The holiday season always seems a bit magical, a time of warmth and joy, even when the weather outside is frightful and last-minute shopping for those perfect gifts keeps us all more than busy, buyers and sellers alike. 

In the pages of the fashion magazines this season have appeared editorials and advertisements that are nothing less than entrancing, with jewelry as fanciful and dream-inspiring as the sugarplums in a cherished Christmas poem. Here is a sampling of those delights:

A print ad from Cartier displays the Ballon Bleu de Cartier with the image of a young panther, part of a memorable ad campaign.

The December 2012 issue of Vogue spotlights Victoire de Castellane’s Organza Brode Paraiba bracelet for Dior Fine Jewelry from the Dear Dior collection. The bracelet is composed of Paraiba tourmalines, emeralds, demantoid garnets, chrysoberyls, and diamonds.

Also featured in the December 2012 issue of Vogue is a peacock feather brooch circa 1860 that once belonged to designer Helena Rubinstein, part of the collection of the jewels of legendary doyenne Jayne Wrightsman auctioned earlier this month at Sotheby’s.

The December 2012/January 2013 issue of Harper’s Bazaar spotlights a white gold and diamond necklace from Tasaki by Thakoon that could send more than wings aflutter.

An ad for Tiffany & Co. with a stark white background needs no embellishment beyond the bloom of a lush bracelet set with tsavorites, diamonds, and spessartite garnets.

A black background sets off a ring of white gold set with aquamarines and white and brown diamonds in this ad from de Grisogono.

A diamond necklace with attached brooch from De Beers’ new Imaginary Nature collection is pictured along with a mixed-media montage by De Beers designer Hollie Bonneville Barden in the October 2012 issue of Elle.

Lest you think that only fine jewelry has the capacity to wow, here is a stunningly designed Swarovski crystal, cubic zirconia, and enamel cuff from Roberto Cavalli, featured in the December 2012 issue of InStyle.

Finally, here is a charming ad from Zales, urging viewers, “Indulge in our ultimate treats,” a selection of candy-colored diamonds and gemstones, adding, “All of the carats, none of the calories.” Now that’s a diet resolution perfect for the New Year.

Happy holidays!  I leave you with these visions of beauty and send each and every one of you my heartfelt wishes for a joyful and prosperous New Year. May your fondest dreams come true.

 

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