Oscar night is guaranteed to be a showcase of some of the most spectacular diamond jewelry anywhere. Compared to the 2008 Oscars, the stars at the 2009 Oscars opted for elegance rather than extravagance. Diamond jewelry was still very much present, but in simpler, less showy forms than is typical for the event. Styles change constantly and, judging by this year’s red carpet, understated (for Hollywood!) elegance is all the rage. Sarah Jessica Parker was certainly among the most dramatic of the stars who walked the carpet. She accented her eye-catching gown with tasteful jewelry choices. Among them were diamond ear-clips and a nine-carat diamond ring. Her ring was by Fred Leighton and featured a cushion-cut gem.
Evan Rachel Wood sported an elegant look, harkening back to Hollywood’s Golden Era when the extravagant and the elegant were not mutually-exclusive terms. She wore diamonds, of course, by designer Neil Lane, including a bracelet and earrings.
Natalie Portman has a reputation for being both a stunning beauty and a serious actress. Her Oscar night ensemble represented this mix in a way only she could have done. Her fuchsia dress caught the eye of anyone within sight and her six-carat diamond drop earrings were a perfect finishing touch; elegant and beautiful and the perfect accessory to round out her look.
These three represented some of the best dressed and one of the evening’s dominant trends: diamond jewelry that was beautiful enough to stand out on its own while subtle enough to blend into their overall look. Diamond jewelry is often called on for its capacity to do both equally well. Their luster and brilliance makes them natural choices for stand-out pieces of jewelry. Even when they are used sparingly, however, they are certain to draw the eye wherever their wearer intends. Last year, the jewelry at the event was much different, which shows both the speed at which trends change and the versatility of diamonds to fit into the current aesthetic, no matter what it may be.
In 2008, Nicole Kidman wore a piece that was certain to catch anyone’s eye. The Australian’s necklace featured over 7,600 diamonds, more than enough to dazzle anyone nearby. The multi-strand necklace contained a mix of rough and polished diamonds, lending a unique look.
Renee Zelweger hit the red carpet wearing an estimated $1 million worth of diamonds by Cartier. The bracelet was the larger of the two pieces she wore. The “smaller” piece of jewelry was 45 carats!
Of course, the displays of extravagantly priced beauty are all part of the show on Oscar night and, in reality, a large part of the reason many people tune in to see the show. Even if the speeches are all pretty much the same, the fashion is always varied and incredible!
The stars who wear that jewelry, in most cases, don’t own it. There’s something of a two-way street concerning how these stars are being allowed to wear such pieces. The designers who create the spectacular pieces get to show their creations to the entire world and the stars get to look fabulous in the process of helping the designers.
Before the Oscars get underway, designers set up shows in different venues, usually at hotels but sometimes at private residences, and an invitation-only crowd of stars, presenters and other famous faces who are certain to be in the spotlight are invited. The jewelers display their finest wares to the stars who choose from the best diamond jewelry anywhere what they’ll wear on the red carpet. The selections always include the standards: earrings, necklaces and brooches. Other items commonly included are accent pieces such as bows and, as proved popular in 2006, diamond accessories that were worn as part of a hair-do. Though they’re seldom seen on the red carpet, probably owning to not wanting to seem presumptuous, diamond tiaras are often among the choices offered by the jewelers. Of course, many stars make their arrangements far in advance. Many have favored designers, as well, and tend to wear their pieces more than others.
Diamonds, however, are a constant. In 2009, they showed that extravagance can be subtle and that being understated is sometimes the most powerful statement one can make. In recent years, they have been showcased in ways that were sometimes jaw-dropping and most certainly in line with Hollywood’s image of a place where the truly wealthy roam. No matter how much styles change, however, diamonds always seem to play a role.
Related Posts: