By Deborah Yonick, jewelry style expert

The Oscars®, the Super Bowl of glam, did not disappoint fashion followers who tailgated pre-through post-game. No one dress style or color was pervasive, although side-swept hair was all the rage. Risk takers chose gowns with detail like beading, sequins, transparent or lace overlay, structured folds, color blocking, high collar halter tops or asymmetrical necklines with cut outs. Greater embellishment and finish on fabric likely inspired a lighter approach to accessories that favored singular sensations.

Among the sensational at the 85th Academy Awards® held on February 24, colorful statement earrings remained a red carpet favorite, like the pair worn by actress Fan Bingbing. Designed by Chopard, the earrings were a burst of color in 53 carats of navette-and pear-shaped rubellite tourmalines, 2 carats each of heart-shaped emeralds and rubies, and diamonds in rose and white gold.

Also giving an earful in style were head turners like Jennifer Hudson in luscious opal and blackened gold earrings by AGTA Member Sutra; Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Lightning Ridge black opal and 18K gold earrings by Irene Neuwirth; Catherine Zeta-Jones in mosaic earrings clustering earth tone natural colored diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz; and Lara Spencer in natural colored diamond Plume earrings by AGTA Member Sethi Couture, while Oscar-winning songwriter Adele accepted her award in Lorraine Schwartz emerald and diamond platinum earrings. Considered "wrist" takers, Renee Zellweger decked out in Van Cleef & Arpel mystery-set bracelet with rubies and diamonds in platinum and yellow gold and 1960 twin ruby bracelets with diamonds in platinum and yellow gold; Bond girl Naomie Harris flaunted a H. Stern citrine and diamond 18K yellow gold sunrise bracelet; and Zero Dark Thirty director Kathryn Bigelow flashed an emerald and diamond 18K yellow gold snake cuff by Neil Lane.

Michael O'Connor, jewelry and style expert and TV commentator, cites the return of the necklace to the red carpet. "I counted at least 20 or more on great actresses," he says, noting that many were in blackened metal that gave them an antique effect. He hailed the diamonds-by-the-yard necklace Jennifer Lawrence draped down her back a great trend that works with any gem or pearl on long chain. More dramatic décolletage decoration adorned Deborra-Lee Jackman in a Lorraine Schwartz black diamond tassel necklace, beautifully complemented by assorted black diamond and jade bracelets and ring.

Blackened jewels are in the limelight as best expressed by Nicole Kidman in Fred Leighton 19th century black enamel and yellow gold pendant earrings; Grace Hightower-De Niro in black and white diamond platinum carousel earrings by Neil Lane; and Kelly Osbourne in Norman Silverman black diamond earrings and AGTA Member LeVian Blackberry and Vanilla diamond ring. In Lorraine Schwartz: Stacy Keibler, champagne diamond titanium earrings and black sapphire and diamond blackened platinum tassel bracelet; and Kelly Rowland, black jade and diamond platinum earrings and bangle, with an OFIRA black diamond and enamel ring.

O'Connor spied lots of blue and red gems on the carpet, like Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson in Mark Lash sapphire and diamond flower ring and earrings; Good Morning America's Robin Roberts in John Hardy Cinta tanzanite ring, earrings and bracelets; and actress Marcia Gay Harden in Hardy's Cinta ruby drop earrings.

Pearls, too, were hailed a fashion fave. "Something new that we're seeing more of on the red carpet," says O'Connor. "Zooey DesChannel wore a simple strand at the Golden Globes® and at the Oscars®, Helena Bonham Carter wore a necklace with pearl drops." Other examples, by Neil Lane, are found adorning Rebecca Miller in pearl and diamond platinum drop earrings, necklace and bracelet; and Zoe Saldana in pearl and diamond platinum chandelier earrings.

Spotted at viewing and after parties, Allison Williams wore Van Cleef & Arpels "Two Butterfly" between-the-finger ring with pink sapphires and diamonds in pink and white gold; Paz Vega flashed ruby and diamond earrings by Farah Khan; and Lily Collins sported cabochon tanzanite and diamond earrings by AGTA Member Takat.

Oscar Takeaways

• Earrings still reign the most popular singular sensation, although necklaces are making a comeback and bracelets remain a go-to piece
• Blue and green gems continue to be favorites, but demand heats up for blackened gems and metals
• Retro appeal nods to trends for tassels, pearls and opera length necklaces in styles like gems by the yard

 

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