The 12 Most Iconic Diamond Jewelry Looks from Past Venice Film Festivals 

Our top picks of the best jewelry from years past.

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The Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most prestigious culture exhibitions in the world, exploring themes of politics and contemporary social issues through the arts. At large, the Biennale features work across architecture, dance and music. And on August 31st, the ten day portion that is the 2022 Venice International Film Festival begins. Drawing stars from across the globe who will gather to promote and raise awareness for international cinema in all its forms, the 79th annual event promises to bring with it an excess of natural diamond jewelry and high fashion.

2022’s expected celebrity guests include Ana de Armas for her role as Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, Olivia Wilde for her new film Don’t Worry Darling (also starring Harry Styles and Florence Pugh) and Adam Driver for White Noise. To set the mood for the glamour they’ll likely be displaying, take a look back at some of the finest natural diamond jewelry from past years’ festivals.

Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet

Currently Hollywood’s biggest rising stars, IRL close friends Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet also share an impeccable sense of fashion. Seen here at the 2019 premiere of Dune, Zendaya wears a Balmain gown accessorized with a Bulgari serpenti necklace. Timothée opted for a sparkling black ensemble from Haider Ackerman and some jewels by Cartier.

Scarlett Johansson

A butterfly-shaped diamond headpiece: need we say more? Seen on Scarlett Johannson in 2006, this piece by Chopard is the perfect amount of fun and sophistication that embodies natural diamond jewelry.

Jennifer Lopez

Nearly a year before their wedding, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck made their first red carpet appearance as a couple at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. Dazzling as always, the now Mrs. Affleck opted for a three-piece Cartier diamond ensemble to accompany her plunging white dress from Georges Hobeika’s Haute Couture collection.

Anya Taylor-Joy

When Law Roach is your stylist there is no doubt that your look won’t steal the show (see: Zendaya). Channeling her role in Last Night in Soho, Anya’s look was old Hollywood excellence, composed of a custom Dior gown and an extravagant Tiffany & Co. diamond collar.

Gwyneth Paltrow

This wellness guru has been mastering the ethereal goddess look since 2011, and it’s safe to say, I think she nailed it. Seen here, Gwyneth attends the Contagion premiere wearing a blush pink Prada dress and Bulgari diamond chandelier earrings.

Jessica Chastain

Attending the premiere for their movie Scenes from a Marriage, Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac definitely turned heads. Looking almost as impressed of his costar as we are, Oscar here admires Jessica’s custom red Versace gown and Chopard diamond jewelry.

Lady Gaga

No one does a dramatic entrance quite like Lady Gaga. Attending the premiere for A Star is Born, the star herself walked the red carpet looking like a fairytale princess in a custom Valentino gown and Chopard diamond earrings

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett also opted for an elaborate feathered gown for the premiere of A Star is Born. To accessorize her black velvet Giorgio Armani dress, she also wore a set of beautiful Chopard diamond chandelier earrings. 

Sophia Loren

Once a little-known Italian actress, Sophia Loren’s 1958 Venice Film Festival diamond jewelry and attire helped her catch everyones eye. Wearing a white gown and stunning diamond collar, she later went on to win Best Actress for her portrayal of a gangster’s widow in the drama The Black Orchid.

Zoë Kravitz

When it comes to red carpet appearances, Zoë Kravitz can do no wrong. Looking back at her 2014 Venice Film Festival jewelry and attire, she opted for a daring red dress from Armani alongside a statement diamond bracelet and an array of diamond earrings.

Catherine Deneuve

Considered one of Europe’s finest actresses, Catherine Deneuve arrived at the 2010 Venice Film Festival as fabulous as ever in a black chiffon dress and Pomellato Catene diamond necklace.

Penélope Cruz

For the opening ceremony of the 2021 Venice Film Festival, international film legend Penelope Cruz stepped out in a black and white Chanel couture gown. To add some sparkle, she wore a three-stone diamond ring, bracelet and drop earrings.

Ana de Armas

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At the premiere of “Blonde,” for which the actress was nominated for an Oscar, de Armas wore a stunning natural diamond choker from Louis Vuitton.