The red carpet is not just a stage for celebrities—it’s a battleground of power, wealth, and influence. In Hollywood, cinema is business, and in this business, diamonds play a key role. The Oscars are not just about honoring actors—they’re an exclusive arena where luxury jewelry houses fight for the right to adorn the most celebrated stars.
In this high-stakes game, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Harry Winston, Bulgari, Chopard, and other iconic brands don’t just offer jewelry—they create legacies. In 2019, Lady Gaga made Oscar history by wearing the legendary 128-carat yellow Tiffany diamond, previously seen only on Audrey Hepburn. The price? $30 million.
But that wasn’t the record. In 2013, Charlize Theron graced the red carpet in a Harry Winston necklace worth $15 million, while Beyoncé dazzled in a $10 million Lorraine Schwartz diamond piece. These jewels never belong to the celebrities—they are carefully curated by luxury brands, knowing that every camera flash will transform their designs into symbols of desire for billionaires worldwide.
And this isn’t just about status. The Best Actress Oscar winner becomes the face of the film industry for an entire year. This is why jewelry houses invest millions to ensure their creations take center stage. Cartier often selects classic Hollywood icons, emphasizing timeless elegance, while Chopard and Bulgari favor rising stars—like in 2022, when Zendaya wore a vintage Bulgari necklace, auctioned for $6 million.
But step into France, and everything changes. The César Awards tell a different story—a different style, a different approach to glamour. While Hollywood turns the red carpet into a glittering display of wealth, Paris opts for understated luxury.
At the Césars, you might see Chaumet, Boucheron, or Van Cleef & Arpels, but they are never the main attraction. Here, diamonds are a detail, not the statement. French actresses like Marion Cotillard and Léa Seydoux often prefer delicate earrings, minimalist rings, or subtle necklaces. In 2023, Isabelle Huppert attended the ceremony in a sleek black Balenciaga gown, wearing tiny diamond earrings. Elegant? Yes. Expensive? Likely. Flashy? Never.
Why the difference? Because Hollywood sells the illusion of wealth, while France protects art and individuality. The American film industry is a billion-dollar market where even jewelry becomes part of the branding machine. Europe favors restraint, personal expression, and intellectual style.
And yet, if the Césars were to embrace Hollywood’s playbook, which brands would dominate? Van Cleef & Arpels might unveil rare yellow diamond necklaces, while Cartier could present exclusive sapphire rings. But for now, Paris remains the place where actresses can simply be themselves—without becoming walking advertisements for luxury brands.
So what speaks to you more—Hollywood’s obsession with diamonds or France’s aristocratic minimalism?