Why Diamonds And White Gold Are The Ultimate Event-Dressing Duo

It’s no coincidence that glamorous evening gowns are often paired with dazzling diamonds set in white gold. Indeed, for the 2024 Oscars, PORTER cover star and De Beers Jewellers’ global ambassador Lupita Nyong’o accented her powder-blue gown with the house’s signature collections crafted in white gold – and she was in excellent company, with countless A-list celebrities appearing in a glittering haze of dazzling jewels.

So, why is white gold so popular for a black-tie event? Framing diamonds in this particular hue complements the stone’s cool tones, and the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) recommends setting colorless diamonds into white metals to emphasize their beauty. “While the trend for chunky yellow gold for everyday wear has been going strong for several years now, when it comes to event-dressing jewels, we’re witnessing a preference for delicate white-gold designs that offer the ultimate versatility,” says Libby Page, market director at NET-A-PORTER.

Thankfully, sensational diamonds set in white gold is a signature aesthetic for De Beers Jewellers. Working only with the very best gemstones that meet the house’s exemplary standards, its fine-jewelry collections epitomize contemporary classicism, and can be worn solo or stacked. “White-gold jewelry perfectly complements the cult items from the SS24 ready-to-wear collections, whether that’s a white dress worn with a chic pair of slingbacks to a garden party, midi dresses in primary colors for cocktail hour, or a timeless black evening dress – white-gold complements all skin tones and allows for a seamless transition between day-to-night dressing,” Page adds.

Need some styling direction? Here’s how to wear white-gold jewelry this season…

“Layering is still the prevailing trend in fine jewelry, so don’t be afraid to create a scintillating wrist stack with bangles and bracelets, or layer pendants aplenty,” says Page. The Enchanted Lotus collection offers the perfect pieces: its open bangles can be worn two at a time, while band-style rings feel modern when worn across multiple fingers. The Enchanted Lotus collection pays homage to the beauty of the lotus flower that blooms in abundance in the Okavango Delta, a freshwater oasis in Botswana, a country where many of De Beers Jewellers’ diamonds are discovered.

“When it comes to minimalist eveningwear, elevated yet understated jewelry is the best way to maintain a clean, sleek look,” says Page. “Choose modern pieces that will accentuate a simple neckline, such as a sculptural pair of earrings or a contemporary line necklace.” Inspired by the stillness of morning, the Dewdrop collection evokes droplets glistening on the surface of petals and leaves at dawn, combining both micropavé and larger bezel-set diamonds – perfect pieces for the summer season.

“Chokers and short collar necklaces are enjoying a real revival,” says Page. “The resurgence of ’90s and early noughties fashion trends has put them back on our radar, with many SS24 runway collections featuring choker designs,” says Page. For your own take, look to the Arpeggia collection, which includes a striking choker punctuated with white diamonds. . Inspired by Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, diamonds punctuate the Arpeggia collection like musical notes on a score. Just add the Arpeggia three-line earrings, which have not only been worn by Nyong’o, but also by Taylor Swift to the Golden Globes and Florence Pugh to the London première of Dune: Part Two – an event-dressing champion if ever we saw one.

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