This year’s LACMA Art + Film Gala red carpet shimmered with bold colour and unapologetic sparkle - a celebration of bold gemstone jewellery that felt both fresh and timeless. Oversized cuts, sculptural settings, and saturated hues are back in full force, proving that gemstones in fine jewellery isn’t just a trend - it’s a revival.

A Brief History of Statement Gemstones

The fascination with statement gemstones is far from new. In fact, it has resurfaced time and again throughout design history - most iconically in the Art Deco era (1920–1939).

Born from a world rebuilding after war, Art Deco design embraced geometry, power, and modernity. Clean lines replaced delicate curves, and jewellers began experimenting with sharp, architectural gemstone cuts - Asscher, emerald, baguette, and kite shapes - that embodied progress and precision. 

Platinum made these bolder constructions possible, allowing intricate yet robust settings that showed off gems in all their brilliance.

Later decades would see gemstone jewellery morph through the glamour of mid-century cocktail rings, the colourful rebellion of the ’70s, and the sculptural opulence of the ’80s. 

Today, the pendulum has swung back once again: contemporary fashion is embracing chunky silhouettes and saturated gems that command attention and express individuality.

Pendant jewellery has become a defining feature of current style, seen on red carpets and beyond - from A$AP Rocky’s ruby pendant at the Met Gala to Walton Goggins’ emerald necklace at the Emmys.

The resurgence of pearls has also redefined elegance, with stars like Zendaya proving their effortless versatility at Wimbledon. Meanwhile, statement earrings continue to shine, and even classic diamond lovers are embracing fancy-coloured and gemstone alternatives for a touch of individuality.

It’s this renewed love for colour, craftsmanship, and expression that set the tone for this year’s LACMA Art + Film Gala, where gemstones stole the spotlight.

The Looks

Demi Moore embodied timeless allure in ruby and rubellite earrings totalling over 35 carats, a matching bracelet adorned with six carats of natural diamonds, and an array of sculptural diamond rings.

Cynthia Erivo embodied modern elegance, pairing grey pearl drop earrings with a striking pearl solitaire ring that echoed the sculptural embellishment of her gown.

Doja Cat delivered high-drama glamour in 209.96 carats, centred around a spectacular 35.75-carat Fancy Yellow radiant-cut diamond suspended from a river of white diamonds. 

Salma Hayek brought pure red-carpet radiance in a necklace featuring a 46-carat rubellite tourmaline framed by pink and green tourmalines, mother of pearl, and a constellation of white and fancy yellow diamonds.

Billie Lourd brought timeless sophistication to the LACMA red carpet, layering emerald and diamond pieces for maximum impact. A striking diamond necklace with an emerald halo pendant, paired with an emerald-set collar and an emerald halo ring. 

Gemstone Rings

• Kaia Gerber elevated her sleek red gown with a bold black statement ring.
• Kerry Washington paired her architectural gown, centring her look on a striking emerald ring that caught the light with every movement.
• Ariana Greenblatt embraced dark romance with a 4.98-carat black diamond ring that radiated quiet power. 

At Holts Gems, our collection captures this same energy: think bold cuts, vivid stones, and settings designed to make a statement. Whether you’re drawn to the architectural edge of an emerald-cut gem or the rich depth of a coloured sapphire, our designs offer timeless glamour with a modern twist.

Keep Your Gems Glowing

Gemstone jewellery deserves to shine - literally. Our polishing and cleaning service restores your treasured pieces to their original brilliance, so every facet catches the light just as it should.

Explore our gemstone collection, rediscover your bold side, and let your jewellery tell a story of power, colour, and craftsmanship - just as it did a century ago.