From colorful gemstones to classic pearls, the best jewelry to wear to a holiday party is going to be that which gives you an elegant silhouette with a bit of sparkle — but of course, it also needs to be comfortable and suitable for the occasion.
The holidays are a time of year when you might want to jazz up your normal look. It’s time to break out your best attire and accessories, even if you’re just celebrating with family.
However, you always want to keep your favorite pieces of jewelry safe. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or going out on the town for New Year’s Eve, there are certain risks to your jewelry that you’ll want to try and avoid.
Here are 7 suggestions for jewelry to wear to a holiday or New Year’s party, plus tips for jewelry safety that will carry you into 2026 and beyond.
What You Will Learn
Jewelry to Wear to a Holiday Party
Rubies, emeralds, pearls, and diamonds are all great picks to wear to a holiday party this season. Here’s what we suggest.
1. Colorful Gemstones
Big, bold colorful gemstones continue to be a jewelry trend, and there’s no better time to break out your red and green stones than the holiday season. Whether you go for rubies and emeralds, spinel and jade, or garnet and peridot, these stones are sparkling and seasonal.
So how do you pull this look off without it getting kitschy? It’s all about balance.
Rather than decking yourself out in colorful gemstones from head to toe, pick an area or two of focus. Maybe you do a necklace with a ruby pendant and a statement ring featuring a green gemstone. Or, maybe you build an earring stack featuring these gemstones and wrap it up there.
2. Wintery Hues
You can also go in the opposite direction by choosing jewelry with metals and gemstones that channel the winter season’s cold yet bright beauty — think silver, white gold, platinum, diamonds, moissanite, or white topaz.
3. Elegant Pearls
If your idea of the perfect holiday party is a very upscale and elegant evening, then you might want to opt for a classic type of jewelry: pearls. Whether you go with a pearl choker or a pearl ring and studs, this is a look that will work well with any holiday outfit.
4. Tennis Bracelet and Necklace
Along the same lines as pearls, a tennis bracelet and necklace is the perfect combination for a more elegant aesthetic for any holiday gathering. This jewelry choice is appropriate for pairing with a more reserved outfit for the company holiday party, will ensure you fit in at the adult’s table at the family Christmas dinner, and will give you an air of sophistication when gathering with friends to swap gifts.
Jewelry to Wear for New Year’s Eve Bashes
Ringing in the new year also calls for a ton of dazzle and charm, so go ahead and take out your diamonds!
1. Diamonds, Diamonds & More Diamonds
New Year’s Eve is all about sparkle, and no gemstone sparkles with quite the same shine as a diamond. As such, you can’t go wrong by decking yourself out in an array of diamond jewelry for your NYE party.
2. Metal Mixing and Matching
Mixing metals is another jewelry trend that will feel right at home during a holiday event. When you’re building your extravagant, sparkly New Year’s look, don’t be afraid to get maximalist with your choices.
Create an earring or ring stack featuring multiple and different types of metals. Layer on a number of chain necklaces, and stack on some bangles in varying hues and you’ll have a perfect look to ring in the new year.
3. Big, Bold Statement Piece
If maximalism isn’t really your style, consider building your New Year’s look around one big, bold piece of statement jewelry, such as a cocktail ring, opera-style necklace, or dangly diamond earrings.
While some will be keeping their eyes on the ball drop in Times Square, everyone around you won’t be able to take their eyes off that gorgeous statement piece.
How to Keep Your Jewelry Safe Over the Holidays
Keeping your jewelry safe during the holiday season requires knowing when it’s appropriate to wear your jewelry and when to leave it at home, as well as how to best store your jewelry when you’re not wearing it.
When to Take Off Your Jewelry During the Holidays
Whenever you’re cooking, baking, or cleaning, remove all rings, bracelets, and watches. While simple water and soap is unlikely to damage your jewelry, harsher chemicals can discolor metals and gemstones. Additionally, wearing your jewelry while you’re rolling out cookie dough can lead to your jewelry becoming dirty and dull.
If you’re headed to a crowded holiday party, like a club-style New Year’s Eve bash and you’ll be around a lot of strangers, it’s wise to keep your most valuable pieces at home rather than risk loss or theft.
How to Store Your Jewelry When You’re Not Wearing It
When you’re not wearing your jewelry this holiday season, keep it safe by storing it in a jewelry box in a private location, especially if you’re hosting guests for a holiday party at your home. For example, you might want to keep your jewelry box in your bedroom where guests wouldn’t normally be versus in the guest bathroom or on the vanity.
For further safety precautions, you might consider investing in a jewelry safe.
Holiday Jewelry Tips & Jewelry Insurance FAQs
What Jewelry Should I Wear to a Holiday Party?
You should always wear jewelry that you feel comfortable in and is suitable for the occasion. On-trend options include bright green and red gemstones, mixed metals, and statement pieces. Classic options include pearl jewelry and tennis bracelets or necklaces.
How Can You Keep Jewelry Safe Over the Holidays?
Don’t wear your jewelry during activities that could lead to accidental damage or theft, such as when you’re cooking, baking, or cleaning, or when you’re attending large, crowded events. Additionally, if you’re hosting guests at home, keep your jewelry stored away from guest areas and in a secure jewelry box or safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase jewelry insurance that can pay for any necessary repairs or replacements.
How Much Does Insurance Pay for Jewelry?
Your homeowners or renters insurance won’t pay very much for jewelry, only a minimal amount, and often it’s not enough to fully replace a stolen piece — and that’s after you pay your deductible. In contrast, specialized jewelry insurance will cover the total cost of repairing or replacing jewelry in far more scenarios, including if it’s damaged or simply disappears.
How Much Does Jewelry Insurance Cost?
Jewelry insurance typically costs 1–5% of your jewelry’s total value, per year. So, if you purchased a high-end bracelet for $10,000, you could expect to pay about $100 per year to insure the piece.
How Do You Get Jewelry Insurance?
Securing jewelry insurance is simple and requires getting a quote based on your jewelry’s appraised value and then making your first payment. If you need an appraisal, BriteCo can help with that, thanks to our online appraisal process.
Give Yourself the Gift of BriteCo’s Specialized Jewelry Insurance
One gift that keeps on giving all year long: specialized jewelry insurance. Policies like BriteCo’s offer the most protection for your jewelry collection.
BriteCo’s affordable policies, which start at just 1% of your collection’s total value per year, will cover the cost of jewelry repair or replacement if there’s ever theft, loss, or accidental damage.
Learn more and get your quick and easy jewelry insurance quote today!
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