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

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury Watches

During its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.

Greenwich St. Jewelers Embrace Your True Colors Holiday Campaign
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday Campaign

The “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.

Alejandro Cuellar
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the Americas

Luxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.

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.

Grandview Klein scholarships
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in Namibia

The company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.

Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Margaret “Maggie” Hoisik
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik Dies

She is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.

Finestar manufacturing
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in Johannesburg

It joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.

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.

Stock image of gavel and books
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen Jewelry

Vanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.

GIA executives John Koivula, Kathryn Kimmel, Susan Jacques, Tom Moses, Alice Keller, James E. Shigley
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest Honor

GIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.

20251124_MNQ social media etiquette header.jpg
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media Etiquette

Social media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.

Breitling house of brands
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal Genève

In 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.

Cynthia Erivo in Muse’s Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo Collection
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' Sequel

The second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.

J.R. Dunn Jewelers employees
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New President

Second-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.

Amber Pepper
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEO

Amber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.

Origin De Beers Group logo
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers

Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.

Melissa Kaye Rocky Infinity Emerald Necklace
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ Necklace

The lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.

Phillips auction of The Vanderbilt Sapphire brooch
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond Withdrawn

A 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.

Rebecca Rau Jewels Green Flame Necklace
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ Collection

Rau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.

Purvi Shah
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive Director

Former De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.

La Joux-Perret manufacturing facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker

La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.

Julia Griffith
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of Education

She previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.

Helena Bonham Carter in Larkspur & Hawk Once Upon a Time Campaign
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter Campaign

The British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.

Google reviews on a phone screen and a laptop
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks

Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.

Shaftel Diamonds logo and jeweler’s bench
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In

Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.

Midas chain mini studs
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style Guide

The jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.

Jewelry from NYC Jewelry Week 2024
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See Events

With more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.

×

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