The most glamorous evening in Hollywood is fast approaching, with the 2024 Academy Awards poised to deliver another spectacular display of high fashion and breathtaking jewellery. As stars descend upon the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the red carpet will transform into a showcase of multi-million dollar gems, from diamond-encrusted necklaces to rare sapphire pieces.
Historic Jewellery Moments at the Oscars
Over the decades, the Oscars have witnessed some truly extraordinary jewellery moments that have become part of Hollywood legend. These pieces often carry historical significance and astronomical price tags that reflect their rarity and craftsmanship.
Lady Gaga's $30 Million Tiffany Necklace
In 2019, Lady Gaga made headlines by wearing a breathtaking 128.54-carat diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co valued at approximately $30 million. This remarkable piece had previously been worn by Audrey Hepburn during promotional photography for Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961. The necklace featured over 100 carats of white diamonds arranged in varying sizes around the neckline, with a magnificent yellow diamond suspended at its centre.
Gaga, who won the Oscar for Best Original Song that year for A Star is Born, complemented the jewellery with a simple black Alexander McQueen gown and elegant updo hairstyle. According to reports, Tiffany security personnel accompanied the singer throughout the evening, even intervening when she attempted to visit a Taco Bell drive-through while still wearing the priceless necklace.
Madonna's $20 Million Diamond Collection
Material Girl icon Madonna arrived at the 1991 Academy Awards adorned with $20 million worth of Harry Winston diamonds. Her ensemble included a scalloped diamond necklace, dramatic dangling earrings, and multiple layered bracelets that created a dazzling effect in every photograph. The singer channeled Marilyn Monroe glamour, pairing the jewellery with an ivory bedazzled evening gown, white elbow-length gloves, and a luxurious fur stole.
Gloria Stuart's Titanic-Inspired Necklace
In 1998, actress Gloria Stuart wore a magnificent $20 million sapphire and diamond necklace designed by Harry Winston to the awards ceremony. The piece served as a replica of the Heart of the Ocean necklace from her film Titanic and featured a stunning 15-carat blue sapphire pendant surrounded by brilliant diamonds. Stuart accessorised further with a diamond pinky ring and matching stud earrings, completing her look with a deep blue silk suit.
Contemporary Jewellery Statements
More recent Oscar ceremonies have continued the tradition of extravagant jewellery displays, with contemporary stars making their own memorable contributions to red carpet history.
Cate Blanchett's $18 Million Chopard Collection
During the 2014 Oscars, Cate Blanchett wore an estimated $18 million worth of Chopard jewellery, including opal earrings containing 62 individual stones, an elaborate diamond bracelet, and a matching ring. She paired these pieces with a $100,000 beaded gown from Armani Prive, creating one of the most expensive complete looks in recent Oscar history. Blanchett won the Best Actress award that evening for her performance in Blue Jasmine.
Anne Hathaway's $10 Million Tiffany Necklace
As co-host of the 2011 Academy Awards, Anne Hathaway showcased a spectacular 94-carat platinum-set diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co valued at $10 million. The Tiffany Lucida Star necklace featured large central diamonds surrounded by smaller stones, which she highlighted with an elegant updo hairstyle and a vibrant red Valentino gown with an impressive train.
Nicole Kidman's Custom $7 Million Piece
For the 2008 ceremony, Nicole Kidman wore a custom-designed necklace by L'Wren Scott containing more than 7,500 diamonds with an estimated value of $7 million. The multi-layered piece draped elegantly around her neck and across her chest, complementing a sleek black Balenciaga gown. Kidman attended the event while pregnant with her daughter Sunday Rose, accompanied by then-husband Keith Urban.
Additional Notable Jewellery Appearances
Sandra Bullock made a striking impression at the 2014 Oscars wearing Lorraine Schwartz jewellery totalling $8.2 million, including a diamond bracelet valued at $6.4 million and unique earrings designed to climb her earlobes worth approximately $1.8 million. She completed her look with a navy blue Alexander McQueen gown.
Priyanka Chopra-Jonas arrived at the 2016 ceremony wearing $3.2 million Lorraine Schwartz earrings crafted from 50 carats of platinum and naturally white metal. The dramatic drop earrings featured large round gems suspended from teardrop-cut jewels, paired with an elegant white lace gown by Zuhair Murad.
Charlize Theron selected a magnificent marquise-cut diamond necklace from Tiffany & Co for the 2020 Oscars, valued at $5 million. The piece contained a 21-carat central diamond accompanied by 5 additional carats of diamonds set in platinum, which she wore with a black Dior Haute Couture gown featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline.
Kate Winslet graced the 2010 red carpet in a custom Tiffany & Co yellow diamond necklace worth $2.5 million. The 10-carat piece featured a chain-pattern design with a drop-down pendant, complemented by matching yellow diamond earrings and a silver Yves Saint Laurent gown that evoked Old Hollywood glamour.
Anticipating the 2024 Oscars
As this year's ceremony approaches on Sunday, anticipation builds regarding which celebrities will make the most impressive jewellery statements. With nominees including Timothee Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Emma Stone, and Kate Hudson expected to attend, and comedian Conan O'Brien returning as host for the second consecutive year, the stage is set for another unforgettable display of luxury and style.
The competition for best dressed promises to be as intense as the awards themselves, with stars preparing to don designer outfits accessorised with jewellery worth millions of dollars. These extravagant pieces often come with their own security details to ensure the safety of the precious gems throughout the evening's festivities.
