Trends

See the Best 2020 Oscars Jewels

TrendsFeb 10, 2020

See the Best 2020 Oscars Jewels

Hair jewels and killer necklaces stole the show.

20200210_Oscars.jpg
Charlize Theron wore a platinum and diamond Y-necklace from Tiffany & Co. to the 92nd annual Academy Awards held Sunday night in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles—The 2020 awards show season has provided a glittering, jewel-filled array of red carpet looks, but it’s all really just an elaborate series of appetizers leading up to the main course—the Oscars.

We’ll let you be the judge if the 92nd Academy Awards, held Sunday night in Los Angeles, were worth the wait, or if earlier awards shows outshone the Oscars. 

Without further ado, here were the best jewels of the night.

Embed from Getty Images

There was nothing little about the Oscar jewelry style of the “Little Women” cast.
Best Supporting Actress nominee Florence Pugh wowed in Louis Vuitton jewelry designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof; her necklace was this editor’s favorite jewel of 2020 awards season.
The modern, asymmetric design was inspired by Joan of Arc, the designer said in an Instagram post.
Embed from Getty Images
Gucci debuted its first high jewelry collection at last summer’s haute couture/haute joaillerie week in Paris, and what better endorsement than on Best Actress nominee Saoirse Ronan?
Ronan sported colorful Gucci chandelier earrings, plus a charming hair clip.
Embed from Getty Images
Was it just me or was men’s jewelry style less prominent at the Oscars than at previous awards shows?
Leave it to tastemaker Timothée Chalamet to represent fashionable gentlemen everywhere, with a Cartier “Tradition brooch” circa 1955, featuring rubies and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold and platinum.
Embed from Getty Images
Why should actresses have all the fun?
Director Greta Gerwig rounded out the “Little Women” fashion parade with a Bulgari platinum, diamond and emerald high jewelry suite.
The emerald beads weighed more than 56 carats.
Embed from Getty Images
Charlize Theron has dared to be different this awards season, and though she might not have walked away with a Best Actress award, her jewels were absolutely winning.
She sported a 165-diamond Y-necklace from Tiffany & Co., valued at $5 million, featuring an incredible marquise-shaped diamond drop weighing more than 21 carats.
Embed from Getty Images
Gal Gadot might have to battle it out with Theron for the award for “Best Tiffany & Co. Oscars Moment” of the year.
Gadot lived up to her “Wonder Woman” alter-ego at the Oscars, though she traded in the superhero’s signature cuff bracelets for a to-die-for Tiffany & Co. “Clara” diamond necklace valued at $2 million.
Embed from Getty Images
Leave it to multi-hyphenate powerhouse Janelle Monáe to bring the drama to red carpet dressing.
You likely either hate or love her bold, hooded and crystal-covered Ralph Lauren number, but she gets the thumbs up from National Jeweler for remembering the cardinal rule—major fashion is no excuse for minimal jewels.
Monáe’s hooded look was that much more beguiling because it partially shrouded a mega-watt 18-karat white gold and diamond “Lace of Light” choker from Forevermark.  


Embed from Getty Images
Julia Louis-Dreyfus took a different approach, pairing a simple sheath with a statement jewel, letting the latter do all the talking.
The actress’ exquisite platinum and diamond “Wave” necklace was from Harry Winston.
Embed from Getty Images
Yes to independent designer representation on the biggest red carpet of the year.
Kristen Wiig’s outfit likely divided popular opinion, but her Nikos Koulis 18-karat gold fringe earrings were pure perfection.
Embed from Getty Images
Going for the gold, Rebel Wilson was nothing if not on-theme for the awards show. And she was far more glam than an Oscars statuette in her draping gold gown and bold vintage Pomellato collar and barrette.
Hair jewelry has been a red carpet trend this season, with nominee Scarlett Johansson sporting a silver-accented Oscars hairdo and Theron’s SAG Awards diamond hair part. (Lucy Boynton copied the look at the Oscars with pearls in her part to match her Chanel ensemble, but to less-successful effect.)
Wilson’s was the most classic take on the hair jewelry trend, a nod to old Hollywood glamour.
Embed from Getty Images
It is Salma Hayek’s tiara that easily owns best hair jewel of the entire 2020 awards season, however.
Bringing to life a mythical Greek goddess, the actress wore a Boucheron high jewelry headpiece, earrings and bracelet.
If only more actresses had taken the opportunity of a night filled with such pomp and circumstance to wear something truly memorable.
Embed from Getty Images
The impeccable Zazie Beetz has become one of this publication’s red-carpet favorites since her debut a few years ago.
For her most recent awards outing, the “Joker” actress sported a combination we can’t get enough of—demure attire with over-the-top jewels. In this case, a Bulgari diamond and emerald high jewelry suite that featured not one necklace, but two.
Beetz wore an 18-karat white gold, diamond and emerald choker atop an extravagant 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace.
Embed from Getty Images
“Harriet” Best Actress nominee Cynthia Erivo has been a breath of fresh air all red-carpet season long, in particular—from a jewelry lover’s perspective, naturally—because of her flaunting of her many ear piercings.
Her Golden Globes jewelry look was her strongest of the season, but it was delightful to see that she didn’t hold back from piling on the jewels (courtesy of Piaget) on her lobes and fingers at the Oscars, bringing a fashion-forward jewelry moment to the most iconic of red carpets.
Embed from Getty Images
Mindy Kaling went full drama for her Oscars night attire, sporting a Chopard diamond suite that she told reporters was inspired by the jewels featured in “Ocean’s 8.”
Embed from Getty Images
Why should necklaces have all the fun at the 2020 Oscars?
Regina King flaunted a perfect bracelet and ring moment in a slew of diamond Harry Winston jewels.
Her “Draperie Bracelet” boasted close to 50 carats of diamonds set in platinum.



Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

John Wayne Signet Ring
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s Ring

The Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.

MJSA Education Foundation and Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJS

The discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.

Three gold rings set with yellow- and brown-hued diamonds
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural Diamonds

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Matching pair of Type IIa, D-color diamonds
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not Sell

A matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.

Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
DeBeeers_Bridal_Display_Dune_1872x1052.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal Reinvigorated

Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

Faceting Apprentice gem cutting school
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone Cutters

The next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Ocean Dream diamond
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17M

It was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting

Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.

Stock image of crime scene with police cars and crime scene tape
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in Violence

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Jewelers
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place Store

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Winston Red Diamond painting by Reena Ahluwalia
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond Painting

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

The Retail Smiths founder and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

Jessica McCormack Medallion Capsule Collection Campaign
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for Summer

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

People shopping in a jewelry store
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers Today

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is Back

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

Merle, Juanita, and Brent Staats of Staats Jewelers
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 Years

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Buddha Mama gold earrings hexagon emerald
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

Clientbook Logo
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store Events

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy