The Dazzling World of Oscars Jewellery: A Red Carpet Extravaganza
The Academy Awards, often referred to as the Oscars, is not just a celebration of cinematic excellence; it is also a grand showcase of fashion and luxury. Each year, the red carpet transforms into a dazzling runway where stars unveil their sartorial best, often in collaboration with renowned luxury fashion houses. This intricate process of gown and tuxedo creation can take weeks or even months, involving a dedicated team of seamstresses, tailors, and artisans. The same meticulous attention to detail extends to the realm of jewellery, where pieces are either custom-made for A-list celebrities or selected from prestigious high jewellery collections. The craftsmanship behind these exquisite pieces often surpasses that of the accompanying couture gowns, with some creations taking years to complete.
Diamonds: The Star of the Night
This year’s Oscars saw a resounding theme of diamonds, a fitting tribute to the glamour of Hollywood. Even Doja Cat paid homage to the iconic gemstone with her performance of “Diamonds Are Forever,” a classic associated with the James Bond franchise. On the red carpet, celebrities adorned themselves with a variety of diamond colliers and bibs. Mikey Madison dazzled in a Tiffany & Co. Edwardian-era necklace, while Scarlett Johansson sported a breathtaking De Beers drop necklace featuring nearly 75 carats of diamonds. Many stars opted for traditional diamond necklaces but added a creative twist; for instance, Margaret Qualley and Michelle Yeoh both wore their diamond necklaces turned to the back, adding an unexpected flair to their looks. The trend of elaborate brooches also continued, extending last year’s men’s lapel pin trend into new and imaginative territories.
Spotlight on Iconic Looks
Zoe Saldaña, the newly crowned Best Supporting Actress, made a stunning appearance in a custom Saint Laurent tiered gown paired with a Cartier diamond necklace from the Maison’s Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection. The “Panthere Versatiles” necklace, featuring a remarkable 10.10-carat Zambian emerald, took nearly three years to create and can transform into shoulder jewellery, showcasing the versatility and artistry of high jewellery.
Gal Gadot turned heads in a Prada gown complemented by an Angela Cummings for Tiffany & Co. Archives gold and diamond necklace, along with Tiffany Victoria rings and a Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. ring. Mikey Madison, in a pink-and-black Christian Dior gown, opted for a Tiffany & Co. archival necklace from the early 20th century, showcasing the intricate metalwork of the Edwardian era.
Ariana Grande chose understated elegance with simple diamond pieces by De Beers, allowing her Schiaparelli gown to take center stage. Cynthia Erivo, known for her impressive jewellery collection, wore an assortment of diamond rings and hoops alongside her custom Louis Vuitton gown, further enhancing her signature style.
Creative Interpretations of Classic Designs
Margaret Qualley, a Chanel ambassador, wore a long black velvet gown inspired by the brand’s spring-summer 2005 runway collection, paired with Chanel High Jewellery diamond pieces, including the “Motif Russe” necklace worn backward—a clever nod to the theme of the evening. Elle Fanning dazzled in a custom Givenchy gown, accentuated by a vintage 1958 platinum and white gold necklace adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Demi Moore made a statement with Chopard diamond fringed earrings that perfectly complemented her Armani Privé gown. Meanwhile, Kieran Culkin, the Best Supporting Actor winner, opted for a Kwiat Fred Leighton coloured gemstone lapel pin, paired with a sleek black-on-black Zegna tuxedo, providing a refreshing contrast to the more extravagant accessories of the night.
A Celebration of Craftsmanship
Lupita Nyong’o embraced an all-Chanel ensemble, featuring a custom pleated ivory charmeuse dress embellished with pearls and crystal braids, complemented by various diamond-and-pearl pieces from the brand. Colman Domingo showcased a range of Boucheron jewellery, including the Serpent Bohème stud earrings and the Fuzzy the Leopard Cat ring, all while wearing a look from Alessandro Michele’s new collection for Valentino.
Michelle Yeoh, adorned in Boucheron’s Quatre Radiant Edition High Jewellery tie-necklace, wore it in a unique fashion—back to front—adding a modern twist to a classic piece. Felicity Jones continued the silver trend with Boucheron’s Vendôme Liseré pendant earrings, paired with an Art Deco platinum and diamond bracelet from 1927.
Selena Gomez shone in a custom Ralph Lauren gown, accessorized with a Bulgari diamond necklace and earrings, while Timothée Chalamet made a bold statement in a custom Givenchy suit, complemented by a Cartier Tradition gold, sapphire, and diamond necklace from 1988.
Paul Tazewell, the award-winning costume designer, added his own touch of elegance with a Fred Leighton diamond brooch on a Dolce & Gabbana suit and ascot, proving that the artistry of jewellery extends beyond the stars to those who create their looks.
The Oscars not only celebrate cinematic achievements but also serve as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of fashion and jewellery. Each piece worn on the red carpet tells a story of dedication, creativity, and the timeless allure of luxury.