Fashion Life
The History of Bracelets Around the World
Bracelets have long been adorn to draw the eye to the beauty of the wrist and hands. Women (and even men) throughout the ages have worn bracelets as decorative accessories from Cleopatra to Queen Elizabeth, Marilyn Monroe to First Lady Michelle Obama. The look of a bracelet is effortless and can easily dress up any outfit.
The word bracelet derives from the Greek word “brachile” meaning “of the arm.” Bracelets have been – and are currently – manufactured from a plethora of materials, such as metal, leather, cloth, plastic, and more. They typically are adorned with jewels, rocks, wood, shells, crystals, metal, or pearls, among others. Obviously, each bracelet can vary dramatically in style, quality, price, and function.
The history of the bracelet is a largely debated topic and the exact early history of it is still speculated today. We do have archaeological evidence of the Ancient Egyptians wearing bracelets from as early as 5,000 B.C. However, an obsidian bracelet found in Turkey in 1995 significantly beats these estimates, dating back to about 7,500 B.C. Researchers were amazed at the craftsmanship evident in this 9,500-year-old bracelet, which makes it likely that it wasn’t the first of its kind made.
In 2008, Russian archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of Novosibirsk made an important find that shifted the first verifiable date of bracelets even farther back. Researchers were excavating the Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains of Siberia and found a collection of jewelry, which included a bracelet. Carbon dating showed the bracelet was made around 40,000 years ago.
Bracelets have been worn by many different ethnic groups for a variety of cultural reasons. The Egyptians crafted bracelets from materials like bones, stones, and wood to serve religious and spiritual interests. According to the National Geographic Society, the scarab bracelet is one of the most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt. The scarab represents rebirth and regeneration. Carved scarabs were worn as jewelry and wrapped into the linen bandages of mummies.
Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, there was a tradition called Martenitsa that involved tying a red and white string around the wrist to please Baba Marta, a mythical figure who brings with her the end of the cold winter and the beginning of the spring. In Greece, there was a similar tradition of weaving a bracelet from red and white string on the first day of March and wearing it until the end of summer. It’s called Martis and it’s supposed to help protect the wearer’s skin from the strong Greek sun.
Azabache bracelets, a gold bracelet with a black or red coral charm in the form of a fist, were worn in Latin American countries to protect against the Mal de ojo, or the evil eye. The evil eye is believed to result in excessive admiration or envious looks by others. Mothers many times put them on their newborn babies to protect them.
In the Chinese culture, intricate cuffs and bangles carved from jade have been popular for at least four thousand years. Many Chinese parents gave their children jade bracelets because they thought the jade would protect them. Jade is believed to have healing properties for the stomach and kidneys. The Chinese also believed that jade helped them to communicate with spirits that roam the earth as well as give them the power to protect the living and the deceased.
The ancient Chinese also valued gold bracelets and etched elaborate patterns of nature, animals, and mythical creatures into the gold. Gold bangles were the common bracelet style, which was also prevalent in Indian culture. In some parts of India, the number and type of bangles worn by a woman denoted her marital status.
In the U.S., during the 20th century, bracelets became more affordable as mass production increased the availability of fashion jewelry. By the 20s, the ornate designs of the late 19th Century gave way to the clean lines of the Art Deco period. Designers added Bakelite and plastics to jewelry in the 30s. Women wore charm bracelets made of gold-plated brass or sterling silver in the 50s, but by the 70s and until the turn of the century, women wanted variety in their jewelry. They wore wide cuffs, slender bangles, beaded strands, and thin chains. Men also wore bracelets, usually choosing gold or sterling silver link chains.
Today, silver has become the most common material for link bracelets, cuffs, and bangles. Gemstones and diamonds are still used as adornment on bracelets. Simple bracelets to support social causes are also popular with the younger generation, such as the Livestrong bracelet to raise money for cancer research and awareness about cancer.
Fashion Life
What’s the Best Way to Wear Your Pearl Necklace?
A pearl necklace is such a classic piece of jewelry that it works for almost any occasion. Pearls have an effortless elegance about them and can be dressed up or dressed down. When you wear your pearls, you’ll look fantastic and feel beautiful no matter where the day takes you.
When and Where Should I Wear My Pearls?
Weddings are a perfect place to showcase a brilliant pearl necklace. There is something sincere and romantic about the simplicity of a strand of pearls. These milky jewels are quickly becoming a popular choice with both brides and wedding guests.
Pearl jewelry evokes images of confidence, sophistication and splendor. This also makes it a great option for workplace jewelry.
Consider wearing discrete pearls on the day of a job interview or business meeting. When you look your best, your confidence and poise will shine through.
Keep in mind that a pearl necklace isn’t only for fancy formal occasions.
When it’s dressed down, it can look flirty and fun – perfect for picnics, coffee dates and casual get-togethers. Wear yours with jeans to add a touch of warmth and style to your daytime outfits.
How Can I Wear My Pearls?
Pearls are among the most adaptable of gems. They work well with a wide range of styles and clothing options. How to wear them depends largely on the length of the necklace.
Collars and chokers look divine with plunging necklines and off-the-shoulder or spaghetti strap fashions.
A princess necklace, measuring around 16-20 inches in length, works well with high or low necklines. It is the most versatile and easy to wear style.
For more glamorous and trendy fashions, the opera necklace or the extended pearl rope is all the rage. They look sleek and sexy with formal wear but also add a playful and flirty touch to more casual outfits.
Long necklaces can be doubled over to make an elegant multiple strand look or tied in a knot at the end to give a touch of vintage, old Hollywood glam.
What Jewelry Should I Wear with My Pearls?
Pairing accessories with a pearl necklace can seem a little challenging. Pearls are so distinctive that not everything matches easily with them.
For formal looks, you cannot go wrong coordinating pearls with pearls. Simple designs like stud or teardrop earrings allow the color, shape and luster of the gems to take center stage.
A pearl necklace can be paired with gemstones. However, it is important to keep the designs low-key and understated; otherwise, the overall effect can look messy and careless.
Delicate diamond jewelry is probably the easiest to wear with pearls, although brightly colored jewels can add some attitude.
Opt for gems that closely match the shades in your clothes, and again, go for simplicity like classy single-stone or cluster stud earrings.
As for metals, the right choice will largely depend on the color and variety of pearls. In most cases, gold pairs well with pearl necklaces, highlighting and echoing the warmth of white, cream and yellow pearls.
A gold bracelet or ring makes a perfect complement for a strand of pearls.
What Colors Go with My Pearls?
Resist the urge to wear your pearl necklace with similar pearl or light colors. You don’t want to come off as too matchy-matchy.
Avoid pairing pastels and matronly fashions with pearls or you may end up looking much older than you want.
Also do not wear neon or florescent apparel; the pearls’ coloring will be washed out and not pleasant at all.
Bright colors and jewel tones are what you really want to look fresh and young. Darker shades will help make pearl necklaces pop.
Royal purples, emerald greens and cardinal reds bring out the delicate, feminine nature of the pearls while still being stylish and friendly.
Fashion Life
Can You Combine Diamonds and Pearls?
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then pearls are her classy big sister. Most of us are used to thinking of diamonds and pearls as statement jewelry that we would never dream of mixing. Yet not only can these stones be mixed successfully, but together they become something far more lavish than they could ever be on their own.
Diamonds and pearls can actually support and round each other out perfectly
Pearls can mute the flashiness of diamonds, bringing them down to earth; meanwhile, diamonds can take away the “old fashioned” element from pearls, making it possible to wear them in an edgier, modern way.
It is true that they do not effortlessly match – but that is part of why they make such a statement when paired correctly.
There are a few things you’ll need to remember to do this successfully.
What Is the Occasion?
Are you going to an old high-school friend’s wedding? This would be an excellent chance to try out the mixture of pearls and diamonds.
Consider the luxury of chocolate pearls and miniature diamonds as a bracelet, combined with a pair of tiny diamond studs and a plush velvet dress in a wine hue.
Consider Your Size
As with any fashion statement, consider your own proportions when choosing your jewelry.
Don’t expect to be able to simultaneously wear an ornate diamond and pearl studded cuff and large chandelier earrings if you are petite. The jewels will appear to be wearing you.
If you are a tall, well-built woman, then don’t invest in a delicate diamond and seed pearl choker – it would become lost on your person and make you seem too large.
Set the Mood with Your Jewels
Pearls have a wonderful reputation for giving skin a luminous glow. It is a good idea to consider your skin type before you buy pearls.
If you are pale, go for a rosy tint; if your skin is olive or well-tanned, opt for a bluer tone.
While pearls reflect your glow, diamonds reflect the radiance of the lights you’ll be under.
If you’re going out on a fancy dinner date in the evening, diamonds and pearls could be an explosive combination – whether you choose to wear an evening gown or a pair of dark-wash jeans and a gauzy silk shirt.
The diamonds will reflect the romantic lighting while the pearls make your skin appear to radiate.
A good rule to remember is to keep the two gems from competing; one should be the star while the other supports and enhances.
Whether your style leans more toward pop star or princess, diamonds and pearls are being worn with both edginess and classic glamour.
If you are interested in adding this combo to your collection, but you still lack confidence in your own jewelry designing savvy, opt for a predesigned piece.
Perhaps try a diamond pendant on a string of pearls; or, buy a set of pearl cluster earrings and wear them with a diamond studded chain for a lunch engagement over a vibrant colored shift dress and heels.
Fashion Life
How to Choose Jewelry That Looks Good With Your Skin Tone
If you’re looking for a piece of jewelry that will look the same on everyone who wears it, you’re going to have a very hard time finding one. There are many different reasons that jewelry looks different on different people, but one of the biggest factors is skin tone. Certain metals and gemstones look better against different skin tones. By understanding how different metals flatter different skin tones, you’ll be able to find more pieces of jewelry that you feel confident wearing.
Determining your skin tone
To determine your skin tone, it’s best to look at your skin in natural light. Try finding a spot where the veins are noticeable. For most people, their wrists are usually a good choice. If your veins appear blue or purple in color, you have a cool skin tone. If your veins appear green in color, you have a warm skin tone. If your veins appear blue in some areas and green in others, you have a neutral skin tone.
It’s important to remember that skin tone is not the same as skin color. It’s possible to have darker skin and a cool skin tone, and you can also have light skin and a warm skin tone. Skin tone is closely related to your ethnic background where as skin color has more to do with the environment.
Matching skin tone to metals
Once you’ve determined whether you have warm or cool undertones, it’s easy to find a metal color that will flatter your skin tone. People with cool skin tones look good in light or white metals such as white gold, platinum and silver. People with warm skin tones look good in yellow and rose gold, copper and brass jewelry. If you have a neutral skin tone, you’ll look good in both white metals and yellow metals.
Matching skin tone to gemstone colors
Matching metal colors to your skin tone help to make sure that your jewelry isn’t distracting, but the metal itself usually isn’t the focus point of a piece of jewelry. Gemstones that match your skin tone help to create a more cohesive look. Cool skin tones look good against bright colors such as red, blue, purple and green because they bring liveliness to cool skin. Earth tones such as orange, brown, yellow and turquoise are ideal for warm skin because the yellow undertone in the skin is earthy as well.
Does skin tone really matter?
When it comes to jewelry, there’s no concrete set of rules about which metals you can and cannot wear. If you have a cool undertone to your skin but you love rose gold, go ahead and wear it. Most people fall somewhere between warm and cool, giving you the ability to bend the rules to your liking. The skin tone rule is really just a guideline, and your personality and style are important factors to consider too.
These days, mixing metals, stones or textures isn’t something you have to avoid. Don’t be afraid to try new pieces of jewelry to find something that you love, even if it isn’t necessarily “right” for your skin tone. If you like something and it makes you feel confident, don’t be afraid to wear it.
Engagement Rings, Fashion Life
Most Flattering Engagement Rings for Every Hand
An engagement ring not only needs to fit her style, but it also needs to look good on her hand. Read on for tips for choosing a flattering ring for every type of hand.
Choosing the perfect engagement ring is not easy
First, it needs to match her personal style. And you also have to consider her lifestyle and make sure it doesn’t get in the way of her hobbies or work. And, of course, it needs to be within your budget.
But there is one other important factor a lot of people forget to consider.
And that is whether the ring will actually look good on her finger!
Fingers come in all shapes and sizes. And not every style is one-size-fits-all. You want to make sure it will be flattering on her hand. For example, if she’s got wide fingers, you don’t want to get a ring that makes them look chubbier.
So as you’re shopping for the perfect engagement ring, keep these tips in mind for her hand type.
Long Fingers
If she has long, slender fingers, then your job is easy. Almost any style will look good on her. Long fingers can get away with small, dainty designs or large bold designs. In particular, a smaller center diamond with a medium-thick band is especially flattering, as it’ll help widen the finger a bit.
Stay away from: She can pretty much wear anything, but the marquise shape will make her finger look even longer.
Short Fingers
Short fingers don’t necessarily mean thin – just short in length. To help short fingers appear longer, look for elongated diamonds, like the oval, pear, emerald, or marquise shapes. Keep the band thin and delicate, so it doesn’t cut off the fingers and make them look shorter. If she’s got short, wide fingers, consider a thin split shank to add a bit more width to the band without making it chunky.
Stay away from: Large round or square diamonds (they can make short fingers look stubbier), and thick bands.
Chubby Fingers
These fingers are perfect for a bold statement ring. You can go crazy with angular or asymmetrical designs. You want as little skin showing on either side of the center design as possible. If she’s more traditional, a halo is a budget-friendly way to give the center more mass. Or a cluster setting is a relatively inexpensive way to get a large center.
Larger shapes like emerald, oval, and pear will look good on this finger type. A thicker band will also minimize the appearance of wider fingers. Or a split shank (like the ring pictured above) is a great way to widen the band without making it seem too clunky.
Stay away from: Narrow center shapes (like the marquise cut) and thin bands.
Petite Fingers
If she has thin fingers, then simpler rings with thin bands won’t overpower them. Also, diamonds with smaller carat weights will look better proportionally (so great news for you!). Small round, oval, princess, or heart shapes look especially good on small, dainty fingers.
Stay away from: Huge statement designs, large solitaries, and wide bands.
Small Hands
It’s all about proportion. So if her hand is small, a smaller diamond will look larger on her hand. Keep the design less elaborate; you don’t want it to look too imposing. A simple solitaire is best and makes enough of a statement on those tiny hands. A thin, delicate pavé band is a great way to add some extra sparkle without going over the top.
Stay away from: Large statement rings and thick bands.
Large Hands
On the other hand (ha!), larger hands will need a larger design to make the ring look proportional to her hand size. If you don’t have the budget for a bigger rock, a cluster or halo will give you more mass for the money. Funky designs and chunkier settings will also complement larger hands.
Stay away from: Small solitaries and thin bands, as they’ll look extra small.
Bottom Line
Take these tips as general rules of thumb, not gospel. What’s still most important is that the ring is in a style that she absolutely adores and matches her personal taste. And, of course, don’t go over budget trying to get a large carat diamond for your sweetie with larger hands.
There are always ways to adjust a design. Like picking a wider or thinner band, going for a larger or smaller center stone, adding a halo or side stones, etc. So most importantly, get a style she loves, and then make adjustments based on her hand type.
Engagement Rings, Fashion Life
How to Buy The Perfect Wedding Or Engagement Ring
So, are you looking for the perfect wedding or engagement ring? First of all, Congratulations! You are going to enter into a new phase of your life and want to make it extra special from the beginning by selecting the best ring for your wedding or engagement.
The big question is how to select the right ring?
1 – Know Your Partner
– You must carefully note the personality traits and sensibilities of your partner. It is important to know her taste and sensibilities to help you make the right decision.
– You must know whether she loves diamond, platinum or a gold ring. Many brides love to wear yellow gold rings because it enhances confidence and also gives a feminine touch.
2 – Choose A Gemstone
– It is important to choose a gemstone first. A gemstone is the “heart” of a ring. You will be surprised to know that 90% of the traditional or contemporary women in the world prefer gold or sapphire based engagement or wedding rings.
– Around 7% of the women prefer silver rings as an alternative. Due to the hardness and durability of these three gemstones, you can pick an appropriately styled ring based on either of them. Thinking about color? Yellow, Pink, and deep blue are the favorite colors.
3 – Pick a shape
– It’s important to pick a shape of the gemstone too. The size of the finger holds the key to choosing the right size. You need to pay specific attention to the personality traits and the design aesthetics of the ring.
– The shape depends upon the metal too. As diamonds can be cut, modified, and altered into many shapes, you can save up to 40% by choosing a non-round diamond ring. If you are looking for fully designed and modified diamond rings, you can check out a square shaped princess cut or cushion cut shaped ring.
– It is very important to consider the metal quality. If you are browsing online, you must pay specific attention to the brand image of the jewellery site before purchasing any ring apart from the price
4 – Alternatives
You can also look for alternatives like 950 Palladium Rings which consist of a scratch resistant tungsten material. It is very important to look and search for the right ring for your partner.
– Before you start your lifelong journey, make her feel special by applying the above tips to buy the perfect wedding or engagement ring.
Fashion Life
How to Clean Your Jewelry at Home
Find out the proper way to make your special pieces sparkle.
A quick Web search will turn up hundreds of different methods for cleaning your jewelry—like using toothpaste to make diamonds sparkle, beer to shine gold and ketchup to polish silver. These are exactly the kind of clever tricks you’d love to try…just not on your own jewelry. So instead of experimenting with Grandma’s heirlooms, we talked to the pros to find out how to safely care for your jewelry.
Pearl
“When pearls are visibly dirty, wash them in 1 teaspoon of Woolite diluted in 1 quart of water,” says Kathy Higginbotham, Silpada Designs’ director of quality control. “Immerse them for 10 to 15 seconds, wipe with a soft cotton cloth and lay flat to dry.” Store them in a cotton bag—never plastic—separate from other jewelry. To ensure that they stay lustrous, think outside the jewelry box: wearing them regularly will keep them polished, thanks to your body’s natural oils. When you take them off, wipe them with a dry cotton cloth.
Diamonds
“The best way to clean a diamond is with warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush,” says Loretta Castoro, vice president and international jewelry buyer for Jewelry Television. Pat it dry with a soft cloth. You may have heard that using toothpaste gets your diamond to sparkle; it’s not a great idea, says Castro. “While toothpaste won’t harm the diamond, it is abrasive enough to harm the softer metals next to the diamond, like silver, so it is not recommended.”
Gold
Always remove gold jewelry before showering or cleaning because “soap and chemicals can cause a film to form on karat gold, which makes it appear dull and dingy,” says Castoro. While there are plenty of commercial cleaners available, it’s just as effective to clean gold with what you already have. For untarnished jewelry, mix a few drops of mild dish detergent with warm water, and scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. If it’s tarnished, mix a few drops of ammonia into soapy water, submerge the jewelry and carefully brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse it with lukewarm water and allow it to dry.
Avoiding chlorine is key to keeping gold jewelry looking good. “Chlorine at high temperatures, like in a hot tub, can permanently damage or discolor your gold jewelry,” says Castoro.
Sterling silver
“Sterling silver is a soft metal that can scratch easily,” says Higginbotham. “Scrubbing it or using a cloth with even the slightest abrasiveness will harm the surface.” She advises using a silver polishing cloth or a very soft, clean sponge with no residue to polish and get rid of tarnish.
Jewelry with a textured surface
A brass brush, which can be found in the paint department of a hardware store, with soapy water works especially well on textured 14 karat gold jewelry, says Nantucket-based jeweler Jessica Hicks. “The tiny bristles get in the grooved surface to clean. The brass metal of the bristles help give it a nice satin polished look.” For silver jewelry with an intricate design, use a silver-cleaning paste to get into the grooves, and wipe with a soft, clean cloth.
Turquoise
According to Carly Wickell, author of About.com’s Guide to Jewelry, you should “clean your turquoise in warm, sudsy water and dry it immediately with a soft cloth. Don’t submerge the stone in water—it is very porous and liquids can easily seep in and cause discoloration.” Avoid commercial jewelry cleansers, as they can also discolor the stone.
Note: While commercial cleaners, including dip treatments, often work on most jewelry, our experts agree that products you have around the house will be just as effective—no need to run out and buy anything. As for the ketchup, beer and other grocery store stand-ins? None of our experts endorse them, but we haven’t found any evidence that they don’t work.
Fashion Life
Predicted Trends of 2017: What Are They?
We cannot reiterate more and more that 2016 was a bizarre, unpredictable and crazy year.
So what does 2017 have in store for us?
For the state of the United States or the world, we have no idea and do not want to even delve in that argument. However, we are more than delighted to talk about what the fashion world could offer us. And what better way to start off the year than with its predicted trends?!
So, stay in the now and look in the future with us by seeing the predicted trends of 2017. Because, who doesn’t like to stay ahead of the game?
1. Pink
Sorry Pantone, you say greenery is the color of 2017 but from all the information we’ve gathered, it looks like pink is taking its spot.
2. Platforms
Soaring to new heights this year? Platforms will definitely get you there, being one of the most seen trends on the 2017 runways.
3. One-sided Shoulders
2016 was the year of no shoulders and now 2017 is the year of asymmetrical shoulders. Cover one up!
4. Khaki
2017 is back to basics. It looks like every designer incorporated this classic and practical material into their designs, from street style to preppy.
5. Athlesiure
Workout clothes are the comfiest so why not always be prepared to go the gym? Chic athletic wear will be all over the place!
6. Bows
2017 is calling to our feminine side so take advantage of it!
7. Quoted Shirts
Express yourself in 2017 with a slogan T-shirt, which were rampant in all runways such as Michael Kors, Dior and Haider Ackermann.
8. Corsets
We are not talking about the ones we see promoted on Instagram by basically every celebrity. These will not shuffle your organs! Instead, they will give you a nice shape and more options to wear your favorite tee!
Fashion Life
Ear Climbers: Everything You Need to Know About This Jewelry Trend
What is an Ear Climber?
An ear climber earring (AKA ear crawler) is a popular jewelry trend that designers have been embracing the last couple years. The jewelry is essentially a pierced earring that travels up the ear. They can be worn on their own for an asymmetrical look or as a pair. or as a pair.
Tons of celebrities have been rocking ear climbers on red carpets and in their everyday life, pairing the same versatile earring trend with gowns and jeans.
Lea Michele’s & Branch Shaped Diamond Ear Climbers
Ear climbers don’t have to be huge or elaborate to garner attention. However, if you’re ear climbers are subtle, keep your hair swept to one side. For example, Lea Michele looked stunning with long soft waves and a branch-shaped diamond earring at a Pre-Emmy celebration party.
Ema Stone & White Diamond Ear Climbers
Actress Emma Stone arrived at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in stunning bright white diamond ear climbers. She kept her neckline and the rest of her ear simple so she wouldn’t take away from the wow factor these earrings have.
Gigi Hadid Reveals Diamonds With Short Hair
Gigi Hadid kept her hair short and swept behind her ears to show off incredible diamond ear climbers. If your earrings are elaborate and travel the majority of the way up your ear, consider a shorter hairstyle or pull your hair back completely.
Keira Knightley Rocking an Ear Climber
Actress Keira Knightley walked the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards wearing a Repossi ear climber everyone was talking about. Knightley paired two pear shaped studs with the ear climber that also had pear-shaped diamonds. If you have more than one hole in your ear, get this look by pairing stud earrings with an ear climber that has similar shape stones.
Jessie J Combines Ear Climbers and Ear Cuffs
Jessie J combined two earring trends at the Grammy Awards: ear climbers and ear cuffs. The single rod ear climbers are really popular right now but might look too simple when worn on their own. Layer one of these climbers with a few cuff earrings in the same color to recreate this look.
Jessica Alba wearing Diamond Ear Climbers
Actress Jessica Alba wore a beautiful set of graduated diamond ear climbers to the 2015 Forbes Women’s Summit: Transforming the Rules of Engagement. Her stylist made sure that her hair was parted deep enough and pushed back enough to show off the ear climber bling.
Tatiana Maslany is Familiar With Ear Climber Jewelry Trend
Tatiana Maslany is no stranger to the ear climber trend. She has been seen wearing a variety of ear climbers on the red carpet, but kept it simple here with a linear diamond earring.
Natalie Dormer’s Swirly Ear Climbers
Natalie Dormer had everyone talking at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for two reasons. First, her hair… and second, that amazing ear climber that swirls up the entire length of her ear. Get this look without having to shave your head by creating a deep part in your hair and slicking one side back behind the ear and over the opposite shoulder.
Fashion Life
2017 Oscars Jewelry That Made the Red Carpet Shine
The Oscars Red (burgundy) Carpet shined like white, hot light as nominees, presenters and fashion icons were overwhelmingly adorned in white diamonds paired with white metals. Big and bold statement necklaces were dominant. Earrings ranged from climbers to big drops, long layered pieces and a few that made a major statement in design and size.
When color did appear, it was tasteful. Colored gemstone miner, distributor and marketer, Gemfields, made a statement this year with its rubies from Mozambique. Surprisingly, there was a touch of color among the pieces worn on the red carpet by diamond jeweler Harry Winston.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron wore a pair of statement earrings by Chopard featuring a 25-carat pear-shaped D-flawless diamond and 26-carat heart-shaped D-flawless diamond, 4.55-carats of pear-shaped diamonds and 4.35-carats of brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18k white ‘Fairmined’ gold from the “Garden of Kalahari Collection.” If you can remove your eyes from the earrings she also wore a ring with a 7.11-carat pear-shaped diamond and 1.14-carat of diamonds set in 18k white gold, and a diamond ring featuring a 4.04-carat diamond set in 18k white gold, both from the “High Jewelry Collection.”
Nicole Kidman
Red carpet favorite, Nicole Kidman, nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, wears more than 119 carats of Harry Winston jewels and even added a bit of color with Winston Cluster Diamond and Spinel Drop Earrings in platinum and 18k yellow gold; Vintage 1963 Winston Cluster Diamond Bracelet in platinum; Splash Diamond Bracelet in platinum; and Winston Cluster Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring in platinum.
Jessica Biel
Jessica Biel wore the Tiffany & Co. “Whispers of the Rain Forest” diamond, platinum and 18k gold necklace from the 2017 Blue Book Collection.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone, Best Actress nominee, wears Tiffany & Co. “Whispers of the Rain Forest” earrings in platinum and 18k gold from the 2017 Blue Book Collection.
Ruth Negga
Ruth Negga, Best Actress nominee, wore Irene Neuwirth headpiece, earrings and ring featuring Gemfields responsibly sourced Mozambican rubies.
Karlie Kloss
Model Karlie Kloss wore a statement 18k white gold choker set with 38 carats of diamonds from the Nirav Modi Mughal collection; and a pair of 18k white and rose earstuds set with more than 5 carats of diamonds from the Indian diamond jewelry brand’s Entremblant Collection.
Taraji P. Henson
Actress Taraji P. Henson wore a statement necklace from the Nirav Modi Luminance collection paired with an Evergreen Emerald Ring.
Kristin Cavallari
Kristin Cavallari wore a Pasquale Bruni diamond collar necklace, and Hearts on Fire diamond earrings and rings.
Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae wore $1.5 million worth of Forevermark diamond jewelry, including Forevermark Cluster Stud Earrings set in 18k yellow gold, Forevermark Exceptional Diamond Radiant Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond with side trillions set in platinum, Forevermark Exceptional Diamond Two Stone Ring with a 5.03-carat Radiant Diamond and 5.02-carat Fancy Yellow Radiant Diamond set in Platinum, Forevermark Two Stone Ring with round and pear shaped diamonds set in 18k white gold, and Forevermark by Rahaminov Two Stone Ring with fancy yellow diamonds set in 18k white and yellow Gold.
Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer wore $1.2 million worth of Forevermark diamond jewelry, including Forevermark Earrings with Princess Cut Diamonds set in 18k white gold, Forevermark Exceptional Diamond Ring with a 9.04-carat Asscher shaped diamond set in Platinum, and a Forevermark by Rahaminov Diamond Eternity Band set in 18k White Gold.
Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson wore a Cartier vintage statement necklace, 1958, and matched it with a Cartier vintage ring, 1946, in yellow gold, platinum, a 2.95-carat ruby and diamonds; and a vintage ring, 1945 with yellow gold, emerald and rubies.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry was adorned in $100,000 worth of Forevermark diamond jewels, including the Forevermark Two Finger Diamond Ring set in 18k white and rose gold, Forevermark The Center of My Universe Three Stone Bangles set in 18k Rose Gold, Forevermark The Center of My Universe Solitaire Bangle set in 18k rose gold, and Forevermark Multi Diamond Shape Bangle set in 18k white, yellow and Rose gold.
Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts wore the David Yurman Chatelaine Flower Ring with black onyx, rhodalite garnet and green tourmaline in 18k gold, $10,000; David Yurman Mosaic Cuff with golden tourmaline and cognac diamonds in white gold; and David Yurman Pebble Earrings with citrine and cognac diamonds in 18k gold.
Auli’i Cravalho
Auli’i Cravalho wore Maxior earrings and bracelet, and a Harry Kotlar rare pink diamond ring. There was a lot of variety in period pieces, styles and color among the many stars Fred Leighton supplied tonight.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson chose a pair of mid-Century diamond 3 row cuffs, in platinum and palladium, by Belperron; a 1930’s pear shape diamond earrings, in platinum; by Belperron; and a 9k Art Deco Old European cut diamond ring, in platinum;
Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek wore a 19th Century diamond laurel leaf headband, French, c. 1880, silver on gold; 19th Century diamond chandelier earrings, silver on gold; and a ring with an 18th Century rose-cut diamond cluster button, silver on gold.
If you are impressed with their jewelry pieces, check out Santayana’s custom jewelry and find something in your price range but equally beautiful.