Red Carpet Revelry: Our Favorite Style Moments and Jewelry Trends from the Emmy Awards
The Primetime Emmy Awards are more than just a celebration of television’s finest talent; they are a dazzling showcase where the worlds of entertainment and high fashion brilliantly collide. On September 18th, the 68th annual ceremony transformed the red carpet into a runway, offering a breathtaking display of sartorial excellence and exquisite fine jewelry. This year, the trends spoke volumes: dresses burst with vibrant color, while diamonds sparkled with unparalleled brilliance, cementing their status as the ultimate red-carpet accessory. Among the most talked-about trends were dramatic statement earrings, alongside colossal two-stone and cluster diamond rings that commanded attention with every flash of the camera. Join us as we revisit the most unforgettable looks from the evening, highlighting the key trends that dominated the night and the accomplished actresses who wore them with exceptional grace and style.
Yellow Gowns: A Ray of Sunshine on the Red Carpet
While the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards undoubtedly offered a kaleidoscope of colors—with shades of blue, green, and fiery red making frequent appearances—it was the audacious choice of yellow gowns that truly captured the imagination of fashion enthusiasts and critics alike. This vibrant, often overlooked hue emerged as an undeniable trend, proving that a bold and sunny disposition can easily steal the show. Several prominent actresses embraced this cheerful shade, turning heads and setting a new standard for daring red-carpet fashion.
Among the luminaries who championed the yellow trend was Taraji P. Henson, the formidable Best Actress nominee for her iconic role in Empire. Henson radiated confidence in a custom Vera Wang gown, a masterpiece of design that combined sleek sophistication with a playful, yet elegant, silhouette. Her dress, a striking marigold yellow, flowed effortlessly, showcasing a modern elegance that perfectly mirrored her powerful on-screen presence. Similarly, Minnie Driver opted for a gown by Versace, known for its bold designs and luxurious feel. Driver’s yellow Versace creation was a testament to the brand’s glamorous aesthetic, likely featuring intricate detailing or a dramatic cut that emphasized her commanding stature. Not to be outdone, Mandy Moore graced the carpet in a stunning Prabal Gurung design. Gurung, celebrated for his innovative use of color and sculptural forms, crafted a yellow gown for Moore that was both strikingly modern and exquisitely feminine, cementing her status as a red-carpet fashion icon.
The beauty of these yellow gowns was further enhanced by their exquisite jewelry pairings. Angela Bassett, a timeless vision of elegance, accessorized her dramatic Christian Siriano caped gown with an array of breathtaking, on-trend iridescent jewels. Her ensemble featured a magnificent Coomi fire opal and diamond cuff, its fiery hues perfectly complementing the warmth of her gown. She further adorned herself with a captivating Gilan opal ring and a delicate Le Vian opal ring, creating a cohesive and mesmerizing look that highlighted the mystical allure of opals. Meanwhile, Ellie Kemper, a Best Actress nominee for her delightful performance in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, chose a more classic approach. Her charming Jenny Packham frock was beautifully paired with a selection of gorgeous Neil Lane yellow gold jewelry. The warm tones of the yellow gold exquisitely harmonized with her dress, adding a touch of classic Hollywood glamour without overshadowing her effervescent personality. These pairings demonstrated how thoughtfully chosen jewelry can elevate a colorful gown, transforming an outfit into a truly unforgettable statement.
Angela Bassett (photo courtesy of @siriano)
Drop Earrings: A Symphony of Sparkle
Year after year, statement earrings prove their enduring appeal on the red carpet, and the 68th Emmy Awards were no exception. This season, drop earrings took center stage, framing faces with cascades of light and intricate designs, once again asserting their dominance as the must-have accessory for any glamorous ensemble. These magnificent pieces ranged from dazzling diamond creations to designs punctuated with vibrant gemstones, each pair a miniature work of art.
Sarah Paulson, who rightfully clinched the Best Actress award for her compelling portrayal in The People v. O.J. Simpson, adorned herself with exquisite Wilfredo Rosado drop earrings. Rosado is celebrated for his bold and artistic approach to jewelry design, and Paulson’s choice likely featured an intricate, architectural form or a playful use of mixed materials that perfectly complemented her sophisticated gown and victorious glow. Keri Russell, a Best Actress nominee for her intense role in The Americans, showcased the elegance of Fernando Jorge’s designs. Jorge is known for his fluid, organic shapes that often echo natural forms, suggesting Russell’s earrings were graceful, perhaps with delicate curves that added a subtle yet undeniable sparkle to her look. Tracee Ellis Ross, a Best Actress nominee for her comedic brilliance in Black-ish, made a striking impression with De Grisogono earrings. The luxury jeweler is synonymous with daring and opulent designs, often incorporating exotic gemstones and unique cuts, ensuring Ross’s earrings were a conversation starter. Actress Connie Britton brought classic sophistication to the carpet with Beladora jewelry. Beladora specializes in vintage and estate pieces, implying Britton’s earrings might have boasted an old-world charm, perhaps a breathtaking antique design that exuded timeless elegance.
Good Morning America host Lara Spencer opted for the refined beauty of Fred Leighton. Leighton’s designs are often characterized by their classic elegance and stunning craftsmanship, ensuring Spencer’s drop earrings were both radiant and impeccably tasteful, adding a touch of old-school glamour. And delivering a spectacular pop of color that truly stood out, actress Tina Fey enchanted in Lorraine Schwartz earrings. Schwartz is a favorite among Hollywood’s elite for her ability to create unique, eye-catching pieces that often feature large, exceptional gemstones. Fey’s choice likely showcased a vibrant, richly colored gem—perhaps emeralds, sapphires, or rubies—set in a design that was both modern and utterly captivating, proving that a splash of intense color can be just as impactful as a cascade of diamonds.
Sarah Paulson (photo courtesy of @beladorajewelry)
Two-Stone and Cluster Diamond Rings: The Art of Brilliance
Diamonds, with their unparalleled sparkle and timeless allure, continue to reign supreme as the quintessential red-carpet gemstone. At this year’s Emmy Awards, designers pushed the boundaries of traditional diamond settings, showcasing a clear trend towards maximalist designs that celebrated sheer brilliance and captivating dimension. The evening was dominated by magnificent two-stone and cluster diamond rings, pieces that offered an even greater “bling” factor, ensuring every hand gesture caught the light and the attention of onlookers.
These innovative ring styles move beyond the classic solitaire, offering more intricate narratives of design and sparkle. Two-stone rings, often symbolizing togetherness or a harmonious partnership, present a powerful visual statement with two prominent diamonds side-by-side or creatively intertwined. Cluster rings, on the other hand, artfully arrange multiple diamonds of varying sizes into a stunning, often floral or geometric, mosaic of light, maximizing their collective brilliance and creating a larger-than-life effect. These designs demonstrate a desire for both grandeur and intricate craftsmanship.
Among the celebrities who beautifully showcased this trend was Tatiana Maslany, the deserving Best Actress winner for her incredible work in Orphan Black. Maslany adorned her hands with a selection of Forevermark diamond rings, prominently featuring a breathtaking two-diamond stunner from Rahaminov Diamonds. This piece, likely boasting two exquisitely cut, perfectly matched diamonds, spoke volumes of refined luxury and contemporary design, perfectly complementing her victorious spirit. Claire Danes, a Best Actress nominee for her gripping performance in Homeland, also opted for a Forevermark two-diamond stunner. Her choice likely highlighted the brand’s commitment to responsibly sourced and exquisitely cut diamonds, presenting a piece that was both ethical and undeniably glamorous.
Actress Michelle Dockery, known for her sophisticated style, showcased a stunning Harry Winston cluster diamond ring. Harry Winston, often dubbed the “King of Diamonds,” is synonymous with unparalleled quality and iconic designs. Dockery’s cluster ring would have been a masterpiece of light, with meticulously set diamonds creating a breathtaking tapestry of sparkle, reflecting the brand’s legacy of extraordinary gems. Finally, Project Runway host Heidi Klum brought her characteristic flair to the red carpet with a magnificent three-stone Lorraine Schwartz ring. While slightly different from a pure cluster, a three-stone ring shares the philosophy of maximizing impact through multiple, significant diamonds. Schwartz’s designs are always bold and unique, suggesting Klum’s ring featured three exceptional diamonds, perhaps in a unique arrangement or featuring distinct cuts, ensuring it was a powerful statement piece that perfectly suited her vibrant personality and high-fashion sensibility.
Tatiana Maslany (photo courtesy of @rahaminovdiamonds)
Something Different: Unique Expressions of Style
While trends provide a framework for red-carpet fashion, it’s often the unique, unexpected choices that truly leave a lasting impression. At the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, several actresses dared to diverge from the mainstream, opting for distinct looks that celebrated individuality and pushed the boundaries of conventional glamour. These “something different” moments showcased innovative design, personal flair, and a bold willingness to stand out.
One such captivating choice was made by the ever-glamorous actress Sofia Vergara. Known for her impeccable style and love for dramatic jewelry, Vergara graced the carpet with an incredible rose gold and diamond cuff ring by Lorraine Schwartz. This wasn’t merely a ring; it was a wearable sculpture. A cuff ring wraps around the finger, often extending beyond the traditional band, and in rose gold with diamonds, it presented a stunning fusion of warmth and sparkle. Lorraine Schwartz is celebrated for her opulent and distinctive creations, and this piece likely featured an intricate, perhaps even architectural, design that perfectly complemented Vergara’s dazzling personality and added a contemporary edge to her ensemble. The choice of rose gold, a metal known for its romantic and modern appeal, further distinguished this piece from the more traditional white gold or platinum often seen on the red carpet.
Emilia Clarke, a Best Supporting Actress nominee for her compelling role in Game of Thrones, opted for a subtly rebellious yet undeniably chic look with understated but bold mismatched Jack Vartanian earrings. Mismatched earrings are a playful and modern trend, offering an asymmetrical elegance that challenges traditional symmetry. Vartanian’s designs often feature sleek lines and a contemporary aesthetic, suggesting Clarke’s earrings might have combined different shapes, lengths, or gemstone placements in a way that was both sophisticated and intriguing, providing a fresh perspective on red-carpet jewelry. This choice allowed her to express her unique style while maintaining an air of effortless cool.
Finally, actresses Kristen Bell and Viola Davis, the latter a Best Actress nominee for her powerful performance in How to Get Away With Murder, both made a unified statement of timeless luxury by wearing platinum-and-diamond cuffs by Harry Winston. While these might not have been cuff *rings* but rather elegant wrist cuffs, their choice highlighted a sophisticated approach to high jewelry. Harry Winston, a name synonymous with extraordinary diamonds and unparalleled craftsmanship, creates pieces that are inherently iconic. These platinum-and-diamond cuffs would have been masterworks, likely featuring significant diamonds set in elegant, flexible platinum bands, symbolizing strength, elegance, and enduring beauty. The choice of cuffs for both actresses underscored a trend towards bold, sculptural jewelry that graces the wrist, offering a regal and impactful alternative to more conventional bracelets, perfectly accentuating their gowns and adding a majestic touch to their red-carpet presence.
The 68th Primetime Emmy Awards red carpet was a vibrant tapestry of color, sparkle, and individual expression. From the sunny disposition of yellow gowns to the dazzling brilliance of two-stone diamond rings and the daring artistry of mismatched earrings, the evening provided a rich source of inspiration for fashion lovers worldwide. It was a night where television’s best shone not only for their talent but also for their impeccable style, setting trends that will undoubtedly influence future red-carpet events and fashion collections.
Sofia Vergara (photo courtesy of @sofiavergara)
Additional reporting by Melissa Bernardo
News Source: JCKonline.com