I’ve unboxed dozens of jewellery advent calendars – here’s why you should buy Astrid & Miyu’s

One of the most decadent ways to countdown to Christmas, jewellery advent calendars are the fashionable older sister to chocolate countdowns. Despite competition from the likes of Missoma and Estella Bartlett, Astrid & Miyu’s jewellery advent calendar sells out year after year.

In-keeping with previous years, its 2025 line-up includes three calendars, each carefully curated for party season and beyond. Returning is the popular – and most affordable – 12-day countdown, available in gold or silver plating. A feast for your eyes (and ears), the calendar features nine pairs of earrings and cuffs, along with a crystal-adorned necklace and bracelet to complete your look. A real treat for those who love to ear stack, there’s also a special surprise found inside (more on that later).

Then there’s the blowout 24-day countdown, which costs £695. Also available in gold or silver, the edit includes 11 pairs of earrings, plus rings, necklaces and bracelets for every day of your December festivities. But the real showstopper is the luxury solid gold offering – with just five pieces inside (think diamond drop studs and pearl huggies )it adds up to £1,350.

As usual, the flagship 12 day line-up is brimming with everyday staples and on-trend styles you’ll wear long beyond the Christmas season. I’ve been reviewing jewellery advent calendars for years and Astrid & Miyu’s offering is a personal favourite, thanks to its value for money, stylish design and wearable pieces.

The calendar has officially launched for 2025 – but how does it compare to previous years? I unboxed it ahead of December to find out.

How I tested

This year, the 12-day calendar costs £345 but is worth more than double that (£730, which is £40 more than last year). To see if it’s worth your investment, I committed the cardinal Christmas sin and worked my way through the calendar ahead of December, making sure to assess it on the following criteria:

Why you can trust IndyBest reviews

Daisy Lester is senior shopping writer at The Independent, and she specialises in reviewing fashion. Whether it’s a guide to the best women’s glasses, ballet flats, trench coats or wedding guest dresses, she knows the brands to turn to for quality and affordability. Having reviewed the best jewellery advent calendars since 2023, she is well-placed to weigh up this year’s offering against different brands and previous line-ups.

Packaging

Helping you create the ultimate ear stack for the festive period and beyond, Astrid & Miyu’s 12-day calendar features 11 jewels (and a secret gift). This year, the box is designed with an understated festive theme. The exterior is finished in a harlequin burgundy and white print, with the doors opening to reveal a festively-red interior with doors numbered in gold. It’s evergreen but still feels sufficiently Christmassy, while the compact size makes it easy to display or store. Plus, the sturdy box can be repurposed as jewellery storage post-Christmas.

What’s inside?

From black pear charm huggies and crystal duo studs that elevate your everyday look to crystal adorned hoops and delicate drop studs that capture the light beautifully, the line-up is brimming with staple and seasonal pieces. Crystals and pave thread through the line-up, adding some glitz and glamour to your ear stack.

There’s a pair of double-layered pave hoops that give the illusion of a second piercing (my favourite piece) and matching black pave ear cuff that add intrigue to your lobe. For extra crowd-pleasing appeal, the calendar goes beyond ear stacking with a crystal cluster necklace and matching bracelet.

The sparkly, occasion-ready pieces will serve you well through party season, but Astrid & Miyu has done well to make the pieces feel classic and timeless for year-round wear – particularly if you love ear stacking. However, those who love to ring stack or layer necklaces and bracelets might find the calendar a little lacking.

All the pieces are 18 carat gold plated with cubic zirconia stones, so you can rest assured the shiny finish and sparkly detailing will endure for years to come, without tarnishing.

Value for money

If some of the styles are not to your taste – or you don’t have a piercing to match – they’ll make lovely gifts, helping you get your money’s worth. Adding the final flourish, there’s also the addition of a £50 gold coin and voucher for choosing your own piece or gift for another either in-store or online.

Costing £345 but adding up to £730, you’re saving more than 50 per cent on the jewellery inside. After unboxing the calendar in the run-up to Christmas (or binging on all the goodies on Christmas morning), you’re left with 11 timeless, gold-plated pieces that carry your everyday and evening looks – plus a voucher to spend when you please and a handy storage box. What more could you want?

The verdict: Astrid & Miyu 12-day jewellery advent calendar

Astrid & Miyu’s 12-day countdown is always a highlight of the jewellery advent calendar season. The brand’s offering for 2025 might just be my favourite yet. The curated selection of pieces create the ultimate ear stack, from cuffs to studs and statement hoops. Completing your look, a beautifully matching necklace and bracelet are just as sparkly. The calendar offers stellar value for money if you’re a jewellery lover, particularly if you love an ear stack.

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