Famous Red Carpet Jewelry Over the Years: A Dazzling Display of Glamour and Elegance

You can adorn yourself with the glitz and glam of the Oscars red carpet looks through the years with the help of Jack Weir & Sons of Beverly Hills.

Hollywood's most glamorous night is upon us once more. On this night, we not only celebrate the year’s best cinematic achievements but also get a chance to see some of the most exquisite fashions and over the top jewels. Whether on the screen or on the red carpet, it is a night of story-telling, of using different art forms to celebrate the past, present and future. Over the years, celebrities have adorned themselves with history laden jewels that often steal the spotlight and create extremely memorable moments. Today we’re going to take a look at some of our favorite jewelry moments from the red carpets past on this very important evening in March.

The Timeless Elegance of Elizabeth Taylor

No discussion of red carpet jewelry, or jewelry in general, can begin without mentioning Elizabeth Taylor - a true icon of both film and fashion. We think her most memorable red carpet moment was in 1970, when she wore the Taylor-Burton Diamond as the centerpiece of a dazzling necklace. For the unacquainted - the Taylor-Burton Diamond is a nearly 70 carat, pear shaped diamond, and was a gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor that became so synonymous with the couple that it was renamed from The Cartier Diamond to The Taylor-Burton Diamond. This diamond doesn’t only symbolize the opulence and sophistication we’ve come to associate with Elizabeth Taylor, but also the epic love story between Taylor and Burton. The piece is emblematic of ultimate Hollywood glamor and sets a high bar for red carpet jewelry.

10.03 Carat Pear Cut Diamond RIng 

9.01 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring

Shop 2+ Carat Diamonds at Jack Weir & Sons 

Audrey Hepburn's Minimalist Chic

Audrey Hepburn, known for her elegance and grace, chose a characteristically minimalist approach for her 1954 Oscars appearance. Wearing a simple, yet stunning pair of pearl studs alongside her Givenchy gown, Hepburn showcased how less can indeed be more. This look is still celebrated for its classic beauty and has inspired countless women to embrace the timeless elegance of pearls.

Art Deco Diamond and Pearl Studs

Antique Pearl and Diamond Studs

Explore pearls at Jack Weir & Sons

Angelina Jolie's Emerald Statement

On the 2009 red carpet, Angelina Jolie turned heads with her choice of accessories: a stunning pair of Lorraine Schwartz emerald drop earrings weighing 115 carats, paired with a matching ring. These pieces, set against a bold, black gown made a case for editing - showing how simple doesn’t have to mean boring. These simple, yet statement making earrings have continued to influence red carpet looks to this day. 

Emerald Drop Earrings 

Mid-Century Emerald and Diamond Earrings

Explore Emeralds at Jack Weir & Sons 

Keira Knightley’s Menagerie of Gemstones 

In 2006, Keira Knightley graced the red carpet wearing a stunning Bulgari bib necklace that captivated all. The necklace was originally crafted in 1960 for the former Queen of Iran. of The necklace features an intricate design of sapphires, rubies and emeralds, showcasing Bulgari's mastery in crafting exquisite pieces that blend classic style with contemporary appeal. 

Vintage Bvlgari mother of pearl necklace

Vintage Bvlgari Chain Link Bracelet

Shop Bvlgari at Jack Weir & Sons 

Caring for and Choosing Your Own Oscar-worthy Jewelry

While most of us might not walk the red carpet regularly, we can still incorporate elements of these iconic looks into our own special occasions. When selecting jewelry, consider pieces that resonate with your personal style and the statement you wish to make. Whether opting for classic diamonds or vibrant gemstones, quality and craftsmanship should always be paramount.

Caring for your jewelry is also crucial to maintaining its sparkle and significance over time. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and professional maintenance can help preserve the beauty and integrity of your pieces, ensuring they remain as timeless as the iconic looks celebrated on the red carpet.

The red carpet provides a stage to exhibit some of the most spectacular jewelry ever seen. These pieces do more than accessorize; they tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire trends that transcend the red carpet. As we look forward to future ceremonies, it's clear that the legacy of these iconic jewels will continue to sparkle, reminding us of the enduring connection between fashion, film, and the art of storytelling.

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At Jack Weir & Sons, we’ve spent the last 40 years traveling to Europe and all over the world, curating extraordinary estate jewels. JWS is where the old world meets the new world. Celebrate life, preserve history, and discover your own priceless heirloom jewel. We are extremely grateful for our clients and the ability to help people celebrate their special moments through one-of-a-kind jewelry. To share that gratitude and our strong family values, we chose to partner with Baby2Baby. So far, we've donated $125,000. A portion of every sale goes towards children living in poverty to provide them with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. 

We offer in-person and Virtual Appointments and are happy to answer any questions about your favorite jewel.