Can holiday jewellery actually work past December? Jewellery designer Iris Yip says yes

Dec 16, 2025

Spruce up the festive season with some holiday jewellery, but first, know how to style it right (Photo: courtesy of Moni jewellery)

Cover Spruce up the festive season with some holiday jewellery, but first, know how to style it right (Photo: courtesy of Moni HK jewellery)

Spruce up the festive season with some holiday jewellery, but first, know how to style it right (Photo: courtesy of Moni HK jewellery)

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The Hong Kong designer shares her styling secrets for holiday jewellery that move with you—from festive soirées to everyday elegance

10 years into building Moni HK jewellery, Iris Yip has figured out what most jewellers haven’t: your necklace should work harder than you do. While the industry churns out static pieces destined for safe deposit boxes, Yip’s designs feature stones that dance, hoops that rotate, and chains that layer without looking like you raided your grandmother’s entire collection at once.

This season, she’s marking a decade in business with a two-tone anniversary collection and—in a move that’s either genius or slightly unhinged—a jewellery-filled advent calendar. We caught up with the Hong Kong designer to discuss why contrast matters, how to avoid looking overdone when layering, and the art of designing pieces that transition from boardroom to bar without requiring a complete wardrobe change.

Crownline bangle (Photo: courtesy of Moni jewellery)

Above Crownline bangle (Photo: courtesy of Moni HK jewellery)

Crownline bangle (Photo: courtesy of Moni HK jewellery)

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What jewellery do you recommend as must-haves for the festive party season?

For this festive season, my personal must-have is the Crownline Bangle. Its signature rotating hoops move freely with your gestures, creating a playful kinetic shimmer that feels celebratory and alive. I love how it brings a sense of movement and joy to any outfit—elegant in form, yet spirited in personality. It’s the perfect finishing touch for anyone wanting a piece that truly comes to life during the holidays.

How can someone style jewellery to transition from day events to glamorous evening parties during the holidays?

I always recommend building a look that evolves gracefully throughout the day. Start your morning with quiet, refined sparkle—a delicate Twinkle Necklace paired with slim Eternity Rings creates a polished, understated foundation. As evening approaches, elevate the mood: switch to the Sakura Dancing Stone Earrings, whose kinetic brilliance instantly becomes a focal point, and pair your eternity band with a bold Solitaire Ring to add depth and presence. This thoughtful layering allows your jewellery to adapt with your day—from soft radiance to captivating glamour—reflecting our belief at Moni that great jewellery should make every moment feel effortlessly special.

What trends in jewellery styles and colours are you seeing for this year’s holiday season?

Two major directions are shaping the season. First, the Art of Contrast. Two-tone metals are making a strong return—brushed gold against polished silver, or soft rose gold paired with crisp white gold. This interplay of textures adds depth and dimension, capturing light in a beautifully modern way. Our Amour Two-Tone Necklace and Nova Bangle embody this movement perfectly.

Second, more clients now view jewellery as a form of personalised storytelling. Initial engravings, meaningful birthstones and custom coordinates are becoming essential touches. Our complimentary engraving service and Birthstone Collection were created exactly for this—to allow each piece to carry emotional resonance and individuality. Together, these trends reflect a shift toward jewellery that is visually distinctive and deeply personal.

Twinkle necklace (Photo: courtesy of Moni jewellery)

Above Twinkle necklace (Photo: courtesy of Moni HK jewellery)

Twinkle necklace (Photo: courtesy of Moni HK jewellery)

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Do you have any special or limited-edition pieces launched specifically for the holiday festivities?

Yes, this year feels particularly meaningful for us.

First, we’re introducing our ‘Glitter Party' Advent Calendar, a joyful re-imagining of the festive countdown tradition. Each window reveals a small spark of delight, turning December into a month-long experience of anticipation, beauty and celebration.

Second, we are marking a major milestone with our 10th Anniversary Two-Tone Collection. This limited-edition series blends elegant shades of rose and white gold, symbolising the harmony between Moni’s past and future. Each piece is designed to be both a collectible and a tribute to a decade of craftsmanship and growth.

How do you approach designing holiday jewellery that fits both traditional celebrations and modern party aesthetics?

Our philosophy is simple: jewellery should feel meaningful, but it should also feel liveable. We design pieces that honour heritage while embracing the rhythm of modern life. We often start with traditional motifs, then reinterpret them through a contemporary lens. The Melody Bracelet layers pearls with diamond clovers, softening classic formality into something refined for daily wear. The Rainbow Bracelet sets coloured stones into a casual chain, balancing vibrant brilliance with approachable charm. By focusing on wearability and relevance, we create jewellery that holds sentiment yet seamlessly complements workdays, family gatherings, and night-out moments alike. In short, we bridge heritage and modernity by prioritising wearability and relevance to contemporary life. Our goal is to create pieces that carry sentiment and naturally complement the rhythm of modern living, adding a sparkle to every day.

How can layering pieces add a festive sparkle and elevate party looks?

Layering is the key to creating dimension and personality. We follow three principles. First is Colour Harmony: begin with a single metal tone—for example, stacking rose-gold rings—to establish elegance and cohesion. Second is Linear Rhythm: mix necklaces of varied lengths or choose our pre-layered double-chain designs to beautifully frame the neckline. Third is Textural Dialogue: combine bangles with chain bracelets or mix stone cuts to introduce contrast and intrigue. Together, these layers activate the playful, interactive movement in our designs, letting each piece catch the light in its own joyful way.

Are there any meaningful motifs or inspirations behind your holiday jewellery designs this year?

This year, our direction is guided by the idea “From Celebratory to Everyday.” We reinterpret classic festive symbols—the gift bow, the holiday box—into refined pieces meant for long-term wear. Rather than focusing on literal motifs, we capture the emotion of the season: generosity, warmth, connection. The Ribbonet Earrings and Joy Box Set embody this transformation. Through meticulous craftsmanship, we turn festive inspiration into jewellery that extends the spirit of the holidays into everyday elegance.

Nova bangle (Photo: courtesy of Moni jewellery)

Above Nova bangle (Photo: courtesy of Moni HK jewellery)

Nova bangle (Photo: courtesy of Moni HK jewellery)

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How can jewellery help express personal style and bring confidence during social gatherings in the festive season?

Jewellery is one of the most effortless ways to express who you are—without saying a word. First, style is communicated silently: a playful charm or a bold silhouette becomes a conversation starter, reflecting your personality instantly. Second, there’s a quiet confidence boost: wearing a beloved piece often feels like slipping on a touch of “sparkly armour”—uplifting your mood and helping you stand taller. Third is embracing the festive glow: the holidays are about warmth and celebration; jewellery helps you step into that spirit and shine with ease. Ultimately, jewellery doesn’t just complement your outfit—it amplifies your presence.

What are your tips for caring for delicate holiday jewellery after a busy season of parties and celebrations?

First is gentle cleaning: use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush to brighten each piece, then dry it immediately with a soft cloth to prevent tarnish. For smart storage, store pieces separately in soft pouches or boxes to avoid scratches, and always put jewellery on last after perfume and creams to maintain brilliance. These simple habits keep your pieces glowing beautifully for many seasons to come.

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Topics

Festive Jewellery Jewellery Styling Hong Kong Jeweller

Amrita Katara

Regional Editor, Watches and Jewellery, Tatler Hong Kong

Amrita Katara, regional editor watches and jewellery Tatler Asia

As the Regional Editor for Watches and Jewellery and Editorial Content Lead for Tatler GMT, Amrita Katara specialises in luxury watch and jewellery coverage across Asia, with expertise in editorial strategy, feature writing and interviews with industry leaders. Her past roles span luxury lifestyle media and client partnerships. Based in Mumbai, Amrita’s work bridges global trends and Asian market insights.