Red Carpet Jewelry at SAG Awards

Jennifer Aniston in an Amrit yellow gold jewelry chain

The Screen Actors Guild Awards Sunday presented a second opportunity for jewelry to shine on the red carpet. Although many of the outfits worn were bright and colorful, the jewelry that was was largely based on white metals and diamonds. 

There was a little bit more color present than during the Golden Globe Awards red carpet a few weeks earlier. But still white and conservative were the key themes again when it comes to jewelry. 

Below are some of the top looks of the evening:

Jennifer Aniston (top photo) was practically shimmering in yellow (her dress and even her skin). She wore a long gold Amrit jewelry chain accompanied by Fred Leighton yellow gold bracelets and earrings. It was one of the boldest statements on the SAG red carpet.

Maggie Gyllenhaal also delved into the yellow gold trend wearing Fred Leighton Victorian Gold pendant earrings and 1940s gold, peridot and diamond ring. 

However, the red carpet was most characterized by Reese Witherspoon displaying an elegant ensemble of more than $3.5 million worth of Harry Winston diamonds that included emerald-cut diamond drop earrings set in platinum, a 24-carat princess-cut diamond line bracelet set in platinum, and a cushion-cut pink sapphire & diamond cluster ring.

The Forevermark brand is dependent on white diamonds with white metals. Kaley Cuoco Sweeting was elegantly layered in a variety of pieces including Forevermark by Leo Schachter Flower Stud Earrings with Round Brilliant Forevermark Diamonds set in 18k white gold; two diamond and platinum Forevermark bracelets, and Forevermark diamond cuff set in 18k white gold.

Alysia Reiner was equally elegant wearing a full suite of diamond jewelry by Simon G. Jewelry in 18k white gold.

Patricia Arquette in Fred Leighton 19th Century gold pendant earrings.

Uzo Aduba in Forevermark by Rahaminov Diamonds, including Flower Cluster stud earrings; The Center of My Universe diamond ring; and diamond line bracelets, all in 18k white gold.

Laverne Cox in Forevermark Diamonds, including Forevermark by Natalie K The Center of My Universe bracelets; Forevermark pave oval ring; and Forevermark circle earrings, all set in 18k white gold.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus added a touch of color in Fred Leighton cushion cut diamond drop earrings with an amethyst and rose-cut diamond scalloped cluster ring.

A newcomer to the red carpet, Kimiko Glenn kept to the understated theme by with a contemporary look by wearing Dionea Orcini ear climbers. In white of course. 

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2014 Oscar Jewelry that Ruled the Red Carpet

Lupita Nyong’o celebrates her Best Supporting Actress win wearing Fred Leighton.

The designers with the biggest influence on Oscar jewelry this year were Fred Leighton, Chopard, Lorraine Schwartz and Neil Lane. They certainly weren’t alone but their direction in this year's looks cannot be denied.

Statement necklaces were big this year along with a few large drop earrings.Classic white was most prominent.  

Gold is always a big part of the jewelry being worn by the stars on the red carpet. However, this year the precious metal seemed to be more prevalent. Two things can account for this. First, the work of LoveGold, the fashion jewelry initiative of the World Gold Council in making sure that those on the red carpet are aware of the gold jewelry available. Second, the dramatic drop in the price of the precious metal in 2013. So gold is not only back on the red carpet it is again working its way into retail stores in the US and other countries.

Diamonds always sparkle on the red carpet but maybe this year that sparkle was a little brighter.  That’s because Forevermark, the diamond jewelry brand from De Beers, helped dress several celebrities with its high jewelry pieces made primarily of white diamonds on white gold and platinum. Speaking of platinum the white precious metal certainly had its moments at the 86th Annual Academy Awards.

Below is run down of what the stars wore on the red carpet.

Lupita Nyong’o, was dressed from head to fingers in Fred Leighton, including an 18k yellow gold and diamond headband, a 19th Century yellow gold and diamond coiled snake bracelet, an 18k yellow gold and rose-cut diamond spiked crescent earrings, an 18k yellow gold Frog ring, a 19th Century yellow gold, pearl and diamond ring, a 19th Century yellow gold and opal ring, and finally a 1960s 18k gold, turquoise, and diamond ring.

Jennifer Lawrence wore a $2 million Neil Lane crystal, diamond (100 carats) and platinum necklace that draped down her back. She matched it with Neil Lane platinum and 10-carat diamond stud earrings and a $1 million platinum and diamond ring set with 3 fancy colored diamonds.

The statement necklace of the evening had to be the $15 million Harry Winston Cluster Pendant worn by Charlize Theron. The feature stone is a 31-carat square-emerald-cut flawless diamond set in a cluster of diamonds. It has 155 total diamonds.

Best Actress winner Cate Blanchett wore drop earrings featuring 62 white opals (33 carats) set in white diamond pave and 18k white gold. It is the first preview of Chopard’s 2014 Red Carpet Collection. She also selected a brown diamond bracelet (49 carats) set in 18k white gold, and a toi y moi (you are me) pear-shape diamond ring (4 carats) set in 18k white gold from the luxury brand.

Angelina Jolie wore 42-carat round diamond drop earrings set in yellow gold by Robert Procop—the gem expert, private luxury jeweler and jewelry design partner of Jolie.

Idina Menzel wore a Chimento 77.12-carat diamond collar worth more than $300,000, a Chimento 34.6-carat diamond bracelet worth over $100,000 on the red carpet along with Demarco diamond earrings, and a Suzanne Kalan diamond ring.

Amy Adams wore a reported $1.4 million worth of jewelry from the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Collection. It included 18k yellow gold rhodochrosite, lapis and turquoise earrings with diamonds; 18k yellow gold square modified brilliant yellow diamond bracelet; 18k yellow gold ring with fire opal, pink sapphire, yellow diamond and spessertite garnet beads; and gold Tiffany Metro diamond band rings.

Best Actress nominee Sandra Bullock chose to wear a Lorraine Schwartz $1.8 million platinum and diamond cluster earrings along with a Lorraine Schwartz platinum and diamond bracelet.

Anne Hathaway wore a $1 million platinum and 100-carat diamond bracelet by Neil Lane who also supplied a $250,000 platinum and square-cut emerald and diamond ring, and platinum and diamond stud earrings.

Margot Robbie chose Forevermark Exceptional Diamond Jewelry by Rahaminov that included a 55.26-carat necklace set in platinum, along with Forevermark by Premier Gem Martini Set Diamond Studs set in 18k white gold, and a Forevermark Swirl Ring set in 18k White Gold.

Jennifer Garner wore Forevermark Exceptional Diamond Jewelry by Rahaminov that included a 28.02ctw line bracelet set in platinum, Forevermark by Maria Canale Madison ring with three fancy yellow cushion diamonds set in 18k white gold, Forevermark Radiant Diamond Solitaire ring, Forevermark Diamond Line Earrings set in 18k white gold and Forevermark diamond bracelets set in 18k white gold.

Naomi Watts wore a web-like statement necklace and bracelet by Bulgari. 

Kate Hudson was decked out in Neil Lane platinum jewelry that included 10 carat diamond drop earrings, a faceted crystal ring and a bracelet with sapphire and diamonds.

Kelly Osbourne stood out in the jewelry department by choosing pieces from designer Solange Azagury-Partridge. She wore an 18k yellow gold and diamond Crinoline earrings, 18k yellow gold and diamond Spaghetti Bombe ring, 18k yellow gold Skeleton square ring, and 18k yellow gold and diamond Offering ring.

Olivia Wilde wore several pieces by Lorraine Schwartz including platinum earrings with white diamonds and jade, platinum bangles with white and black jade, and a platinum ring with black and white diamonds.

Penelope Cruz wore Chopard, including platinum and diamond chandelier earrings, featuring a floral cluster of pear shaped diamonds (12 carats) and brilliant cut diamonds drops (4 carats); and a platinum bracelet with fancy shape diamonds (35 carats).

Kristen Bell in Piaget necklace and earrings.

Kristin Chenoweth wears Neil Lane yellow gold and diamond pin wheel earrings, yellow gold chain bracelet, and yellow gold and diamond ring. 

Jessica Biel in platinum jewelry by Tiffany & Co.

Sally Hawkins In Fred Leighton antique diamond double drop earrings in gold and an old mine diamond ring set in gold.

Lady Gaga in Lorraine Schwartz rose gold and 20 carat diamond studs, rose gold and diamond bracelet, and a rose gold and fancy grey diamond ring surrounded by pink diamonds.

Camila Alves in Lorraine Schwartz rose gold and pink diamond earrings with rose gold and diamond ring.

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Uggie and Miss Piggy Are Bejeweled at the 2012 Oscars

Uggie the dog
Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Chopard and Fred Leighton were two of the most successful jewelers at this year’s Oscars and whether the wearer had two legs or four legs or no legs, the jewelers showed their flair and artistry in designing baubles that fit the occasion.

The Swiss luxury brand Chopard had the good fortune of bejeweling several members involved with the big winner of the evening, TheArtist, including Uggie the dog. For his four-legged walk on the red carpet, the Jack Russell Terrior was adorned with a black-satin collar shaped as a bow that is clasped in the front with an 18k yellow gold bone engraved with his name.

The one-of-a-kind collar was designed by Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of Chopard. The collar will be auctioned off to benefit the Amanda Foundation, a Los Angeles–based animal rescue organization.

Meanwhile, Fred Leighton had the honor of providing jewels for the most beautiful Muppet of them all (just ask her): Miss Piggy. She was apparently demanding lots of bling and the jeweler complied by adorning her with a 1950s 55-carat diamond and platinum swirl necklace and matching 40-carat swirl bracelet; and a 70-carat amethyst and diamond ring from the 1940s.

Miss Piggy wears Fred Leighton. Photo credit: Getty Images

She approved of the jewelry, according to reports.

2012 Oscars Red Carpet Jewelry

Gwyneth Paltrow Wears Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie on the red carpet, including the Hearts of Winter cuff bracelet made of 2,368 rose-cut, round brilliant diamonds weighing 163 carats and valued at $1 million; and the double hoop Duchess Hibiscus Ring made of rose cut and round diamonds with purple sapphires set in 18-karat white gold and valued at $160,000. 

With a silent film taking the night’s biggest prizes and two Octogenarians nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscars (one winning), it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that it was night of nostalgia when it came to red carpet fashion for the 84th Academy Awards. The jewelry worn by the movie industry’s biggest stars kept with that trend with classic designs and plenty of old-time sparkle.

Best Actress nominee, Michelle Williams, arrives at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in a 30-carat Fred Leighton diamond forevermark necklace. Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Green, the most popular color last year, was still very much in the limelight but shared the stage with red and blue. Necklaces were more difficult to spot than in previous years and the ones that were worn took to more traditional designs, such as riviera style necklaces, rather than the big, bold necklaces that some jewelry designers and luxury brands had ready for the stars to wear. Earrings were mostly kept to modest lengths. When size did matter it was used for rings and bracelets, such as large cuffs. Emerald and diamonds seemed to the most popular gemstones for the evening.

Natalie Portman wears a V-shaped diamond necklace and diamond earrings on the red carpet. Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Harry Winston and Fred Leighton were among the favorites of the actresses as were the Swiss brands, Chopard and Piaget. Hollywood’s popular jewelry designers, Lorraine Schwartz and Neil Lane, also had outstanding nights. Largely missing in action were the Italian jewelry houses, Bulgari and Damiani; and the French fashion houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. Tiffany also had a quiet night, with the exception of placing $1 million worth of jewelry on Cameron Diaz.

Penelope Cruz wears a Chopard riviera style necklace and diamond ear clips. Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Overall, risk taking took a backseat to old Hollywood glamour. For the most part it was a good thing.

Cameron Diaz arrives on the red carpet wearing $1 million worth of Tiffany jewels, including the diamond necklace. Photo credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Octavia Spencer, Best Supporting Actress, winner for The Help finished her look with Neil Lane jewelry and a Judith Leiber clutch. Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Jessica Chastain on the red carpet wearing Harry Winston jewels.

Milla Jovovich wears Jacob & Co.

The Iron Lady Meryl Streep wears Fred Leighton.

Emma Stone in Fred Leighton on the red carpet.

George Clooney's SO, Stacy Kiebler, wears Lorraine Schwartz.

Former Fred Leighton Owner Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Former owner of Fred Leighton Jewelry, Ralph Esmerian, on February 19, 2007.  Photo credit: Marsaili McGrath/Getty Images

Ralph Esmerian, the former owner and chairman of Manhattan-based luxury jewelry retailer Fred Leighton Holdings Inc., was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to six years in prison for wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and concealment of assets in connection with a scheme to embezzle and double-pledge collateral  estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, Preet Bhara, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced.

Esmerian used the assets to secure more than $210 million in loans to finance his business operations and to purchase Fred Leighton in 2005, which served as a retail outlet for the inventory of his company, R. Esmerian Inc.

U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote also ordered Esmerian to forfeit $20 million and perform 1,800 hours of community service. In imposing the sentence on July 22, Cote said that Esmerian “lived a life of fraud and deceit on a massive scale.”

In April, Esmerian pled guilty to the crimes. Under the plea agreement, he faced from 97 months to ten years in prison, according to reports.

“Ralph Esmerian tried to game the financial system and the bankruptcy process for years to finance his businesses,” U.S. attorney Bhara said. “As a result of his frauds, the lenders who trusted him have lost tens of millions of dollars.”

Fred Leighton specializes in vintage jewelry and is often referred to as the “Jeweler to the Stars,” where its museum-quality jewelry, rare artifacts and gems are often found on well-known actors and celebrities during “Red Carpet” events. New York-based jewelry manufacturer and retailer, Kwiat, purchased Fred Leighton in 2009. (pictured left: Amy Adams in Fred Leighton 1950s bib necklace—made up of approximately 630 carats of emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Photo credit: John Shearer/WireImage)

According to the criminal complaint filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and statements made in court, Esmerian estimated his inventory to be worth approximately $192.3 million as of December 2006. He financed the purchase of Fred Leighton and REI's business operations by obtaining at least $217 million in loans from Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital, Inc., Acorn Capital Group, LLC and other sources. In 2005 and 2006, he borrowed approximately $177 million from Merrill Lynch, using as security the inventory of Fred Leighton and a collection of rare jewelry, artifacts and antiquities. However, by the time Esmerian entered into the 2006 loan agreements, he had secretly sold some of the pledged collateral which he estimated to be worth over $3.4 million. Soon thereafter, without informing Merrill Lynch, and what the court deemed to be in violation of the loan agreements, Esmerian sold an additional $1.6 million worth of Merrill Lynch's collateral, and double-pledged over $6 million worth of additional collateral to help secure a $40 million loan from Acorn.

In January 2008, the New York State Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order, which “Esmerian repeatedly violated by secretly selling additional Merrill Lynch collateral and converting the proceeds to his own use,” according to the U.S. attorney’s statement.

On April 15, 2008, Esmerian caused Fred Leighton to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In the course of the bankruptcy proceeding, despite orders of the bankruptcy court, “Esmerian repeatedly and systematically embezzled tens of millions of dollars worth of property of Fred Leighton and related debtor entities, sold that property, and kept the proceeds for himself or to pay off other debts,” according the U.S. attorney’s statement.

Among the Merrill Lynch collateral he sold, were a 13-ct. Burma ruby and diamond ring with an estimated worth of $2.94 million, he sold for $2 million; and rare butterfly brooch consisting of hundreds of virtually flawless colored diamonds valued at approximately $2.45 million.

Ralph O. Esmerian Pleads Guilty to Fraud

Former owner of Fred Leighton Jewelry, Ralph Esmerian, on February 19, 2007.  (Photo by Marsaili McGrath/Getty Images)

The former owner of Fred Leighton pled guilty to bankruptcy fraud and other crimes Friday in a U.S. District Court in New York.

Ralph O. Esmerian pled guilty to a three-count indictment charging him with wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud and concealment of assets before U.S. District Judge Denise Cote, according to media reports.

Fred Leighton specializes in vintage jewelry and is often referred to as the “Jeweler to the Stars,” where its museum-quality jewelry, rare artifacts and gems are often found on well-known actors and celebrities during “Red Carpet” events. Esmerian bought Fred Leighton in 2005 as a retail outlet for the inventory of his company, R. Esmerian Inc. (Left photo: Nicole Kidman in a 150-ct. 19th Century Riviere diamond necklace by Fred Leighton at the 2011 Oscars. )

Prosecutors from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office said in November, at the time the charges were filed, that Esmerian borrowed $210 million against the jewels to help finance his businesses. About $177 million was borrowed from Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital Inc. to buy Fred Leighton, a rare antique and vintage jewelry dealer, according to media reports.

Esmerian reportedly told Cote that the assets and jewels he had embezzled and double-pledged were worth at least $20 million, according to reports. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Massey told the judge that the government valued the assets at between $20 million to $50 million.

under a plea agreement, Esmerian faces from 97 months to ten years in prison when he is sentenced on July 22, according to reports. He could have faced 30 years in prison.