In the modern era of celebrity culture, where every public appearance is meticulously scrutinised, jewellery has become an essential tool for stars to express their style, status, and even their personal stories. Today’s celebrities use jewellery not just to adorn themselves but to make powerful statements about who they are. From the red carpet to social media, the jewellery choices of contemporary stars have the power to set trends and create cultural moments that resonate far beyond the world of fashion.
Beyoncé: The Queen’s Crown Jewels
No discussion of contemporary celebrity jewellery would be complete without mentioning Beyoncé. Known for her unparalleled influence in both music and fashion, Beyoncé has used jewellery to elevate her public persona to regal heights. In 2021, she made history as the first Black woman to wear the legendary Tiffany Diamond, a 128.54-carat yellow diamond, for the “About Love” campaign. This monumental moment not only highlighted the diamond’s storied past but also Beyoncé’s status as a modern-day icon.
Beyond this, Beyoncé frequently opts for bold, custom pieces that reflect her powerful presence. At the 2017 Grammy Awards, she wore a golden crown and earrings designed by Lorraine Schwartz, further solidifying her image as the queen of the music industry.
Rihanna: The Rule Breaker
Rihanna has always been a trendsetter, and her approach to jewellery is no different. She’s known for blending high fashion with street style, often opting for bold, avant-garde pieces that challenge traditional notions of luxury. Her collaboration with Chopard led to the creation of the Rihanna Loves Chopard collection, which features high jewellery that reflects her unique blend of edgy and elegant style.
At the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, Rihanna wore an oversized diamond necklace from Chopard, paired with a sleek, off-the-shoulder gown. The juxtaposition of the classic diamonds with her modern, fearless fashion sense created an unforgettable look that still influences red carpet jewellery choices today.
Zendaya: The New Face of Elegance
Zendaya has quickly become one of the most influential style icons of her generation, known for her daring yet sophisticated fashion choices. Her jewellery selections often blend classic elegance with contemporary flair. At the 2021 Oscars, she wore a custom Bulgari necklace featuring 183.3 carats of diamonds, paired with a vibrant yellow Valentino gown. The look was a masterclass in modern elegance, with the necklace serving as the perfect complement to her youthful, yet timeless, style.
Zendaya’s red carpet appearances are often accompanied by bold jewellery choices, from oversized earrings to statement rings, that highlight her ability to merge traditional beauty with contemporary edge.
Billie Eilish: Redefining Luxury
Billie Eilish has emerged as a style icon for a new generation, known for her unique and often unconventional approach to fashion. Her jewellery choices reflect her individuality, often leaning towards oversized chains, chunky rings, and pieces that challenge traditional notions of femininity.
At the 2021 Met Gala, however, Eilish surprised fans with a glamorous Old Hollywood look, complete with Cartier diamonds. Her shift from street style to classic elegance demonstrated her versatility and her ability to use jewellery as a form of self-expression that evolves with her artistry.
Harry Styles: Gender-Fluid Fashion
Harry Styles has become a leading figure in the conversation about gender-fluid fashion, and his jewellery choices play a significant role in his style. Known for mixing traditionally masculine and feminine elements, Styles often opts for pearl necklaces, statement rings, and layered chains that blur the lines between conventional gender norms.
At the 2021 Grammys, Styles paired a leather suit with a string of pearls, making a bold statement about the future of men’s fashion. His jewellery choices are not just about aesthetics; they are a powerful expression of his commitment to breaking down barriers in the fashion industry.
The Impact of Contemporary Celebrity Jewellery
The jewellery choices of contemporary celebrities go beyond mere adornment; they are tools of expression, symbols of status, and sometimes, even acts of rebellion. Whether it’s through the opulent diamonds of Beyoncé, the edgy creations worn by Rihanna, or the gender-fluid pieces favoured by Harry Styles, today’s stars use jewellery to communicate their identity, values, and vision for the future of fashion.
As these celebrities continue to push boundaries and set trends, their jewellery choices will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of style icons and solidifying their place in the pantheon of fashion history.
