Oscars Jewelry Trend: Chokers are Back

Getty Images

How many years of red carpets has it been since necklaces were the big look? Seems like a good five.

our editor recommends

Jennifer Lopez's Stylist Speaks Out on Her Supposed Wardrobe Malfunction

Oscar Fashion: Nominee Michelle Williams Launches a 2012 Coral Color Craze (Poll)

BAFTA Fashion: Michelle Williams Follows Chanel, Victoria Beckham, Valentino With H&M?

PHOTOS: Oscars 2012 After Parties

Dresses -- and hairdo's -- have become so ornate that necklaces, particularly diamond ones, seem to just interfere with these elaborate decolletage necklines. Same has been true in everyday. Necklaces have taken a backseat to earrings, cuffs, bangles, cocktail rings, etc. 

But this year, the necklace made a surprising reappearance -- and it was a particular kind of necklace: a strand close to the neck of diamond beads or briollettes. They are big chunks of diamonds with lots of sparkle and they throw light against the face. Now, it's tough to pull off both this kind of diamond short necklace or choker with earrings -- you sort of have to chose. 

PHOTOS: The Oscars Red Carpet Arrivals

Michelle Williams eschewed earrings -- which don't really work with her short gamine hair anyway -- in favor of this 30 carat Forevermark necklace. Penelope Cruz donned a short diamond necklace by Chopard, Cameron Diaz's was by Tiffany, and Natalie Portman's was Harry Winston. All of these necklaces are remarkably similar.

We have a feeling diamond retailers everywhere are cheering right now and bringing this style of necklace back to the selling floor. It's amazing how much Oscar jewelry affects sales at retail.