Every era has its iconic images, the ones we recognise instantly, even years later. In 2025, these images were not limited to a dress or a silhouette. They often centred on our favourite detail: an emerald, an old-cut diamond, or a sculptural setting.

A global tour of red carpets, guided by jewellery

In January, in Hollywood, the awards ceremonies set the tone. At both the Oscars and the Golden Globes, fine jewellery took centre stage with necklaces worn close to the neck or, conversely, with a bold, sweeping design, crafted to capture the spotlight and stand out in viral images.

In the spring, the Cannes Film Festival confirmed this return to bold jewellery. On the red carpet, jewellery was no longer content merely to complement outfits but asserted its own narrative, often worn alone, against bare skin, almost without artifice.

In Venice, during the Mostra, jewellery took on an even more cinematic dimension. Archival pieces, historical references, settings with an almost museum-like quality – the red carpet was transformed into a showcase of heritage.

Finally, in London at the BAFTAs, a more restrained yet equally significant elegance prevailed, featuring vintage stones, understated lines, and precious yet discreet settings. Another way, just as powerful, of making a statement with jewellery without being provocative.

The brands that shaped the jewellery narrative of 2025

Certain brands have been a constant visual presence throughout the year.

Cartier confirmed its status as the undisputed benchmark on the red carpet, blending contemporary pieces with reinterpretations of archive designs. Jewellery designed to be instantly recognisable, even in a close-up shot.

At Boucheron, high jewellery became daring, at times almost radical. The volumes interacted with movement, transforming the jewellery into a powerful visual statement.

Van Cleef & Arpels continued its exploration of an ethereal elegance, where technique gives way to poetry. Jewellery that captivates through its grace rather than its ostentation.

Maison Chaumet’s high jewellery left a lasting impression with the confident return of statement necklaces and contemporary tiaras.

Internationally, Bulgari has established its coloured gemstones as radiant signatures, whilst Harry Winston and Graff have embodied a more classic yet ever-irresistible vision of Hollywood glamour, dominated by the diamond.

Jewellery becomes an image in its own right

On social media, in photographers’ portfolios, in the collective memory, certain images have circulated almost devoid of context: a neck, a stone, a setting. Jewellery has become an image in itself, capable of condensing luxury, craftsmanship and desire into a single glance.

What next? What 2025 heralds for 2026

As 2026 dawns, a trend is taking shape and jewellery will remain firmly in the spotlight. Red carpets will continue to serve as visual laboratories where high jewellery tests its limits with even bolder volumes, archive pieces emerging from the shadows, and bespoke creations designed first and foremost for the image.

A symbol of power, culture and storytelling, it will stand on its own. Shine on the red carpet? Yes, but with a particular significance for brands, by partnering with the ‘right’ celebrity – the one who will showcase the house’s values – because, above all, it is a question of ethics! And on red carpets around the world, jewellery seems ready to write the next chapter.

Translated by Bethszabee Garner