Marilyn’s Holiday Capsule Gift Guide

The holidays always bring a rush of color and energy into my studio. This time of year, I’m drawn to stones and pearls that feel luminous, joyful, and a little unexpected - pieces that echo the magic of the season but don’t rely on the usual palette of deep reds and evergreen tones. When I began designing this year’s Holiday Capsule, I knew I wanted to play with contrast: warm golds alongside icy whites, vivid greens next to bright pinks, and sculptural pearls paired with precision-cut gemstones.

What emerged is a small but intentional collection that celebrates playful harmony - a gathering of colors, shapes, and textures that feel festive without being predictable. Each piece is handcrafted in my Apalachicola studio using stones cut by artisans I deeply admire, as well as pearls chosen for their naturally expressive forms. This capsule is meant to be layered into a holiday wardrobe effortlessly, whether you’re dressing up for gatherings or savoring quiet moments at home.

Below, I’m excited to share each piece from the collection and the inspiration behind its creation.

Tsavorite Garnet Pear Studs: A Fresh Take on Holiday Green

I’ve always loved tsavorite garnet for its clarity and intensity, but this pair feels especially lively. Cut by Laura of Tatum Gems, these 5.8ct pear-shaped stones bring a bright, refreshing green to the capsule - a shade that sparkles beautifully without veering into traditional holiday territory.

The slim 14K gold three-prong settings keep the silhouette clean and modern, allowing the color to take center stage. They’re elegant for seasonal gatherings but also designed with everyday wear in mind. If the capsule has a “foundation piece,” this is it: simple, versatile, and radiating quiet luxury.

White South Sea Keshi + Salt & Pepper Diamond Earrings: Sculptural Movement with a Hint of Stardust

This is one of the most architectural pieces in the capsule - South Sea keshi pearls that feel like tiny, hand-formed sculptures paired with the subtle sparkle of salt & pepper diamonds. I love creating pieces where each component brings its own character, and this pair is a perfect example of that interplay.

The pearls sit at the top, glowing softly, while the diamonds sway below with their constellation-like inclusions. Set in 14K gold and fabricated by hand, these earrings blend organic form with delicate movement. They feel festive the way candlelight feels festive - warm, gentle, and quietly dazzling.

Pink Spinel Studs with Keshi Pearls: A Joyful Pop of Color

These earrings were inspired by the idea of bringing unexpected color into the holiday season. The bright, lively pink spinels, sourced from Tanzania and cut by Laura of Tatum Gems, look like tiny drops of concentrated cheer. Paired with sculptural white South Sea keshi pearls, the contrast becomes part of the story: refined yet playful, precise yet organic.

Set in 14K gold, they have a modern silhouette that dresses up easily but still feels approachable for everyday sparkle. I included these in the capsule because pink deserves a place in holiday styling - especially when it’s this joyful.

Emerald Stud & Pearl Dangle Earrings: A Study in Brightness and Flow

These earrings combine two elements I never tire of working with: vivid emerald green and the soft, irregular glow of keshi pearls. The emeralds - lab-grown and beautifully clear - bring sharp color clarity, while the pearls supply movement and gentle luminosity.

Set in solid 18K gold, this pair feels fresh and contemporary, but unmistakably festive. They’re wonderfully lightweight, with a silhouette that elongates and brightens the face. I love the way they bring “holiday” into high relief without leaning on ornamentation.

Golden Keshi Pearl Drops: Warm Glow, Modern Simplicity

These golden South Sea keshi pearls are extraordinary - each one naturally formed with a high-luster surface that looks almost metallic. When I paired them with 18K gold findings, the result felt like holding a little bit of winter sunshine.

This design is intentionally minimal. It lets the pearls speak, highlighting their warm glow and distinctive shapes. They’re understated enough for daytime wear but have a quiet richness that shines in evening settings. If your holiday wardrobe leans toward soft golds and warm neutrals, these earrings integrate seamlessly.

Rhodolite Slider Necklace: A Gemstone with Winter Berry Brightness

Rhodolite garnet has long been one of my favorite holiday-season stones, and this 3.62ct treasure carved by Laura of Tatum Gems is the centerpiece of the capsule. Its vibrant red-pink hue, set in a slim 14K gold bezel, reminds me of winter berries, velvet ribbons, and festive gatherings - bright without feeling traditional.

The adjustable slider chain gives it versatility, allowing the pendant to be styled closer to the collarbone or lower for layering. This is a piece that can truly transform an outfit with just a hint of color.

Hexagon Rhodolite Slider Necklace: Playful Geometry, Uplifting Pink

This hexagon-cut rhodolite from ANZA Gems is one of the most joyful stones in the capsule. Its geometry brings a crisp, modern feel, while the pink tone keeps it cheerful and expressive. I designed the V-prong setting to reveal the stone from all angles so its color can fully shine.

Sliding freely on an adjustable 14K gold chain, it layers beautifully with other pieces - or stands alone as a bright, contemporary statement. This necklace embodies the “playful” part of the capsule’s palette.

Prehnite Pendant: A Soft, Dreamlike Glow

Prehnite has a calming aura that feels especially fitting for the end of the year. This silky, pale green stone, hand-carved by Laura of Tatum Gems, has an inner luminescence that shifts gently in natural light. Paired with a clean 14K gold bezel and an 18-inch chain, it becomes a soft, soothing focal point.

This pendant brings balance to the capsule’s brighter hues, offering a quiet moment of color. It layers beautifully with gold chains and adds a grounded elegance to winter looks.

Emerald Slider Necklace: A Green That Glows from Within

Can you believe this .90ct Ethiopian emerald has stayed in my studio safe since 2020? It’s just been waiting for the right moment to shine. The emerald’s distinct, luminous green demanded a simple setting - just 14K gold and an adjustable cable chain - so the stone could speak for itself.

It anchors the collection’s green tones with depth and clarity, contrasting beautifully with the pinks and golds. For anyone who loves gemstones with a story, this necklace carries one in its color and origin.

Closing Reflections

Designing this year’s Holiday Capsule reminded me how much joy can be found in color, texture, and contrast. I wanted each piece to feel special but also wearable - jewelry that brings light into winter days and becomes part of the memories that make this season meaningful.

Whether you gravitate toward bright pinks, serene greens, golden glow, or sculptural pearls, I hope this capsule inspires a little sparkle in your holiday celebrations.