The holiday season is here and with the celebrations come events, parties and get-togethers with friends and family. It’s also the perfect time to have fun with your accessories. Festive or fearless, there are plenty of ways to complement your favorite holiday outfit. Check out our favorite holiday-minded pieces for some accessory inspiration and click on the image to see the item.

1. Seasonal Spirit

It’s the only time of year that you can get away with snowflakes and Christmas trees — so don’t hold back! There are a lot of options when it comes to jewelry that is literally holiday inspired. Love the winter? Get an Hermes bangle with festive snowflakes. Love the winter and diamonds? Get a Chopard Happy Sport watch with a snowflake dial.

If you are looking for a Christmastime trinket, then there’s the Chanel Christmas tree necklace that would look perfect under the tree. Finally, if your interpretation of holiday-inspired jewelry is less literal, we think the diamonds on these Ippolita earrings look like snow-covered branches.

2. Two-Tone Statement Necklaces

‘Tis the season of gold, silver and glitter. Take this holiday color scheme to the next level at your next formal holiday event with a stunning two-tone statement necklace — add diamonds for extra sparkle. For a more casual event, try something like a vintage Chanel faux pearl necklace.

If you are getting decked out for the holidays, try something especially dazzling. We love the two-tone twist of this Jacob & Co. necklace and the pave diamonds are an added bonus. Looking for something unique? Let the good times flow with this unique, woven necklace in a liquid drape style. Finally, if you are looking for something unexpected, this David Yurman choker is the perfect choice. Gold, diamonds and the classic DY cable design — what more could you want?

3. Bold Cocktail Rings

A holiday party look isn’t complete without a cocktail ring. The cocktail ring is even named that because it was the accessory of choice at cocktail parties! You can make this holiday party appropriate with the right color or accents.

Try a red tone like this Carrera y Carrera sapphire and diamond ring or this garnet and diamond cocktail ring. If color isn’t your preference, then try a sparkling diamond-covered design like this white gold Piaget rose ring. Finally, try mimicking the icy weather in true 1920s fashion with this antique Art Deco ring.

4. Understated Elegance

If you love all things luxury with a sophisticated and understated elegance, then perhaps you don’t need anything other than a classic, refined staple piece. There are three things every woman needs in her jewelry collection: a watch, something pearl and diamond studs.

The Bulgari Serpenti watch is stunning without imposing. Bonus: it tells the time while looking like a fine jewelry piece. If you are looking for a more traditional timepiece, then look no farther than the Cartier Ballon Bleu. This is a watch for those who love excellence, but not flashiness. For jewelry, opt for a pair of classic earrings — pearls or diamond studs.

One of the most iconic women of the 20th Century, Coco Chanel exceled in pioneering everyday chic and costume jewelry for modern women. Memorable and often-quoted style statements have made Coco a timeless fashion guru, shaping women’s fashion and guiding personal style for generations. This collection of vintage Chanel necklaces is certified authentic and now available on True Facet.

Check out these great Valentine’s Day necklace gifts below!

Worn by fashionable women from Jackie Kennedy to Lady Gaga, Chanel pearl necklaces span time while still looking fresh and original. This vintage ivory multi-strand pearl Chanel necklace is a wardrobe staple. Circa 1970s, the necklace features three strands of faux pearls with gold tone clasps.

This Chanel vintage logo pendant is pure elegance. The interlocking “CC” logo is embossed on a black oval surrounded with 4 gold petals in a cross shape on this unique statement piece from the 1980s. This stunning pendant hangs from a 22” gold Chanel necklace.

A truly chic Parisian necklace, this multi-strand Sautoir Gripoix is a highly coveted and collected vintage Chanel necklace with versatile and fashion-forward appeal. Gold tone logo discs link with baroque pearls, bezel set rhinestone rondelles and crystal Gripoix beads.

This rare 18k gold plated necklace captures the decadent chic of the 1980s. Both opulent and cheeky, the chunky ringed chain bears the signature logo of a classic Chanel necklace. A perfect accent to a sleek dress as well as her favorite jeans and a pair for strappy heels.

A modern classic from the 1990’s, this Chanel vintage motif necklace features black leather detail weaving an element of texture and sophistication into the 65” chain, with gold-tone hardware and lucky charm detail including iconic Chanel images, including four leaf clovers, high heels, camellia flowers, perfume bottles, classic CC logos, Leo the Lion, and Marilyn Monroe’s favorite: No.5.

This is only a taste of what you can find in TrueFacet’s diverse jewelry collection, all vintage Chanel necklaces are certified authentic and available now. Pick one up for your Valentine!

When you shop around, online or elsewhere, it’s possible to find an amazing price for your favorite piece. Though it’s also riskier than buying directly from an authorized dealer. It can be hard to trust that your piece is authentic, especially with the amount of counterfeits on the market. However, if you know what to look out for, you can dramatically reduce your risk of buying a counterfeit item. Here are some tips for spotting a fake Carrera y Carrera jewelry item.

1. Quality & Price

Carrera y Carrera jewelry is typically finely detailed and takes a level of skill to replicate. When evaluating your pieces, be sure to look out for the quality of the piece. The settings should always be secure and the stones should always be high quality. Additionally, Carrera y Carrera only uses 18K gold.

The piece should also feel solid all the way through. If the metals starts to wear and the the color in the worn spot differs from the rest of the piece, then it could be gold plated — signs of a counterfeit item.

2. Serial Number & Brand Markings

The piece will be marked with the Carrera y Carrera stamp, which is either CyC or just CC. If the gold content is stamped, it will not say 18K. If the gold content isn’t stamped as 750, then this is a red flag and your piece could be inauthentic.

If you are questioning the authenticity, then you can call the manufacturer with the serial number. This number will identify the piece at hand. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t mean your piece isn’t a replica of the original.

3. Seller & Location

Always be wary of the seller, especially when buying online. Since you don’t get to see the item first, you will want to trust your seller. You can research review online and review the overall website and policies. If there is no return policy on an item, then be wary of the seller.

Also be sure to research the seller’s location. Most counterfeit luxury goods in the world originate in China. If your seller is based in Asia, be sure to research thoroughly and be wary of any misleading or fake reviews for their services.

4. Ask a trusted jeweler

In the end, if you are not 100 percent certain of your purchase, you can always have it appraised by a trusted jeweler. They will be the only ones able to test the materials and appraise the stones so you know if you have an authentic item. There is typically a fee for appraisal, so be aware of this when you go to the jeweler. Also make sure to research the jeweler thoroughly. Read reviews and find out where they received certification from.

At TrueFacet we guarantee that each item sold is authentic and each item comes with a valuation report. We also offer our own appraisal services. We cover shipping and you get a trustworthy valuation report. For more information, read more here.

Photo Credit: gentlemansstyle.com / carreraycarrera.com

We are patiently awaiting the debut of 2015 holiday ad campaigns, but we couldn’t help but go back to review the best from last year. Our favorite brands happened to create our favorite video shorts and though these might be hard to top, we have high expectations. Check out our top three favorite videos below.

3. Hermes

Hermes released a sweet video that reminds us of our favorite classic claymation. The short video features a spin on the story of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. The video is done in the spirit of the Hermes equestrian logo and the only product featured is the Hermes scarf, which gives Rudolph the power to fly! Check out the short below.

2. Tiffany & Co.

We absolutely love this romantic tale from Tiffany & Co. The animated video follows a couple around New York City during the beautiful winter season. Classic Tiffany pieces are featured throughout, including the popular T collection. Check out the video below!

3. Cartier

This adorable video is a departure from the typical, product-heavy Cartier commercial. Panthers, the Cartier mascot, playfully knock the classic red boxes out of the clouds and under the trees of lucky giftees — an occurrence we wouldn’t be upset about. Check out the video below!

Charriol bracelets, rings and earrings evoke elegance and romance in a variety of styles, inspired by the most compelling love stories throughout time. This Valentine’s Day, show your chivalrous nature and gift her a piece of jewelry radiating romance.

Tristan & Isolde

Celtic culture inspired the first line of Charriol bracelets – so let’s start with an ancient romance that graced the shores of Ireland. The patinaed bronze and rich gold of this gorgeous Charriol diamond bracelet befits royalty in the original story of star-crossed lovers. In the 12th century, the love story of Tristan, a Cornish knight and Isolde, an Irish princess, shared a forbidden love affair full of passion and tragedy. The legend of Tristan and Isolde dates several hundred years before Shakespeare penned Romeo and Juliet.

Jay Gatsby & Daisy Buchanan

The great jazz age in America is aptly represented by the torrid and tumultuous relationship of characters Jay Gatsby & Daisy Buchanan in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, “The Great Gatsby.” Fitzgerald’s own wife Zelda inspired the character of Daisy. The iconic characters will be forever linked with the first youthquake of the 20th Century- considered visually rich in fashion and decadence, with dashes of titillation and pizzazz. This flirty ring is inspired by Daisy herself, with 18k white gold holding three brilliant clusters of crystal and yellow diamonds. This playful interpretation would easily have been seen on her finger at an afternoon tea party in the 1920s.

Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton as Antony & Cleopatra

True Hollywood royalty, Elizabeth Taylor was at the height of stardom when she starred in the famously ambitious 1963 epic “Cleopatra.” She first met and started a scandalous love affair with a talented British stage actor, Richard Burton, while playing one of the most infamous couples in history. The on-again-off-again love story of Liz & Dick will forever be synonymous with their portrayals of Mark Antony & Cleopatra. This selection from our collection of Charriol bracelets and earrings were inspired by Taylor’s portrayal of the iconic Queen of Egypt. The pair of 18K gold earrings are crafted into a scarab-inspired post, and Roman-style roped hoops that pair beautifully with this gorgeous 18k yellow gold and stainless steel bracelet, inlaid with diamonds and white topaz. Worn together, the jewelry showcase grand displays of rich gold and brilliant diamonds.

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

Bohemian and free-spirited, the modern love story of these Mexican artists lives on through their self-portraits and generations of future artists they’ve inspired. Frida’s eclectic style challenged traditional standards of beauty and femininity. She often paired multi-textured dangling earrings with an elaborate choker and colorful flower blossoms in her hair. These diamond earrings are inspired by her individual style. Set in 18k white gold, the black steel detailing adds a bit of drama to the beautifully textured set of linked hoops.

Considered the gold standard by collectors around the world, Patek Philippe watches make extraordinary heirloom gifts and fine investments. At TrueFacet, we carry a wide selection of aesthetically exquisite preowned Patek Philippe watches, known for their precise movements, superlative craftsmanship, fine materials and decorative techniques. Here is a selection of watches for women and men available right now on our marketplace.

WOMEN’S

PATEK PHILIPPE 4910/10A-011 TWENTY-4 DIAMOND LADIES WATCH

This elegant Patek Philippe Ladies Watch is both contemporary and classic, and preserved in pristine condition. The timepiece features quartz movement in a stainless steel case along with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal over the sleek square face, encrusted with 36 diamonds. It has a silver dial with diamond hour markers and applied Roman numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock. This refined stainless steel linked bracelet fits a 6 ¾ wrist. Get your piece of Patek Philippe luxury today!

PATEK 4936G-001 PHILIPPE 18K WHITE GOLD DIAMOND LADIES WATCH

Some Patek Philippe preowned watches are so exquisitely crafted, saying they’re breathtaking is almost an understatement. This automatic timepiece is more than a statement; it’s a piece of art. A black mother of pearl dial is accented with raised white gold luminescent Roman numerals and minute markers around the outer rim. With white gold feuille hands and a center sweep seconds hand. Celestial charts and perpetual calendars are trademark features of fine Patek watches, and this watch features subsidiary dials for the days of the week and month, with apertures for the date at 6 and moon phases. Topped with an original sapphire crystal to solidify its stature among the finest timepieces we offer.

MEN’S

PATEK PHILIPPE 2428 CALATRAVA VINTAGE 18K YELLOW GOLD

This handsome timepiece is a true standout among our available preowned Patek Philippe watches for men. The original Patek case is 18k yellow gold is 35 mm in diameter, with two-body overhanging fluted lugs, a stepped bezel and snap-on case back. The dial is crafted of silvered matte, with applied gold faceted baton hour markers, subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, an outer minute track and dauphine hands. The bracelet is a brand new yet original Patek black crocodile strap with an 18K yellow gold buckle. The watch has manual movement, topped with acrylic domed crystal.

PATEK PHILIPPE – SHREVE & CO. 18K GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH

A truly unique find in our collection of preowned Patek Philippe watches, this fine gold pocket watch is a men’s heirloom accessory for the ages. This Patek Philippe Shreve & Co is a special edition. This analog timepiece features an open face, elegant Roman numeral dial with a sub seconds edition. Made from 18k yellow gold, weighing in at 54.5 grams.

These featured Patek Philippe watches offer just a glimpse of the varied collection of unique pieces you can find on TrueFacet’s authentic jewelry marketplace.

Christie’s and Sotheby’s both held Magnificent Jewels auctions in Geneva on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11, respectively. Combined, the auctions featured 792 jewelry lots selling for $245,553,004 total, including buyer’s premium. The sales featured hundreds of beautiful and incredibly expensive and rare jewelry pieces. Here’s a round-up of the top 10 most expensive lots from the auctions.

10. Sapphire and Diamond Ring

This striking sapphire weighs in at a hefty 40.13 carats. The stone is of Burmese origin and has a remarkable deep blue, saturated color with no evidence of heating. The ring sold for $3.19 million at the Sotheby’s auction.

9. Emerald and Diamond Harry Winston Necklace

This gorgeous, green necklace was created by Harry Winston in 1959. The vintage piece features a 22.25, 20.61 and 15.97-carat Colombian emeralds. In total, 16 emeralds are from Colombia and one is from Russia. The piece sold for $3.8 million in the Sotheby’s auction.

8. Emerald and Diamond Earrings

The two Colombian emeralds weigh 13.56 and 12.91 carats and show no signs of clarity or color treatment. The diamonds weigh 1.84 and 1.81 carats with G Color VVS2 clarity and G color VS1 clarity, respectively. The earrings sold for $3.96 million at the Christie’s auction.

7. Orange-Pink Diamond Pendant

This pendant is a rare and striking shade of natural orange-pink, with VS2 clarity as rated by the GIA. The gorgeous diamond weighs in at 15.02 carats and was sold by Sotheby’s for $4 million.

6.Impressive Unmounted Sapphire

This unmounted stone weighs 118.88 carats and its origins trace back to Burma (Myanmar). The massive stone has no indications of heating and has a beautiful royal blue color. It sold at the Christie’s auction for $4.19 million.

5. Important Colored Diamond Pendant

At the 91.81 carats, this yellow diamond is nothing short of impressive. The GIA has graded the stone as fancy vivid yellow in color with VS2 clarity. This diamond sold for $4.3 million at the Christie’s auction.

4. A Magnificent Diamond Ring

True to the lot’s name, this diamond truly is magnificent. At 50.48 carats, the diamond is graded by the GIA as D color, internally flawless clarity with excellent polish and symmetry. The ring sold for $7.88 million at the Christie’s auction.

3. Purple-Pink Diamond Ring

This extraordinarily colored diamond is also a whopping 8.24 carats — remarkable for a rare, colored diamond. The GIA has rated the diamond a natural fancy vivid purple-pink with SI1 color. Sotheby’s sold the ring for $13.9 million.

2. Cushion-Shaped Pink Diamond

This is the largest cushion-shaped pink diamond to have ever been auctions, weighing 16.08 carats. The stone is surrounded by diamonds and mounted in gold and platinum. The stone is graded by the GIA as fancy vivid pink with VVS2 clarity. The rare diamond sold for $28.68 million at the Christie’s auction.

1. The Blue Moon

It’s well known that colored diamonds, especially blue, are among the rarest diamonds in the world. On top of this the Blue Moon diamond is a massive 12.03 carats graded as an internally flawless fancy vivid blue. The gorgeous stone was sold by Sotheby’s for $48.6 million.

Photo Credit: christies.com / sothebys.com

The unique, whimsical designs of Carrera y Carrera jewelry come in many different shapes. Hands, flowers, dragons and more have all been crafted in the incomparable pieces from the Spanish jeweler. Carrera y Carrera takes inspiration from nature and traditional mythology for a twist on sculptural design. Check out our five favorite collections from the esteemed jeweler below.

1. Bambu

Carrera y Carrera has drawn inspiration from the East in several collections. While Círculos de Fuegos interprets traditional Chinese art with dragon motifs, Bambu takes inspiration from the natural world.

In many cultures, bamboo is viewed as a symbol of good luck. Carrera y Carrera has coupled the stick-like nature of bamboo with vibrant gemstones and sparkling, flowing leaf-like diamond designs. The end result: a truly exceptional collection that can only be attributed to Carrera y Carrera.

2. Bestiario

Bestiario is Carrera y Carrera’s take on the classic animal motif. Many jewelers find inspiration in the elegance and symbolic meanings behind the creatures they recreate. However, the Spanish jeweler’s designs depict the ferocity and strength of the animal kingdom.

Carrera’s creations are sculptural designs with roots in realism. The fierce and energetic pieces of the Bestiario collection have become favorites of celebrities around the world with famous wearers including Olivia Palermo, Madonna, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez.

3. Seda Imperial

The Seda Imperial collection is full of intricate and beautiful floral motifs and diamonds and bursts of color. This collection is another inspired by Far East design and tradition. The collection features pieces directly influenced by the vibrant patterns of the Manila shawl.

These shawls, originating in China, were intricately embroidered by hand with flowers and birds. The collection depicts delicate and captivating variations of florals and herons combined with shimmering gemstones to create a mesmerizing collection of rings, necklaces and earrings.

4. Sol y Sombra

Sol y Sombra translates to sun and shadow, and it’s also a popular after dinner drink in Madrid. The collection is inspired by the sun and the symbolic, universal symbolism of life attached to the motif.

Golden and vibrant pieces from the collection capture the sentiment of Spain and the spirit of Carrera y Carrera designs. The bright and energetic collection is made for daily wear and a daily reminder of the light and passion.

5. Círculos de Fuegos

The collection is another example of Asian influence in Carrera y Cerrera design. Círculos de Fuegos translates to circles of fire, depicting the mythological dragon in fiery creations.

The pieces symbolize strength and power through sculptural designs that could only be created by Carrera y Carrera. In incredible and elaborate golden design, the collection finely portrays the creature in life-like detail.

Photo Credit: carreraycarrera.com