Bond Street: The jewel in Mayfair’s Christmas

The countdown is on to Christmas and nowhere more so than here on Bond Street. Last week the switch was flicked on for this year’s festive light display. Having taken inspiration from the beauty of the Crown Jewels as well as the world-class jewellery houses that have made Bond Street their home, it was nothing short of spectacular. By Lucie Muir

This year’s dazzling illuminations on Bond Street are inspired by bejewelled necklaces and regal tiaras. As for the four magnificent crowns placed above key junctions on the street, they take their cue from the Imperial State Crown – one of the most important pieces in the Crown Jewels collection.

Royal connections run deep among Bond Street’s famous jewellery houses. In 1926, her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was born at 17 Bruton Street, just minutes from Bond Street. The street itself, along with neighbouring St James’s, has more Royal Warrants than anywhere else in the UK, and is home to some of the world’s most revered jewellery houses, including Cartier, Tiffany & Co and De Beers.

When it comes to capturing the glamour and elegance of this year’s regal lights, Bond Street’s jewellers have created scintillating pieces to covet. Take Mappin & Webb, for instance. Its aptly named Empress 18-carat Yellow Gold and Diamond Pendant softly shimmers to maximum effect.

Earlier this year, David Morris unveiled its Coronation Ring, along with an exquisite tiara. The unisex design was inspired by the three colours of the Union Jack and features a central 17.30-carat cushion cut blue spinel, surrounded by rows of dazzling diamonds and clusters of magenta spinels.

You might want to add a showstopping tiara to your Christmas wish list. In which case, you’ll find one of the finest examples at Moussaieff’s New Bond Street boutique. Founded more than 180 years ago, the world-renowned jeweller’s beautiful High Jewellery Tiara features 46.65 carats of Colombian emeralds, 4.54 carats of pink diamonds and 66.77 carats of white diamonds, set in white gold.

And then there’s Boodles, the British luxury jeweller founded in 1798. Standout pieces in its current offering include the Over the Moon earrings, set with brilliant cut diamonds and white enamel in 18-carat yellow gold.

There are plenty of fabulous gems to choose from at Graff, which has one of the largest jewellery workshops in Europe. These include the Spiral pavé diamond and yellow gold bangle with a total weight of approximately 1.60 carats. Pair it with other yellow gold bangles, or mix different shades of gold and pavé diamonds and stack them on top of one another.

Finally, for a subtle punk twist on a royal favourite, why not elevate your new-season cardi with the ultimate pearl necklace? As part of the new Mikimoto x Comme des Garçons collaboration, Akoya Cultured Pearls are the basis for a collection of gender fluid designs, featuring sterling silver safety pins, spikes and fangs.

As Bond Street sparkles this festive season, be sure to tag us with your photos at #bondstreet

Lucie Muir writes for the Financial Times’ How To Spend It