T
he 0scar’s red carpet is perhaps the world’s largest and most drool-inducing display case for sparkling, drop-dead gorgeous jewels. Stars spend months searching for the perfect pendant, chandelier earring or jewelencrusted cuff and the viewing public tunes in breathlessly to watch the glittering spectacle. The event is meant to award movie talent, but let’s be honest: A golden statuette does not always determine the real winner. The point of this showbiz lovefest has always been the razzle-dazzle itself. Sure, the dress is important, but the jewels catch our eye and hold it there, mesmerizing and reminding us of what true Hollywood glamour is all about. Nothing twinkles on Oscar night like diamonds. “The brilliance of diamonds and platinum are always exaggerated when the cameras are flashing, that’s why they are the go-to for experienced starlets,” says an expert from CIRCA, leading global buyer of fine jewelry, diamonds and watches from the public. “The best example is Elizabeth Taylor. No one really remembers what she wore, but everyone still talks about her diamonds.” Actresses can turn into style icons overnight with the right sartorial choices, imprinting their image as the epitome of glamour in the minds of millions. Who can forget Gwyneth 70 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • APRIL 2012
Paltrow’s’s pink dress with the 40-carat diamond necklace from Harry Winston? Or the fact that after she won best actress for Shakespeare in Love,, her father, Bruce Paltrow,, bought it for her. This is the stuff dreams are made of, and not just in Hollywood. Harry Winston was the first to lend celebrities jewels, starting with Jennifer Jones in 1944. Since then, it has become common practice amongst the biggest names in the jewelry industry. “For events of this magnitude and given the myriad of options Hollywood stars have to choose
from today,” says Steph Leke, spokesperson for David Webb, “we try to anticipate any last minute wardrobe changes by providing a well-edited, yet diverse selection of options from our vast collection. For instance, if an actress has decided on a black gown option, we’ll send both accented color suites (emeralds, rubies, coral, etc . . .) and more classic styles (platinum, gold, crystal, diamonds, etc . . .) in case a “must-wear” rainbow gown option magically appears in the eleventh hour.”
Top left: Chanel ring worn by Rose Byrne Middle: Graff multi shape diamond Art Deco earrings Bottom Right: Elizabeth Taylor.