Vintage Jewelry Is Everywhere on the Red Carpet of the 2026 Awards Shows

In a world of increasingly unique engagement rings, the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet made it clear that jewelry has reached a point of innovation. Excess is no longer desired, youth is no longer attractive, and abstinence has regained cultural advantage. What emerged was not a return to culture. It was a re-emphasis on values: pieces chosen for material quality, proportion, and placement.

The old days are back in a big way, baby! There were no mixed instruments, no ensemble, no layered narrative. Here are the key takeaways for translating those same principles beyond the red carpet.

Uninterrupted Lines

From the bold Repossi collar on Hailee Steinfeld to the Bulgari Serpenti necklace worn by Hudson Williams, the routine revolves around one decisive act. Whether set in diamonds, solid gold, or polished metal, necklaces and bracelets were worn alone, without stacking, layering, or additional adornments. The method was sculptural with only level as a point of variation.

Cocktail Hour Exchange

Rather than meet expectations (a diamond bracelet), Jennifer Lawrence wore a vintage Longines watch, presenting a character with age and diversion instead of balance and sophistication. The same style applies to the carpet. Swapping out a fixed bracelet for a thin art deco watch read is considered and thought out and can prove nothing.

White Gold (or Platinum) Over White Noise

Neutral in color and understated, the Golden Globes red carpet saw a striking yellow gold, a metal that often communicates quickly and loudly. As for the diamonds, the lack of color kept the attention on the silhouettes, allowing the stones to register cleanly without visual competition. But it wasn’t just reserved for jewelry. Timothée Chalamet’s eponymous UJ-2 platinum by the newly relaunched Urban Jürgensen brand emphasized substance and form above all else.

Divination of the Subject

This doesn’t mean that classics have to be boring! Many lapels were fed with an intentional brooch (usually a Boucheron)—or a dozen in the case of Colman Domingo. With endless things to take in, a brooch adds whimsy and surprise in a controlled way. Diamonds of your choice.