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Missoma’s jewellery advent calendar is a treasure trove worth its weight in gold – and we got a first look

We were lucky enough to live out our own version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’  (iStock/The Independent)
We were lucky enough to live out our own version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ (iStock/The Independent)

In the wise words of Mariah Carey: “I don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need”... for us, it’s the Missoma advent calendar, and thankfully it’s back for the fourth year.

For the uninitiated, Missoma is one of the best destinations for jewellery. It specialises in affordable sterling silver or gold-plated pieces that have a higher quality than the price tags suggest, from statement pieces to minimalist daily wears. Since the brand’s inception in 2008, it’s amassed a star-studded following from the likes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to the Hadid sisters, and we can see why.

Owing to its much-loved collections, we see that there’s no better way to add some extra sparkle to your festive party season than with the brand’s sell-out jewellery advent calendar. As with all of the best advent calendars, there’s a whopping saving to be had here too. While you may baulk at the initial cost (£395), the jewellery pieces included mean it’s worth well over £800. Within each of the 12 drawers, there’s something waiting to be worn, including hoops, stud earrings and bracelets – but more on its contents later.

Offerings from previous years have been hugely popular, with the limited edition advent calendar selling out fast. For 2022, the brand gave us a first look ahead of anyone else, so we could see whether Missoma really can make Christmas that bit more glam. Spoiler alert, it really will, because we think that the 12-day treasure trove is even better than last year.

How we tested

In the name of investigative journalism, we lived out our very own 12 days of Christmas – thankfully, it was more gold rings than partridges in pear trees – to put the Missoma advent calendar to the test.

To see whether the advent calendar could add some festive sparkle to our jewellery collection, we paid attention to the packaging, including the design and the materials used, as well as how our daily treats were packaged. We also assessed the quality and range of the pieces, as well as whether the contents differed from previous offerings. Last but not least, we, of course, considered the price.

Read more:

Missoma advent calendar: £395, Missoma.com – available from 19 October

 (Eva Waite-Taylor)
(Eva Waite-Taylor)
  • Rating: 4.5/5

  • Value: £835

  • Price: £395

  • Number of days: 12

  • Product highlights: Missoma mini baya hoop earrings, Missoma seed pearl beaded bracelet, Missoma double chain necklace

  • Available: From 19 October

Packaging

The design is inspired by the night sky (Eva Waite-Taylor)
The design is inspired by the night sky (Eva Waite-Taylor)

Once again, the brand has opted for a sleek and sophisticated design for its advent calendar. Unlike last year, though, which was fairly simple, for 2022, the brand has partnered with artist Lukas Palumbo to create this jewellery box-inspired advent calendar. The pattern is based on the night sky, and it’s beautiful. Owing to the fact it isn’t overly festive nor obviously branded, it’s something you’ll use long after the Christmas countdown is over. It opens up to reveal the first layer of boxes – one to six – along with a mirror, while boxes seven to 12 are hidden in a drawer beneath.

Nearly all of the pieces come in their own felt cases (Eva Waite-Taylor)
Nearly all of the pieces come in their own felt cases (Eva Waite-Taylor)

As for how all of the pieces come packaged, most of them are cased in the brand’s signature felt cases, which makes for easy storing. Once again, Missoma has created an advent calendar that feels like an opulent treat and entirely luxe (as you’d expect from something within this price bracket).

What’s inside the Missoma jewellery advent calendar 2022?

Having reviewed Missoma’s jewellery advent calendar last year, we think the brand has certainly ramped it up this year. For those of you who are loyal fans of Missoma’s festive treats, you’ll be as pleased as we were to discover there are no repeats here. The brand has not missed a beat.

On the first day of Christmas, Missoma gives you its mini baya hoop earrings (£75, Missoma.com) – a gorgeous pair of hoops that have bobble detailing and hug the ear lobe nicely.

Read more: Your guide to this year’s beauty advent calendars

Create an ear stack with the brand’s advent calendar (Eva Waite-Taylor)
Create an ear stack with the brand’s advent calendar (Eva Waite-Taylor)

While wearing them on their own offers a subtle statement, by the ninth day of Christmas, you can really start to create a chic, stacked look, as you unwrap the brand’s bestselling mini molten hoop earrings (£49, Missoma.com). These are quickly followed by a pair of mini shield hoop earrings in rose quartz (£69, Missoma.com), which feature a lovely light-pink-coloured gemstone – though we did find them a little fiddly to put in. If you’re looking to curate the perfect ear stack, there’s plenty included to help you on your way. While we love the collection provided, if we were being picky, we’d have liked to have seen a larger hoop.

The fifth and 12th day of Christmas make the perfect ensemble (Eva Waite-Taylor)
The fifth and 12th day of Christmas make the perfect ensemble (Eva Waite-Taylor)

Instead of five gold rings, the fifth drawer is home to its seed pearl beaded bracelet (£79, Missoma.com), which is dainty enough to serve as the perfect everyday accessory. By the final day of advent, we were able to pair it with what might be one of our standout favourite pieces, the brand’s molten cuff bracelet (£85, Missoma.com). The total showstopper on day 12 served as the pièce de résistance. It’s something we’ll wear for years to come.

Read more: Lookfantastic beauty advent calendar is a bargain with some full-sized favourites

For those looking to up their necklace game, Missoma has, of course, come to the rescue. Within the advent calendar, you’ll find not one but three different chains. The mini molten (£85, Missoma.com) features a small, simple circular pendant on a delicate chain. Wearing it on its own is nice, but we also loved layering it with the twisted chain choker (£65, Missoma.com) for added bling. Another standout favourite though was the double chain necklace (£129, Missoma.com), which manages to elevate even the most simple of outfits.

A slight bugbear is that the brand is, once again, not offering a sterling silver version of the advent calendar, which alienates anyone who doesn’t wear gold. But, for anyone who does, it’s a great way to curate a really lovely collection of pieces that we would genuinely buy ourselves.

Value

OK, Missoma’s advent calendar is by no means affordable. At £395 it is a hefty investment. That being said, if you do have the money, we’d say it’s very much worth it. Considering the variety of pieces included and the fact the contents equate to £835, it’s a wonderful way to countdown to the big day, and serves as a great way to curate a high-quality jewellery collection. What’s more, unlike some other advent calendars, you’ll be able to enjoy the items for years to come.

Available from 19 October

The verdict: Missoma advent calendar

Once again, Missoma’s jewellery advent calendar is everything you could want and more. While we thought last year’s offering was good, it’s certainly ramped it up for 2022, as there was nothing in the 12-day treasure trove that we wouldn’t want to wear.

There is no denying, though, that it comes with a hefty price tag and it is a serious investment. But, if you can justify it or have been saving up for a big splash of cash on an advent calendar this year, you are in for a treat. Each piece is clearly made to last, so this is not just a gift for Christmas, but a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a bougie and brilliant countdown you’re going to love, so make sure you join the waitlist to prepare for when the calendar goes live on 19 October.

Looking for more Christmas countdown recommendations? Read our guide to the best beauty advent calendars

Voucher codes

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