OSCARS JEWELRY: THE NEW, THE ARCHIVAL & THE SENTIMENTAL

Since couture gowns worn for the Oscars took millions of beads and thousands of artisanal hours to create, it was only fitting that appropriate jewelry be carefully chosen to complement them.

- RICKY TOLEDO & CHITO VIJANDRE

In many cases, the bling was the star attraction: Diamonds, in particular, when you think about it, are wonders of nature in themselves – taking 1 to 3.3 billion years to be formed. Selecting the right gems is another story altogether, not to mention matching them for a particular design which can take years or even decades, before proceeding to the final goldsmithing and finishing. With Old Hollywood Glamour as the dominating look of the evening, it was a no-brainer to mine the archives of the jewelry houses, from Edwardian pieces to 1950s classics. But the affair was also a chance to introduce the new with contemporary takes on tradition as well as intimations of the avant-garde. As the Awards were conceived as a moving tribute to Hollywood and the film industry, it was no surprise that family heirlooms, redolent with nostalgia and significance, were resurrected.

CHOKERS

Necklaces stayed close to the neck. Zoe Saldaña, Best Supporting Actress winner, debuted