Oscars 2019 Best Jewelry Moments

  This year's Oscars red carpet marked a delectable and historical jewelry occasion. The carpet and stage glimmered with Chopard, Bulgari, Forevermark, Harry Winston, Oscar Heyman, and Cartier. Lots of Cartier. So many gorgeous jewels made it a difficult task to pick my four favorites. After much deliberation, I narrowed it down to Spike Lee's eclectic accessories, Zameer Kassam for Lupita Nyong'o, Cindy Chao for Julia Roberts, and, of course, Tiffany & Co. for Lady Gaga.  

Spike Lee's Tribute to Prince

Spike Lee took the stage wearing a purple Ozwald Boateng suit. His ensemble served as a tribute to Prince, including the purple suit and gold necklace featuring the symbol of the late artist. Across the knuckles of both hands, Lee wore "Love" and "Hate" rings. Inspired by his 1989 film, Do the Right Thing, Lee hoped for the right thing from the Academy. Though he won an Oscar, the African-Americans of the industry had hoped he would take home the Oscar for Best Picture. Regardless of the outcome, he undeniably kicked it on stage with customized golden Air Jordan sneakers. After an exuberant embrace with Samuel L. Jackson, Lee made a pointed speech continuing to advocate for African Americans in the US.  

Lupita's Oscars Diamonds

Continuing the theme of last year's Oscars, Time's Up, Lupita Nyong'o favored black accents. However, not in her dress. Hot off the runway, Lupita wore Oscar de la Renta's white feather gown. With its stark contrast between white gown and black belt, she paired an equally contrasting ring by Zameer Kassam (ZK). Using responsibly sourced diamonds from Forevermark, ZK incorporated several important components for the Black Panther actress. First of all, the 10-carat ethically-acquired radiant-cut central diamond. Then the black halo of diamonds surrounding the central stone. Black for Times Up, 14 on either side for her 2014 Oscars win. Of course, the prongs holding the central diamond were inspired by the 'Wakanda Forever' symbol. Finally, engraved on the band, the words "Your dreams are valid," from her Oscar-winning speech.  

Julia Roberts Wears Cindy Chao

On stage, Julia Roberts announced the Best Picture award wearing an Elie Saab gown paired with jewels by Cindy Chao. Cindy Chao learned to see the world in three dimensions from her father and grandfather. A famous architect, Chao's grandfather designed hundreds of Taiwanese temples which are now considered national monuments. From her father, a sculptor, she learned to infuse every jewel with emotion while rendering intricate works of metal using the techniques of sculpting. At the Oscars, Julia Roberts wore two Cindy Chao pieces. From her Four Seasons Collection, the Branch bangle, paired with her Architectural Earrings. The bangle resembles a twisted branch in white gold, encrusted in white diamonds. Cindy accented the bracelet with six oval-shaped white diamonds. Each dangle earring consists of two pear-shaped diamonds framed in a twist of 18k yellow gold and pave diamonds. Radiating off these twists of gold are 8 conch pearls in a shade of coral. A stunning choice for Julia Roberts.  

Tiffany & Co. for Lady Gaga

The show-stopping jewel at the Oscars 2019, The Tiffany Diamond, shimmered and sparkled almost to distraction. While Lady Gaga sang with Bradley Cooper, the energy and chemistry between the two actors fought valiantly for center stage with the 128.54-carat diamond. The necklace Lady Gaga wore was designed in 2012 for Tiffany's 175th Anniversary celebration. It features more than 120 carats in white diamonds set in a sun ray motif. Twenty of the diamonds sparkle in Tiffany's Lucida® cut, while the rest of the 58 diamonds are round brilliants. Valued at $30 million, the Tiffany Diamond necklace now holds the prominent title of the most expensive jewel worn on the red carpet. The last jewel to hold the title - the Harry Winston diamond inspired by the Heart of the Ocean (Titanic) - was worn by Gloria Stuart in 1998. The Harry Winston diamond was valued at $20 million. ~by Angela Magnotti Andrews