Oh what a night! The 96^th Academy Awards ceremony for 2024 honored excellence in cinematic achievement for the previous year’s films.  But for many viewers admittedly, the main event was tuning in to watch the gowns, the tux, and of course, the jewels.

At this year’s ceremony--- jewelry could be distilled into one word . . . Haute!

Some years, the Oscars can be remembered for outlandish get-ups, or over the top behavior. But this year we saw a trend, did you notice? The red carpet gowns and tuxedos were definitely elegant, in homage to old Hollywood glamor.

Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton High Jewelry (Credit Photo: COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON)

Turn on the Color

This year’s jewels were also sophisticated choices that paired brilliantly with the gowns and tuxedos — something that does not necessarily occur each year. The jewels were deftly curated for each outfit, and we noticed they were often similar in color to each other. That color pairing creates a decidedly striking look when done well—and they were.

Did you also notice the stars have discovered color? Extravagant color gemstones with high design was having a moment at the Oscar Gala and after parties.  

Classic jewelry with glittering white diamonds were mostly missing this year. We think we know the reason for that. It’s likely due to the public’s profound disillusion with lab grown diamonds or LGD.

LGD’s massive campaign had jewelers claiming that lab-grown diamonds are nearly identical with genuine earth mined diamonds. But in a very short time, fashion houses and studio costume designers did not buy into this marketing scheme.

Got to Be Real

They demanded real jewelry to accentuate real couture gowns and nothing else would do.

They quickly pivoted to more exciting colorful gemstone jewelry and the outcome was spectacular.

There were many memorable jewelry moments at this year’s Oscars—here are a few of our favorites;

Barbie Pink Anyone?

America Ferrera proved that a woman cannot wear too much pink—here she radiates in a sparkly pink Versace dress completed by a diamond and rubellite neckpiece from Pomellato.

Tone on tone with rosy jewelry complementing the same color in her dresses or the other way around, America kept it simple and simply stunning.

Apparently Zendaya agreed that you can’t overdo pink. Opting for some statement Morganite pendant earrings from Bulgari, she paired it perfectly with a Giorgio Armani gown that hinted with rosy accents.

Delicate Tones Strike a High Note

Sometimes Bold is the Way to Go

Here’s a head turner---Lily Gladstone in a custom Gucci gown in collaboration with Indigenous artist Joe Big Mountain (Ironhorse Quillwork) paired with equally imaginative Bulgari jewelry.

The dress and jewelry are perfectly matched in color and style, reflecting the bold direction that is high fashion today.  It also reflects my love for colorful jewelry.

And for the Men

The stylists didn’t forget the gents who walked the red carpet. Finally—the men became fully emancipated by wearing stylish jewelry of every color. Brooches ruled the gentlemen’s accessories category on this night.

To be clear, gentlemen attendees have been wearing the man-brooch at the Oscars for a while. But this year it all fell into place. The look was masculine, sophisticated, well appointed  .  . . and liberating. The use of these high end accessories have become the 21^st century version of the boutonniere for men’s formal wear. Well done.

Colman Domingo wearing a David Yurman brooch
(Credit Photo: COURTESY OF DANESSA MYRICKS BEAUTY)

Colman Domingo on the Oscars red carpet wearing a David Yurman brooch as a clever focal point in the center of his bow tie.

Stylish timepieces had a moment too with Matthew McConaughey in Jacob & Co. watch.

Dwayne Wade was dapper in custom Atelier Versace with a deep toned brooch creating a subtle touch.

When Subtle is Not the Mood

A-lister Ncuti Gatwa, star of Doctor Who made a dazzling impression wearing a striking Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Four Leaves brooch. Fashioned in 18K gold and platinum, it boasted over 41 carats of tanzanite and diamonds. Now that’s how you make an entrance.

WWW magazine contributor Lauralee shouts, “Let’s hear it for the boys! Forget the pricey watches on the wrist because the red carpet accessory du jour at last night’s Oscar/Vanity Fair gala was the brooch!”

The Take-Away

This year’s Oscars turned the spotlight on matching jewel colors to the wardrobe, a wholehearted embrace of timeless elegance, confidence in wearing the bro-brooch, and most of all, a sophisticated appreciation for color gemstones.