From Poirot’s Precision to Marple’s Charm: Jewellery Inspired by Agatha Christie

Nationally revered as the “Queen of Crime”, Agatha Christie holds a distinguished place in literary history, with an enduring connection to the South West through her spellbinding tales of intrigue and suspense. From suave European detectives to glamorous heiresses, Christie’s unforgettable characters have fascinated generations, enchanting not only devoted admirers of the crime genre but also those with an appreciation for sophistication, elegance and high society.

From the 13th of September, the South West will once again be transformed into a haven for mystery enthusiasts, as the region hosts a festival dedicated to celebrating the life, works and legacy of this extraordinary writer. The Agatha Christie Festival pays homage to her prodigious imagination, her innovative approach to storytelling, and the iconic detectives who have become immortalised in the annals of crime fiction.

In honour of the occasion, we have curated a selection of exquisite pieces that would perfectly complement the discerning tastes of Christie’s fictional sleuths.

Born in Torquay in 1890, Agatha Christie was deeply influenced by the natural splendour of the English Riviera, whose landscapes provided inspiration and solace throughout her life. As her reputation flourished, her captivating novels reached far beyond British shores, enthralling readers across the world with their ingenious plots and atmospheric settings. 

An unmissable event for devotees of the classic ‘whodunnit’, the Agatha Christie Festival offers a week-long celebration brimming with stimulating talks, theatrical performances, guided tours, exhibitions and live music.

Each year it draws an international community of readers, scholars, historians and literary enthusiasts, all united by their admiration for Christie’s unparalleled contribution to crime fiction. With its unique combination of cultural enrichment and immersive entertainment, the festival not only honours the brilliance of Christie’s legacy but also continues to keep alive the thrill of the mystery, delighting both long-standing fans and curious newcomers alike.

From meticulous detectives to eccentric crime novelists, Christie’s characters found themselves becoming some of the most iconic literature characters to date. Though Christie is famed for her iconic string of pearl necklace, and dazzling diamond brooch found in a locked trunk 40 years after her death, her protagonists had their own styles that were extensions of their characters.

Depicted by the likes of TV and film-stars like Zoë Wanamaker, David Suchet and Joan Hickson, Christie’s characters have left an imprint in the crime genre both in literature and on the silver-screen. 

Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s most celebrated detective, is a retired Belgian police officer whose brilliance in deduction has made him a legendary figure in crime fiction. First appearing in The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920), Poirot quickly became synonymous with Christie’s name. Renowned for his meticulous nature, sharp wit, he approaches each mystery with logic, precision, and a flair for psychological insight.

His sartorial elegance reflects both his continental sophistication and his deeply ingrained sense of order. Poirot favours immaculate suits, polished shoes and his signature Homburg hat, accompanied with a silver pocket watch, fastened with a double Albert chain on his waistcoat.

To honour Poirot’s debonair look, we think the Premier B01 Chronograph 42 would be perfect for a modern take on his vintage pocket watch. Accompanied with a Montblanc Fountain pen, both brands have a deep and expansive heritage, making this timepiece the perfect choice to align with Poirot's love for classic style.

Related: The History of Breitling Watches: The Spirit of Adventure

Miss Jane Marple is one of literature’s most enduring amateur detectives. Appearing for the first time in The Murder at the Vicarage (1930), she is portrayed as a seemingly unassuming elderly woman residing in the quiet English village of St. Mary Mead. Christie crafted Miss Marple as a woman whose style subtly reflects her character: practical, modest, and quietly refined. 

Among her most notable accessories is Miss Marple’s pearl necklace, a piece that symbolises both refinement and her quintessentially British demeanour. Pearls, with their association with wisdom, purity, and understated elegance, suit her persona perfectly. Synonymous with the thoughts behind Japanese Cultured pearl jewellers, Mikimoto.

Mikimoto pearls have been cultured since 1893. Ever since then, Mikimoto has been seeking to harness the allure of pearls, translating hopes and dreams into  necklaces,  bracelets,  earrings and even  rings for over 130 years, making them the perfect choice for Marple's sophisticated personality.

Related: Why Pearls are the Perfect Gift

Ariadne Oliver is a celebrated crime novelist whose appearances bring both humor and insight to Christie’s mysteries. Introduced in Parker Pyne Investigates (1934) and later appearing alongside Hercule Poirot in several novels, she is often seen as Christie’s own playful self-caricature. Mrs. Oliver is imaginative, outspoken, and delightfully eccentric, with a flair for exaggeration and a restless creative energy.

Unlike the restrained elegance of Poirot or the understated propriety of Miss Marple, Ariadne Oliver’s fashion reflects her artistic temperament and slightly chaotic personality. She is known for her somewhat flamboyant, occasionally mismatched clothing, chosen more for comfort and personal whim than for convention.

To channel your inner Ariadne, adorn yourself with a touch of her signature flair with our sapphire and diamond scatter earrings. These vibrant pops of multi-coloured sapphires and whimsical shapes are a great way to balance playfulness with dazzling glamour. 

The Agatha Christie festival is beginning in just a few days, so channel your inner super-sleuth and honour the memory of Christie with some exquisite jewels or stylish accessories. 

At Michael Spiers, we can help you find the perfect finishing touch to your look, from elegant earrings to luxurious necklaces and sophisticated timepieces. When you are in the area, we invite you to our Showrooms in Truro, Plymouth, Exeter and Taunton where our friendly teams can help you find the perfect accomplice to your outfit.