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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
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.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

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

José Gaztelu
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEO

José Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

New York City FC winning the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy in 2021
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports History

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Exhibitor at JIS
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure Program

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

Melanie Georgacopoulos Eclipse Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ Collection

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show Buying

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Mugshot of 20-year-old Landen Julian Ballard of Vero Beach, Florida
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in Florida

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

Gild Zadok, Segev Zadok, and Jonathan Zadok at Austin park
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower Preservation

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Gemist new retailer offering
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization Offering

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Hand putting gas pump in car
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas Prices

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2026: Hidden Garden Butterfly Diamond Necklace
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue Book

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

Claire’s new summer campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

×

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