Awards season is always a playground for the most exquisite high jewelry—think dazzling diamonds, rare gemstones, and historic maisons vying for their moment in the spotlight. But this year, something unexpected happened: costume jewelry stole the show. From Ariana Grande’s shimmering Swarovski ensemble at the Golden Globes to Jennifer Lawrence’s playful Swarovski Created Diamonds Galaxy Collection at the Oscars, the message was clear—statement costume jewelry is in.
As a devoted jewelry collector, I’ll admit that high jewelry has always had my heart. There’s something about the craftsmanship of a vintage Van Cleef & Arpels piece or the weight of an old Cartier bracelet that makes me swoon. But seeing the red carpet awash with oversized crystal chokers, gilded chandelier earrings, and dramatic faux pearls made me feel something unexpected—excitement. It’s as if the stars gave us permission to revel in the joy of bold, theatrical adornment without the constraints of carat weight or provenance.
A Red Carpet Love Affair with Statement Costume Jewelry
This awards season, costume jewelry didn’t just make an appearance—it dominated. Celebrities across major events embraced bold, playful, and statement-making pieces, proving that high-impact jewels don’t have to come with sky-high price tags. From Ariana Grande’s ethereal Swarovski diamonds to Alicia Keys’ baroque-inspired Dolce & Gabbana earrings, the red carpets of 2025 were a testament to the power of well-styled costume jewelry.
Ariana Grande’s Old-Hollywood Glamour at the Golden Globes
At the 2025 Golden Globes, Ariana Grande delivered a lesson in modern-day Hollywood glamour. Dressed in a breathtaking embellished tube dress, complete with elegant white gloves, she turned to Swarovski jewelry for an extra dose of sparkle. The brand, known for its crystal mastery, provided the perfect balance of sophistication and whimsy.
Monica Mamudo’s Pretty-in-Pink SAG Awards Look
Monica Mamudo was another star who embraced Swarovski sparkle at the SAG Awards. Styled with a romantic off-the-shoulder pink corset dress, her choice of shimmering climber earrings and a dainty necklace brought a refined charm. This look was a reminder that costume jewelry isn’t just about affordability—it’s about self-expression.
Genevieve Chenneour’s Daring Choker Moment
Deep necklines and dramatic chokers were a match made in heaven at this year’s events. Genevieve Chenneour, who stunned in a deep-neck blue gown, chose a bold Swarovski choker at the SAG Awards that added edge to her ensemble. The piece, with its sleek design and crystalline brilliance, demonstrated how a single accessory can elevate an entire look.
Dafne Keen’s Faux Pearl Renaissance at the BAFTAs
Over at the BAFTA Film Awards, Dafne Keen turned heads with a large faux pearl choker from Lovers Lane London. The piece was a standout, offering a refreshing take on vintage glamour. Pearls—real or faux—have long been a symbol of timeless elegance, and Keen’s modern styling of an oversized faux pearl design proved that old-world aesthetics can still feel fresh and exciting.
Alicia Keys’ Ornate Gold Masterpiece
Few pieces made as bold a statement as Alicia Keys’ oversized chandelier earrings from Dolce & Gabbana. Paired with a black Dolce & Gabbana gown featuring a striking gold corset, the earrings were reminiscent of Renaissance-era opulence. In a time when minimalism often reigns supreme, Keys’ choice reaffirmed that maximalism is back, and statement costume jewelry is leading the charge.
Alice Abdel Aziz’s Red Carpet Extravaganza
At the 2025 Joy Awards, Alice Abdel Aziz demonstrated the power of over-the-top glamour. Her dramatic black gown was complemented by statement Swarovski jewels, proving that costume jewelry can hold its own even alongside the most extravagant couture. The combination of bold design and crystal brilliance made her one of the night’s most unforgettable style icons.
These celebrity moments collectively signaled a major shift in red carpet jewelry trends. No longer confined to fine diamonds and platinum, costume jewelry has solidified its place as a go-to for high-impact, high-fashion looks. Whether through dazzling Swarovski creations, oversized pearls, or opulent gold pieces, the 2025 awards season proved that costume jewelry isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a movement.
The Evolution of Costume Jewelry on the Red Carpet
The embrace of costume jewelry on the 2025 red carpets didn’t happen overnight. It has been brewing for a while, with designers and celebrities alike pushing back against the expectation that only mined gemstones define luxury. There was a time when costume jewelry was seen as a lesser alternative—a mere imitation of the real thing. But today, it stands in its own right as a force of fashion, offering artistic expression, affordability, and innovation.
One of my earliest encounters with costume jewelry in a high-fashion setting was years ago when I attended a private preview of a designer’s collection in Paris. She opened a velvet box and revealed a stunning choker of gilded brass and large, hand-cut crystals. “This isn’t meant to imitate diamonds,” she told me. “It’s meant to be its own kind of precious.” That sentiment is exactly what we’re seeing on the red carpet today.
Why Costume Jewelry Is Having a Moment
The Rise of Maximalism
Fashion has taken a sharp turn away from the quiet luxury aesthetic of delicate, barely-there jewels. Instead, designers are embracing bold, playful, and theatrical statement pieces. This shift isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about reclaiming personal style as a form of self-expression.
A New Definition of Luxury
For decades, luxury was synonymous with rarity and exclusivity. But today, luxury is about creativity, impact, and narrative. A necklace need not be set with paraiba tourmalines or Golconda diamonds to be breathtaking—it just needs to command attention and spark conversation.
I remember my first foray into costume jewelry—an extravagant Yves Saint Laurent cuff dripping in crystals. It wasn’t the most expensive piece in my collection, but every time I wore it, I felt unstoppable. And isn’t that the real magic of jewelry?
Sustainability and Accessibility
Many celebrities are also rethinking their jewelry choices in the context of sustainability and ethical fashion. Opting for crystal and lab-created diamonds over mined stones speaks to a broader movement toward responsible luxury. Costume jewelry offers a way to indulge in drama without compromise.
High-Low Pairing: The Future of Red Carpet Glamour
One of the most exciting developments is how celebrities are mixing costume jewelry with fine jewelry, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. Imagine layering a Swarovski crystal choker with a vintage Cartier rivière necklace—suddenly, both pieces feel fresh, modern, and uniquely personal.
How to Embrace the Trend
For jewelry collectors looking to integrate this trend into their own wardrobes, here are a few tips:
- Invest in bold statement pieces. Look for oversized earrings, chunky chokers, and gilded cuffs to anchor your look.
- Mix fine and costume jewelry. Pair a high-jewelry cocktail ring with a Swarovski crystal bracelet for a modern twist.
- Prioritize craftsmanship. The best costume jewelry is meticulously designed—seek out brands that treat costume jewels with the same artistry as high jewelry.
- Confidence is key. If a piece makes you feel glamorous, it doesn’t matter whether it’s diamonds or crystal—wear it like it belongs to you.
Learn More About Costume Jewelry
The Glamorous Comeback of Costume Jewelry
If there’s one thing this awards season has shown us, it’s that costume jewelry is no longer the underdog of the jewelry world. Instead, it’s being celebrated for what it truly is—a bold, expressive, and joyfully extravagant art form.
Fine jewelry will always hold its place in our collections, but right now, the world is embracing a new kind of glamour—one that prioritizes creativity over carats, confidence over convention. And frankly? I’m here for it.
Featured image: Getty Images
Amanda Akalonu is dedicated to weaving together the worlds of jewelry, watches, and objects through a lens of literary storytelling.
