Editors

6 Top Jewelry Moments from the Tonys

EditorsJun 13, 2017

6 Top Jewelry Moments from the Tonys

Vintage and antique jewels, with a couple of contemporary looks, were the evening’s stars.

20170613_Tonys.jpg
Sarah Paulson wore these Irene Neuwirth 18-karat rose gold earrings with rose-cut rainbow moonstone and diamond pave to the 71st annual Tony Awards on Sunday.

After a week of being inundated with some of the world’s most fabulous jewelry at the Las Vegas trade shows, it’s not easy to come back down to earth.

I’m embarking on the process gradually, my first step being to pick my favorite jewelry looks from Sunday night’s Tony Awards show.

Overall, the jewelry styling seriously lacked in creativity, but the evening was redeemed by a few stellar vintage and antique jewelry moments.

Here are the pieces that stood out among an otherwise demure group of necks, wrists, fingers and ears.

Cynthia Nixon in Fred Leighton



Actress Cynthia Nixon took home a Tony award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for “The Little Foxes” and likely gave back this Fred Leighton 18-karat yellow gold and diamond necklace from the 1950s after playing dress-up for the night.

If I was her, I’d attempt to trade the statue for the necklace but that’s why I write about jewelry for a living—I have a one track mind when it comes to diamonds and gems.

She also sported Fred Leighton yellow gold and diamond rings, not pictured.

Rachel Bay Jones in Cadar



Rachel Bay Jones was a vision in 18-karat yellow gold and diamond jewels from Cadar.

The actress wore the Couture Design Award-winning brand’s ring, bracelet and earrings, as she claimed an award for Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in “Dear Evan Hansen,” the most celebrated Broadway show of the night.



Wearing Cadar’s exquisite designs was a full-circle moment for Bay Jones, who recounted in her acceptance speech that her grandmother had sold her engagement ring to finance the actress’ move to New York to pursue theater.

Uma Thurman in Fred Leighton



Brava to Uma Thurman for delivering exactly the type of bejeweled drama worthy of the biggest night on Broadway.

Thurman was at the Tonys to present and kept her outfit toned down, which made her statement Fred Leighton jewels stand out all the more.

She wore a dazzling 19th century amethyst rivière and cross pendant, accompanied by a 19th century diamond star bracelet and Edwardian three-stone diamond and platinum ring, not pictured.

Sarah Paulson in Irene Neuwirth



Those waiting for their Irene Neuwirth awards show red carpet fix weren’t disappointed. The always impeccably attired Sarah Paulson wore a pair of Neuwirth earrings that complimented her white lace Rodarte gown.

Set in 18-karat rose gold, the earrings featured
rose-cut rainbow moonstone, accented with diamond pave.

Condola Rashad in Fred Leighton



Not to sound like a broken record but, clearly, Fred Leighton had a bit of a monopoly on Sunday night’s best jewelry looks.

Case in point is actress Condola Rashad, who was nominated in the Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play category for her role in “A Doll’s House, Part 2.”

Rashad sported a veritable stash of Leighton treasure, the most prominent being her 18-karat yellow gold pendant earrings with diamond and black enamel, which complimented her gold-embellished hairstyle.

Jenna Lyons in Buccellati



Jenna Lyons made headlines when she parted ways with J. Crew this year, but it seems the designer won’t be shrinking away from public view.

Lyons loves her loungewear, and I adore how she paired her robe with exquisite Buccellati jewels.

Lyons piled on 18-karat yellow and white gold diamond cuffs and rings accented with diamonds, and topped off her entire look with a show-stealing 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace, which retails for $145,000.

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

The Latest

Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO

Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.

Wrapped holiday present boxes
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard Say

The credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.

Christie’s Kimberly Miller
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for Luxury

Kimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.

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.

Lionheart Serenity Opal Amulet Charm
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal Charm

The “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.

Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie in Pandora Bridgerton campaign
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms

“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.

Ana Khouri logo
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

Founded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”

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.

Stuller’s Color of the Year for 2026, “Signature Red”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s White

The jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.

Gracie Abrams Chanel Coco Crush
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry Campaign

The singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.

Bobbi L. Avery, Jeffery Bolling, Britney Phillips, and Lindsay Salvo
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board Directors

The nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.

Headshot of National Jewler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?

As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.

Pinar Hakim Rainbow Seahorse Pendant, Nue Fine Jewelry Irene Charm, Susannah King Venus Ring
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC Show

The trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.

Akiva Gil garnet ring
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for Garnet

January’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.

Diamonds Do Good 2025 Impact Report
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact Report

The annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District Brawl

Footage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.

Rio Grande xTool F2 Ultra Portable Laser Engraver Bundle
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026

The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.

Zales storefront
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New Look

The Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”

Linda Coutu
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of Sales

Linda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.

AGA board 2026-2029
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Board

The governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.

Jenna Blake diamond Fan earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s Edition

Sparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92

The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.

Jacquie Aiche Alien Heart Eye Inlay Necklace, Cicada Dragonfly Brooch, Harkness After the Rain Earrings
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool Blue

In its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.

Saks Fifth Avenue flagship window installation
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global

Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.

Couture Retailer Liaison Jan Mohr
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71

Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.

Shekhar Shah Real Gems
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of Directors

Shekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.

Lalaounis good luck charm 2026
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to Resilience

This year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.

×

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