The Jewelry That Deserved A Closer Look From Last Night’s Oscars

On the red carpet, the spotlight is usually on the clothes. But, should we be paying closer attention to the jewelry? After all, they’re the ones who often come with their own security detail. Jewelry can tell as big a story as a dress, and — if you want to talk about rewearing — the same piece is oftentimes lent out to many different stars throughout the years, because of its high price and exclusivity. Take for example this year's Oscars presenter Maya Rudolph, whose emerald-and-diamond Lorraine Schwartz earrings were once donned by none other than Beyoncé. (“I like that…we like to share things,” she joked during the ABC Oscar’s Pre-Show).

Call it the Uncut Gems effect, but this year, some of the jewelry at the Oscars were the central showpiece.

Nominated for two Academy Awards last night — one for Best Actress for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet and the other for Best Original Song for "Stand Up" from the same movie — Cynthia Erivo wore big twinkling rings on almost all of her fingers, and a whole mountain range of crystal earrings. Later, for the Vanity Fair after party, she switched out the dress for a lavender and turquoise gown with a high slit, but kept the same jewels on. 

Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

In the unlikeliest use of look-at-me jewelry: Timothée Chalamet, who notched up the elegance factor of his zip-up Prada blazer with a vintage Cartier brooch made of ruby and diamonds. The Little Women actor is no stranger to jewelry, previously wearing a Louis Vuitton necklace to an NBA game in 2019. According to Town & Country, the piece dates back to 1955 and comes from the brand’s Heritage collection. Adding a bit of flair to a more subdued outfit, Timothée looked like if Jess from Gilmore Girls actually made it to the Stars Hollow prom.Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.

Then there was Kaitlyn Dever, rising star of Booksmart and Netflix’s hit show Unbelievable. According to People, the 23-year-old wore a silky red Louis Vuitton dress that was essentially a piece of jewelry itself, encrusted with 14,400 Swarovski crystals and fuchsia glass beads. The look was finished off with a simple string of diamonds and earrings with tiny ruby drop stones.Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.

While Tracee Ellis Ross didn't attend the Oscars ceremony, she certainly did not hold back for a Mercedes Benz viewing party. Wearing a cropped black suit with matching trousers, her main showstopper was a crystal nose chain made with lavender and turquoise stones, reminiscent of an Indian bridal nath. The precious piece included a hoop nose ring, a double chain, and a drop fan earring pendant. She had her hair pulled back into a bun, so she could make sure that all focus was on her jewelry (not that we could look anywhere else, even if we tried).Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images.

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