Trends

The Boldest Emmy Award Jewels

TrendsSep 18, 2017

The Boldest Emmy Award Jewels

Earrings, emeralds and independent designers all had their moments in the spotlight Sunday at the 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

20170918_Emmys.jpg
Actress Jessica Biel wore Forevermark diamond and 18-karat white gold drop earrings to the 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
Los Angeles--With television today commanding the kind of attention that was once reserved for film, it stands to reason that the red carpet looks at TV awards shows will also flourish.

In terms of jewelry, the 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, which took place Sunday night in Los Angeles, wasn’t on par with the level of glamour seen at the Oscars or Golden Globes, but it was arguably more interesting.

Emeralds and independent designers had their moments in the spotlight, and like last year, earrings were the overwhelming focus of the night, with a few daring exceptions.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Jewel-embellished gowns were a theme, paying homage to fine jewelry in costume form. The downside was that, because of the busyness of these designs, the actual fine jewelry pieces worn were easily overshadowed.

Nicole Kidman in Harry Winston diamond and platinum drop earrings and a Calvin Klein by Appointment dress, pictured above, and “The Crown” star Claire Foy, also in diamond and platinum Harry Winston earrings and an Oscar de la Renta look, below, were the most elegant examples of the dress-imitating-jewelry trend.

Embed from Getty Images 
Embed from Getty Images
Some of the industry’s top independent designers made a splash on the ears of actresses, like Fernando Jorge on “Black Mirror: San Junipero” star Gugu Mbatha-Raw (this editor’s favorite look of the night), whose serpentine earrings, in 18-karat yellow gold and set with diamonds, nearly matched her Hugo Boss dress.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
“Fargo” actress Carrie Coon embraced color at the Emmys. Her pink Delpozo gown played second fiddle to her Anabela Chan rose tourmaline cabochon earrings (pictured) and rings that featured a lab-grown yellow diamond and a lab-grown orange topaz.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Those hoping for a delicious Irene Neuwirth moment weren't disappointed; “Black-ish” star Tracee Ellis Ross sported diamond and pearl chandelier earrings from the designer with her Chanel gown, for an utterly maximalist look.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Jennifer Meyer, who will soon open her first store in Los Angeles, designed a custom pair of pink sapphire and diamond earrings and diamond necklace for Mandy Moore, which the actress used to top off her Carolina Herrera dress.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Nikos Koulis was another master independent designer represented in earrings worn by Keri Russell (below) as well as Oprah Winfrey, who skipped the red carpet but presented the night’s final award, Outstanding Drama Series, to “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Both styles featured Koulis’ favorite gemstone, emeralds, plus diamonds and black enamel.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Emeralds 
were the centerpiece of some particularly bold looks, the most high-wattage of which was Jane Fonda’s Gismondi necklace, worn backwards to cascade down her the open back of her dress. The $1.75 million piece boasted more than 152 carats of emeralds and diamonds.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
The necklace’s counterpart was a dazzling pair of chandelier earrings, pictured below, which were set with more than 40 carats of emeralds and diamonds, plus an emerald ring.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Emmy Rossum was also in the mood for an emerald set. Hers was by queen of the red carpet, Lorraine Schwartz. The emerald earrings and ring shined all the brighter for their elegant, simple backdrop, in the form of a black Zac Posen gown.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Lea Michelle was another of Schwartz’s red carpet emissaries, decked out in a pair of emerald, diamond and amethyst earrings, which simultaneously contrasted and complimented her deep purple Elie Saab gown.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Debra Messing will take home a Gem Award for Jewelry Style in 2018, so one could be forgiven for expecting a lot from her jewelry choices to live up to the honor. At the Emmys, she solidified her jewelry credibility with her choice of bold David Webb jewels.

A few other stars took Webb to the awards, but none to quite the effect that Messing achieved. In addition to Winfrey’s Nikos Koulis earrings, she wore a David Webb ring while Reese Witherspoon sported bold Webb earrings, which were unfortunately covered by her hair.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
The most striking of Webb’s pieces donned by Messing was the below cuff featuring a daring Madeira citrine.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Zoë Kravitz broke the mold in one of the evening’s top looks. To compliment her splendid Dior gown, her stylist opted to embellish the star’s neckline with a classic, two-layer Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace and kept the earrings to a slightly more delicate scale.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead was one of the night’s attendees who had more than just earrings to covet at the show. In addition to the pair she wore by designer Dena Kemp, she also rocked a Roberto Demeglio cuff; her gown was Armani Privé.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Madeline Brewer, of “The Handmaid's Tale,” sported an on-trend asymmetrically styled ear look, with a dangling diamond Yeprem ear cuff on one ear (pictured) and a Djula diamond earring on the other, supplying some drama to her ethereal Berta gown.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Ellie Kemper's Jenny Packham dress was busy and bejeweled, but her Lorraine Schwartz earrings succeeded in not getting lost in the overall visual narrative. Kemper's updo aided in highlighting the colorful pair Schwartz created.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Uzo Aduba, an “Orange Is the New Black,” star, was pictured in a chic and sparkly 1970s-esque Sally Lapointe dress, which she accepted with a flash of diamonds via her Lorraine Schwartz earrings.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Yet another actress in Schwartz was the always elegant Sarah Paulson. Her Deco-inspired platinum and diamond jewels topped off a Carolina Herrera gown.

Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
Jessica Biel wore the top half of her hair swept back, all the better to highlight her long drop Forevermark diamond and 18-karat white gold earrings, which complimented her shimmering Ralph & Russo dress.

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

The Latest

Stock image of gavel
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.

Eduard Stefanescu, left, and Sara Yood, right
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards Committee

Yood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.

MS Rau Aspen rendering
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in Aspen

The New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Tiffany & Co. Paraíba tourmaline jewelry
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’s

Set in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.

Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
David Webb holiday window
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window Display

The jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.

Oscar Heyman Yellow Green Sphene and Diamond Ring
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene Ring

Take luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.

roseco-catalog.png
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line Catalog

Roseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.

IGI Design Contest Graphic
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting Submissions

This year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”

GIA new colored stone report
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More Gemstones

Starting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.

Day’s Jewelers Salem New Hampshire store exterior
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth Store

The 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.

Americas Gold Chain Catalog Volume 3
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain Catalog

The new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.

F.P. Journe FFC prototype
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8M

The filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.

Rolex Miami store
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in Miami

The new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.

Stock image of consumers shopping in the winter
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November

Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers logo
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference

“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.

Silas Smith and his Responsible Design Challenge Winning Pendant
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge Winner

Silas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.

Sothebys orangy pink The Desert Rose diamond
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu Dhabi

The sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.

National Jeweler columnist and Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’t

Most customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Gemvision by Stuller MatrixGold 3.11
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGold

MatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.

Sign at the JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York

The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.

Juell Kadet, former executive vice president of Rogers & Hollands
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96

Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.

Lumia 2 smart earrings
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart Earrings

Billed as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.

Lionheart Wildflower Double Cocktail Ring
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s Birthstones

Don’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.

Robinson Pelham Tsar Star Earrings in Blaze
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ Earrings

The new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.

Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … White

A choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.

Stuller holiday 2025
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ Campaign

The manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.

×

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