Celebrity

The Bold and the Beautiful Jewels at the BAFTAs

Some great statement pieces appeared on the red carpet in London

by Marion Fasel

February 19, 2023—Historically the BAFTAs, an event known as the British Oscars, have been a big moment for the Princess of Wales (aka Kate Middleton), to stroll down the red carpet and prove the magnetic pull of royalty in some spectacular family jewels while she stands toe-to-toe with movie stars.

But not this year. Instead, Kate chose to wear costume earrings from Zara. The headlines that went round the world were along the lines of “What a bargain!” and “Thrifty Kate Strikes Again!”

I thought the earrings were Schiaparelli at first. Then I wished they were from Elie Top’s Zara collection. Anyway, they were Zara and I have to say she looked pretty happy wearing them.

As for the movie stars in attendance there were a lot of great statement pieces. Find out more below.

Cate Blanchett who won the Best Actress award for her sensational turn in Tár wins my prize for best jewelry of the night with her amazing pearl necklace.

Louis Vuitton jewelry designer Francesca Amfitheatrof explained on her Instagram post that it was a collaboration with the actress who is the face of the collection. Cate wanted materials from pre-existing jewels used in the piece as opposed to pearls and gems fresh from the water or ground. The jewel is composed of Tahitian pearls, gold, diamonds and a 23.87-carat Nigerian Tourmaline.

It’s not clear if the strand Cate slung over her shoulder was designed to be worn that way or the nonchalance was a bit of styling after the fact. Either way the gesture is what puts the jewel over-the-top.

This is my favorite look for Michelle Yeoh so far this Awards Season. The Everything, Everywhere All At Once star paired a blush pink caped Dior pantsuit, which she said was a tribute to English style, with Moussaieff shoulder dusters set with Burma rubies and diamonds and a matching ring.

The actress is an ambassador for Richard Mille and almost always wears one of the labels hulking timepieces on the red carpet. She makes it work in a way that looks personal.

Yeoh imaginatively placed the blue ribbon in support of refugees and displaced people around the world on her finger like a ring.

Every single time Jodie Turner Smith is on the red carpet it’s something special.

The actress had a magical moment with her makeup at the BAFTAs and seamlessly carried the spirit through to her sensational Chopard choker and Gucci gown.

Anya Taylor-Joy’s jewel proved the Tiffany Archives run deep.

The 1970s gold and diamond necklace pulled from the department that overseas Tiffany’s history was unlike anything I have ever seen from the jeweler.

The Tiffany diamond and platinum jewels Florence Pugh wore were not as bold as most on this list.

What made the look stand out was the coordination of her hair style with the ruffles on the Nina Ricci gown and perfect symmetry of the diamonds. I suspect the styling was intended to be a little tongue in cheek.

Sophie Turner echoed the jewelry motif in her Louis Vuitton gown with High Jewelry from the House’s collection.

Cynthia Erivo usually makes her jewelry statement with all the earrings she puts in her multiple piercings.

At the BAFTAs, however, she switched things up and tossed on two big Elsa Peretti for Tiffany gold Doughnut Bangles as well as diamond jewels with her copper Louis Vuitton gown.

A Messika diamond bib necklace added elegance and impact to Sheila Atim’s ensemble.

The popularity of the Bulgari diamond Serpenti necklace is such that at least one appears on every important red carpet in the world.

At the BAFTAs Julianne Moore sported the eternal High Jewelry essential.

Everything Everywhere All at Once star Ke Huy Quan, who brings joy to every awards show, lit up his dark suit with a Stephen Dweck carved mother-of-pearl flower brooch.

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