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Since the first Academy Awards in 1929, the Oscars have been synonymous with cinematic excellence and high-wattage glamour. What started as an intimate dinner at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has transformed into a global spectacle, watched by millions. Beyond celebrating achievements in film, this event has also become a stage for unforgettable fashion, and of course, there’s a lot of focus on diamond jewels worn at the Oscars.
Legendary jewelry houses like Cartier, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., and Chopard have long adorned Hollywood’s elite with some of the most exquisite diamond creations. Harry Winston, dubbed the “Jeweler to the Stars”, has been a red carpet staple since the 1940s, famously loaning dazzling pieces to icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Jennifer Lopez.
Tiffany & Co. made history with its legendary Tiffany Diamond, worn by Lady Gaga, while Chopard consistently crafts exclusive high-jewelry pieces for nominees and presenters. With their collections of vintage heirlooms and contemporary masterpieces, these houses ensure that the Oscars remain synonymous with diamond brilliance.
Hollywood’s Most Iconic Oscar Jewelry Moments
The Academy Awards have seen some of the most show-stopping diamond jewelry in history. Let’s take a look at the most unforgettable pieces to ever grace the red carpet.
1. The Hope Diamond – Worn by Evalyn Walsh McLean (1940s)
While not worn on Oscar night itself, the legendary 45.52-carat Hope Diamond made appearances at Hollywood events in the 1940s. Evalyn Walsh McLean, one of its last private owners, showcased this mesmerizing blue diamond at events, setting a precedent for extravagant gemstones on the red carpet.
2. Gloria Swanson’s Cartier Diamond Cuffs (1950)
Silent film legend Gloria Swanson made a dramatic statement at the 1950 Oscars with her iconic Cartier diamond bracelets. These Art Deco masterpieces, encrusted with hundreds of diamonds, epitomized old Hollywood glamour and remain among the most celebrated jewelry pieces in Oscar history.
3. Elizabeth Taylor’s 69.42-Carat Taylor-Burton Diamond (1970)
Few Oscar jewelry moments rival Elizabeth Taylor’s 1970 appearance, when she wore the jaw-dropping 69.42-carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton Diamond, a gift from Richard Burton. Suspended from a Cartier necklace, this dazzling gem cemented Taylor’s status as Hollywood royalty.
4. Nicole Kidman’s L’Wren Scott Diamond Necklace (2008)
Nicole Kidman is known for her impeccable red carpet style, and in 2008, she stunned in a custom L’Wren Scott diamond necklace, one of the most iconic diamond jewels worn at the Oscars. Featuring over 7,500 diamonds and nearly 1,400 carats, this cascading masterpiece was pure elegance.
5. Lady Gaga’s 128.54-Carat Tiffany Diamond (2019)
One of the most historic Oscar jewelry moments came in 2019 when Lady Gaga paid homage to Audrey Hepburn by wearing the legendary Tiffany Diamond. This 128.54-carat yellow diamond, last seen on Hepburn during the Breakfast at Tiffany’s press tour in 1961, radiated vintage Hollywood glamour.
6. Charlize Theron’s 31-Carat Diamond Necklace by Harry Winston (2013)
Charlize Theron’s minimalist Dior gown at the 2014 Oscars was perfectly accented by an exquisite 31-carat Harry Winston diamond necklace, proving that sometimes, a single statement piece is all you need to steal the spotlight.
7. Cynthia Erivo’s Piaget Diamond Jewelry (2020)
Cynthia Erivo’s 2020 Oscar look was elevated by dazzling Piaget diamonds, perfectly complementing her striking white gown.
8. Vanessa Kirby’s Cartier Diamonds (2021)
At the 2021 Oscars, Vanessa Kirby exuded effortless elegance in Cartier diamonds, adding an ethereal glow to her sleek ensemble.
9. Margot Robbie’s Van Cleef & Arpels Necklace (2015)
Margot Robbie captivated in 2015 with an opulent Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, striking a balance between timeless sophistication and modern charm.
10. Keira Knightley’s Bulgari Necklace (2006)
Keira Knightley stunned at the 2006 Oscars in a dramatic Bulgari necklace, accentuating her wine-colored gown with vintage opulence.
11. Hilary Swank’s Asprey & Garrard Diamonds (2000)
Hilary Swank’s attire at the 2000 Oscars was made even more breathtaking by her exquisite diamond jewelry from Asprey & Garrard, further cementing her status as a style icon.
12. Gwyneth Paltrow’s Harry Winston Diamond Necklace (1999)
Gwyneth Paltrow’s 1999 Oscars look wouldn’t have been the same without her stunning Harry Winston diamond necklace, the perfect complement to her iconic pink Ralph Lauren gown.
13. Madonna’s Harry Winston Diamonds (1991)
Madonna channeled old Hollywood glamour at the 1991 Oscars, wearing dazzling Harry Winston diamonds reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe’s timeless elegance.
14. Cate Blanchett’s Chopard Earrings (2014)
Cate Blanchett turned heads at the 2014 Oscars with her exquisite Chopard diamond earrings, which perfectly matched her dazzling Armani Privé gown.
15. Lupita Nyong’o’s Fred Leighton Diamond Headband (2014)
Lupita Nyong’o enchanted audiences in 2014 with a delicate Fred Leighton diamond headband, adding an ethereal touch to her breathtaking pastel blue Prada gown.
16. Julia Roberts’ Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Bracelet (2001)
Julia Roberts radiated elegance in 2001, pairing a vintage Van Cleef & Arpels diamond bracelet and cluster earrings with her timeless black-and-white Valentino gown.
The Legacy of Oscar-Worthy Diamonds
From historic gems like the Hope Diamond to modern masterpieces by Tiffany & Co. and Harry Winston, diamonds have always been an essential part of Oscar night. Each sparkling piece tells a story, cementing its place in Hollywood’s legacy of opulence and glamour.
Which of these legendary diamond moments is your favorite? Share your thoughts and relive the sparkle of Oscar history!
