The Oscars have historically been as much about who wins the coveted golden statues as it has about what was worn on the night. This not only includes the gown choices but the jewelry that inevitable goes with the dress.
From stand-out bling like Elizabeth Taylor’s stunning diamonds in 1970 to Lupita Nyong’o’s tiara moment in 2014, there are some blinding gem-encrusted pieces that have made fashion history. And so as the Academy Awards approaches, we’re taking a look back at some of the most impressive jewelry in Oscar history.
Angelina Jolie and her Colombian emeralds
At the 2009 Oscars, Angelina Jolie was resplendant in a black sweetheart dress, complimented perfectly by these Colombian emerald drop 115 carat earrings by Lorraine Schwartz, valued at US$2.5 millones, with a matching 65 carat ring.
Elizabeth Taylor’s diamond necklace
Elizabeth Taylor was famous for her love of bling. One of her most recognized pieces was her 68 carat diamond Cartier necklace that she wore to the 1970 Oscars. It was a present from her then husband Richard Burton, which set him back a cool $1.1 million. Elizabeth initially wore the diamond as a ring but found it too heavy, requesting Cartier design a necklace instead.
Madonna’s $20 millon necklace
Back in 1991, emulating Marylin Monroe, Madonna dressed herself up in $20 millon worth of Harry Winston diamonds for her memorable performace of Sooner Or Later from her film Dick Tracy.
Salma Hayek’s princess moment
For her first outing at the Academy Awards in 1997, Salma Hayek opted for a Cartier diamond tiara to top off her Armani dress. In an interview with Vogue she said that “everybody started wearing a tiara after that and I never got credit for that trend!”
Charlize Theron’s diamond earrings
The striking diamond Chopard earrings that Charlize Theron completed her outfit with in 2017 included a surprising asymmetry. Although on first glance they looked the same, one was pear-shaped and other was heart-shaped.
Kate Winslet’s $2.5 millon necklace
Combining her Old Hollywood style with art deco accesories, Kate Winslet stood out on the 2010 red carpet in this 10 carat canary yellow diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co. valued at $2.5 millones, with matching earrings.
Jennifer Lopez’s rocks
In 2001, Jennifer Lopez showed off her perfectly matched rocks for her Chanel gown. The leaf-themed long diamond earrings made by Fred Leighton matched the sparkle in her eyes!
Nicole Kidman’s $7 millon necklace
This cascade of diamonds that the late designer L’Wren Scott made for Nicole Kidman for the 2008 Academy Awards made the Australian actress the belle of the ball. The impressive piece was made up of 7,500 diamonds and was valued in $7 millon.
The Titanic necklace of Celine Dion
The Heart of the Ocean necklace that featured in the movie Titanic was obviously fictional but that didn’t stop Celine Dion from wearing an expensive replica to the 1998 Oscars. Composed of a Ceilan sapphire in a shape of a heart and encircled by 103 diamonds, it was later auctioned for a cool $1.4 millon in aid of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.
Cate Blanchett and her turquoise necklace
Cate Blanchett wore an eye-catching necklace to the 2015 ceremony. Her simple John Galliano for Maison Margiela dress was the perfect base for this chunky agua marine, turquoise and diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co.
Lupita Nyong’o and her golden accessories
Lupita Nyong’o looked absolutely stunning at the 2014 awards, not just for her celestial blue Prada dress but for the perfect accessories that complemented it. From her jewlery to her golden headband, her stunning look was topped off with the Oscar she won for Best Supporting Actress in 12 Years A Slave.
Taraji P. Henson’s flowery necklace
At the 2009 awards, Taraji P. Henson accessorized her Roberto Cavalli dress with a jaw-dropping diamond flower necklace from the 19th Century by Fred Leighton.
Tourmaline, diamonds and sapphire earrings of Gwyneth Paltrow
In 2015, Gwyneth Paltrow wore Fire Phoenix earrings by Anna Hu. The pear-shaped and ruby-red drops were made of tourmalines, diamonds and sapphires — the perfect contrast to her pastel pink asymmetrical gown.
Penelope Cruz’s old-school glamour
Winning the Best Actress Oscar in 2009 for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Penelope Cruz wore a vintage Balenciaga dress perfectly complimented by Chopard jewels: a diamond neckace and matching earrings.
Jennifer Hudson’s emeralds
From the strapless yellow Romona Keveza dress to styling her hair in a pixie cut, Jennifer Hudson hit all the right notes in 2015, topping her look off with these emerald and diamond statement earrings by Lorraine Schwartz.
Margot Robbie and her royal jewel
Margot Robbie wore a necklace with an interesting history in 2015. Composed of 150 diamonds and 300 sapphires on a base of 18 carat gold, valuded at $1.9 millon. It was originally designed for the Duchess of Windsor in 1938.
Diamond and sapphire set of Dame Helen Mirren
This set of diamond and sapphire necklace and earrings, valuded at $3.8 million, by Harry Winston was worn with aplomb by Dame Helen Mirren in 2018.
Jennifer Lawrence in a $2 millon necklace
Back to front necklaces that hang down the back are a trend Jennifer Lawrence has frequently used and in 2014 she wore this piece, valued at $2 millon.
Queen B’s earrings
Wearing a simple black dress with these incredible Lorraine Schwart diamond earrings made Beyonce head up the best-dressed list at the 2005 Oscars.
Lady Gaga and her necklace valued at $30 millon
Lady Gaga paid a homage to Audrey Hepburn at the 2019 Oscars with the Tiffany Yellow Diamond valued at $30 millon. The necklace had previously been worn by the famous late actress when she was promoting Breakfast at Tiffanys. The 128 carat rock was placed in a white diamond necklace and paired with matching earrings.