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

Sotheby’s Paraiba tourmaline 7.70 carats
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby's

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Former Patek Philippe President Philippe Stern
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88

The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.

James Avery Schertz Texas storefront
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail Experience

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Seattle Seahawks Championship Ring by Jason of Beverly Hills
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical Craftsmanship

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Marianna Smirnova
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Grandview Klein diamonds
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat Rough

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good Board

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Jalen Javon Davis and Leslie La Vun Jones II
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

×

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