Red Carpet predictions: A Colored Diamonds Craze at the Oscars

February 26th, 2014 by Noam Flint

With the 86th Academy Awards fast approaching, excitement is rising around what celebs will be sporting on the red carpet.

Year after year, A-Listers wow onlookers at this glamorous event – and not just because of their talent. This is one awards show where actresses go all out with their attire, and their jewels are just as stunning as their gowns. There’s no doubt that this year will be just as dazzling, so the only question is: What will be the major jewelry trends? Diamonds are naturally the top choice at the Oscars, and this year, we can expect to see some unique pieces adorning our favorite celebrities. If last year was any indication of a rising craze, colored diamonds are poised to make a splash at this star-studded event.

Looking back

While there a variety of colored gemstones appeared on the red carpet at last year’s Oscars, some hues were especially prominent.

Kerry Washington showed up in a romantic floor-length floral gown, which she paired with stunning Chopard yellow diamond earrings. The sunny stones perfectly complemented the tones of her dress for a spring-ready palette. Additionally, Olivia Munn sported Harry Winston yellow diamond floral earrings. With her dramatic crimson red ensemble, the yellow sparklers provided a cheerful touch while also tying in the golden embroidery on top of her strapless dress. The fabulous Jane Fonda proved she’s still as chic as ever with a pair of yellow diamond chandelier earrings and a coordinating ring to match her canary yellow Versace gown.

Not all starlets went with yellow baubles, however. TV personality Lara Spencer decided to don a pair of plume-shaped earrings with natural colored diamonds that had a champagne tone. Meanwhile, Catherine Zeta-Jones turned heads in enormous gold chandelier earrings that featured numerous yellow and brown diamonds. The various earth tones in her earrings coordinated nicely with her glimmering gold gown.

Zoe Saldana may have opted for pearl drop earrings for the main event, but she slipped on a ring set with a marquise-shaped pink diamond for the after-party.

A colorful forecast

Only time will tell, but it looks like celebs may continue to accessorize with vibrant stones at this weekend’s Academy Awards. In fact, Michael O’Connor, celebrity stylist and television personality, predicts that colored stones will be abundant on the red carpet. Each year, O’Connor selects one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for celebrities to borrow, from necklaces and rings made with Argyle diamonds to bright gemstone earrings. Once again, he’ll be hosting StyleLab’s Los Angeles event for the nominees, presenters and stylists to ensure that this year’s attendees are dripping with the finest jewels.

As celebs look to draw attention on the red carpet, colored diamonds are certainly the way to go. O’Connor noted that it’s becoming more common for stars to choose colorful gowns, which is why they’re also selecting vibrant gemstones in a rainbow of hues. By accenting their bold attire with diamonds in contrasting colors, there is even more potential for an eye-catching ensemble.

So what exactly will the A-listers be sporting? We’ll have to tune in Sunday to find out, but certain pieces would work especially well for this year’s nominees. For example, Amy Adams might consider green diamonds, as they are the optimal complementary color to her striking red hair. Blue diamonds would definitely flatter Cate Blanchett’s complexion and blonde locks perfectly. Sandra Bullock tends to go for darker hued gowns, so she might consider gray or purple diamonds to accent her sultry attire. Lupita Nyong’o, on the other hand, always stuns in bright colors, so orange diamonds would certainly suit her style as well as flatter her skin tone. Jennifer Lawrence’s red carpet look tends to have a romantic air that pink diamonds would definitely enhance.