Oscar Jewels:
Diamonds, Opaque Gems
and Yellow Gold Shine
March 20, 2014
Black played a role in providing a setting for some truly outstanding gems. Charlize Theron took the conventional “little black dress” to the next level in a gown with almost invisible tulle straps. Her plunging neckline framed a stunning necklace from the Harry Winston Incredibles collection featuring a 31 carat D-color, IF-clarity center diamond. “August: Osage County” Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee Julia Roberts chose diamond earrings, rings, and stackable bracelets by Bulgari to complement her black lace sleeveless peplum gown.
Olivia Wilde gave new meaning to maternity style in an elegant black and white gown. She added glamour to the simplicity of her attire with Lorraine Schwartz jewels: a pair of white jade and diamond drop earrings in platinum; black and white jade, diamond and platinum bangles; and a black and white diamond and platinum ring.
Platinum made an impression among this year’s attendees. Anne Hathaway wore platinum bracelets with 100 carat total weight of diamonds, a square-cut emerald and platinum ring, and diamond stud earrings by Neil Lane to complement her black silk crepe, crystal-embellished column dress. Best Actress nominee Sandra Bullock opted for a pair of platinum and pear-shaped diamond cluster climber earrings by Lorraine Schwartz.
Blue, in various tones and saturations, was one of the most represented hues on the red carpet, and jewelry reflected the trend. Amy Adams, Best Supporting Actress nominee for her performance in “American Hustle,” accessorized with statement pendant earrings of rhodochrosite, lapis, turquoise and diamonds in yellow gold, as well as a fire opal ring, all from Tiffany & Co.
Many attendees of the 2014 Oscars wore beige or soft-colored gowns, which were particularly conducive to showcasing opaque or diamond jewelry. “Blue Jasmine” star and Best Actress winner Cate Blanchett revived an era of classic Hollywood glamour with a form-fitting beige sequined gown. Her Chopard jewels included a large pair of 33-carat iridescent white opal and diamond chandelier earrings, a Toi et Moi diamond ring, and yellow diamond line bracelets.
Calista Flockhart stepped on the red carpet in an ivory cap-sleeved gown she adorned with round emerald and diamond cluster earrings by Jacob & Co. jewels. Naomi Watts accessorized her lace and sequined snowy white gown with a Bulgari spider-web necklace.
Not to be outdone by their female counterparts, men sported some notable accessories this year. Ice-skater and Olympic commentator Johnny Weir wore a pave-set diamond ring by Le Vian and a Demarco diamond brooch. Singer Pharrell, who performed the Oscar-nominated “Happy,” turned to Lorraine Schwartz for gold and yellow diamond studs; he also wore Be Happy gold bracelets, along with Ofira Jewels gold ball bracelets with multicolor diamonds. Brad Pitt’s yellow gold and diamond tuxedo buttons and cufflinks by Robert Procop coordinated with partner Angelina Jolie’s ensemble. Jolie, the 2014 Humanitarian Award recipient, donned a sleek metallic beaded gown accented by a pair of 42 carat total weight diamond and yellow gold bezel-set earrings by Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels.
Last but not least, yellow gold jewelry made a strong comeback. Kristin Chenoweth paired her gold corset outfit with yellow gold Neil Lane jewels, including pinwheel diamond earrings, a chain bracelet, and a diamond ring. Best Supporting Actress winner Lupita Nyong’o accessorized her ethereal light-blue pleated gown with Fred Leighton jewels: a dazzling gold and diamond headband, a 19th-century coiled yellow gold and diamond snake bracelet, yellow gold and rose-cut diamond crescent earrings, several diamond rings, and a 1960s turquoise and diamond gold ring.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Delphine Leblanc is a valuation specialist at Tiffany & Co. in New York City.