7 Gemstones for Christmas 2025 Jewellery Designs
Christmas jewellery doesn't have to be all about sparkle (though we're definitely not complaining if it is). With rich colours, historical symbolism, and timeless beauty, these seven gemstones make perfect choices for festive jewellery designs in 2025, whether you're creating heirloom-inspired gifts or something bold and modern.
Smoky Quartz: The Moody Neutral
Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025, Mocha Mousse, makes Smoky Quartz more on-trend than ever. Its brown hues feel earthy, calming, and quietly luxurious. It’s like the gemstone version of a warm cashmere jumper or misty winter morning.
Historically, smoky quartz was considered a grounding stone, helping to dispel negativity and encourage clarity. It’s the ideal balance between warm and cool tones, making it perfect for neutral lovers who want something a little more unusual for Christmas.
In Jewellery Design: With a Mohs hardness of 7, smoky quartz is durable enough for most designs and tends to be affordable in larger sizes. It looks beautifully chic in yellow or rose gold, and surprisingly sleek in minimalist silver settings.
Pairs well with:
- Citrine – for a honey-smoke effect.
- Diamond – for a sparkling contrast of clarity and mystery.
Ruby: The Festive Fire
Ruby has long been associated with love, vitality, and wealth which is fitting, considering the abundance and warmth we try to create during the Christmas season. Its rich red hue has crowned everything from royal jewels to ancient talismans said to bring protection and passion.
Historically, rubies were believed to hold an internal flame, making them a natural symbol of the hearth and heart, two things that take centre stage in December. Whether you lean into vintage charm or keep it modern and minimal, ruby brings unmistakable richness to any festive piece.
In Jewellery Design: With a Mohs hardness of 9, ruby is one of the toughest coloured gemstones available, making it ideal for rings and everyday-wear pieces. The bold red works beautifully with yellow gold for a classic holiday feel, or white metals for a cooler, contemporary vibe.
Pairs well with:
- Emerald – for a luxurious Christmas palette.
- Diamond – to highlight ruby’s deep glow with icy brilliance.
Emerald: The Evergreen Elegance
Emerald’s lush green tones evoke pine trees, wreaths, and the promise of new beginnings. As a traditional symbol of growth and renewal, emerald is especially poignant during the turning of the year.
This gemstone has been loved for millennia, by Cleopatra, Mughal emperors, and Art Deco designers alike. Its slightly included, mossy depths give it a natural texture that feels alive, organic, and full of magic. At Christmas, it’s a perfect nod to nature’s quiet endurance through winter.
In Jewellery Design: Emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, though inclusions can make it more fragile, so protective settings are wise for rings. Gold brings out its warmth, while emeralds in silver settings can feel fresh and woodland-inspired.
Pairs well with:
- Ruby – for a rich and timeless festive palette.
- Citrine – for a golden-green glow that feels like sunrise on Christmas morning.
Diamond: The Winter Spark
Nothing says “frosted elegance” quite like a diamond. Whether it’s a traditional white diamond or a salt-and-pepper stone with moody inclusions, diamonds bring that unmistakable sparkle that feels like freshly fallen snow catching the light.
Long associated with purity, strength, and eternal love, diamonds remain a staple for festive proposals, but they’re just as compelling in everyday Christmas jewellery, especially when set alongside coloured stones for contrast and depth.
In Jewellery Design: With a Mohs hardness of 10, diamonds are the hardest natural material, making them a top choice for durable and heirloom-worthy pieces. White gold and platinum enhance their cool brilliance, while yellow gold adds vintage warmth.
Pairs well with:
- Smoky Quartz – for a modern, smoky yet frosted mood.
- Amethyst – for a regal and unexpected twist.
Red Garnet: The Yuletide Depth
Garnet’s rich red tones might remind you of pomegranates, mulled wine, or velvet ribbons on wrapped presents. This stone has been used in jewellery since the Bronze Age and has long been associated with protection, strength, and safe journeys which is very on-brand for winter travel and festive gatherings.
Unlike ruby’s bold scarlet, garnet often has deeper, more brownish-red hues, adding vintage warmth to Christmas designs. It's a grounding yet romantic stone with timeless appeal.
In Jewellery Design: Garnet has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.5, making it a versatile choice. It looks especially rich in antique-style gold settings and pairs well with darker gemstones for a gothic-luxe look.
Pairs well with:
- Black Onyx – for gothic romance vibes.
- Amethyst – for a plum-toned winter palette.
Amethyst: The Winter Royal
Amethyst’s deep purple makes it a natural fit for winter jewellery, cool, regal, and a little mystical. Historically associated with royalty and spiritual clarity, it adds a luxurious, almost fairytale-like feel to any piece.
In folklore, amethyst was thought to protect its wearer from intoxication and to bring balance and calm which sounds ideal during the family Christmas dinner!
In Jewellery Design: With a Mohs hardness of 7, amethyst is durable enough for most settings and readily available in a range of cuts and sizes. It shines in both warm and cool metals but looks especially rich in yellow gold.
Pairs well with:
- Citrine – for a striking purple-and-gold harmony.
- Diamond – for an icy-luxe contrast.
Citrine: The Golden Glow
Citrine brings sunshine to the darkest days of the year. With its golden yellow hue, it symbolises joy, abundance, and warmth, ideal sentiments for Christmas gifting. Citrine has historically been linked to success and positivity, making it a perfect stone for the season of giving.
It also echoes the glow of candlelight, mulled cider, and fairy lights, subtle yet cheerful, and endlessly wearable.
In Jewellery Design: Citrine scores a 7 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear with a bit of care. It looks radiant in both gold and silver settings and works especially well in statement cocktail rings (thinking office xmas party) or festive drop earrings.
Pairs well with:
- Smoky Quartz – for a modern, earthy blend.
- Amethyst – for a complementary duo that’s bold and beautiful.
Whether you're designing Christmas jewellery for gifting, shop displays, or personal celebration, these gemstones offer both seasonal charm and timeless beauty. Go bold with traditional red and green, or explore moodier palettes with smoky neutrals and purples. Whatever your aesthetic, there's a gem here to make your designs sparkle.