1. With its striking white dial and wristband and sapphire crystal caseback, it’s not just a pretty face, though. This self-winding marvel is as innovative as it is beautiful, featuring a COSC-certified chronometer and a 50-hour power reserve. Its engineering commands attention while quietly exuding modern sophistication.
The Coco bracelet, crafted in 18k beige gold and silver, is a tribute to founder Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel herself. Its fluid design invites layering, while its understated elegance ensures it makes an impact. Like its ready-to-wear offering, these wrist pieces boast versatility that makes them ideal for any occasion—a signature of the House’s legacy vision.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.
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