Jewelry

Taylor Swift looked chic-vintage for her arrival at the MTV Music Video Awards, still unaware that, before too long, Kanye West would storm the stage and grab the microphone from her hands, preventing her from giving an acceptance speech for her Best Female Video award. Taylor is wearing a wide, lace-like bracelet that looked as good with this gown as it did when she switched to a bright red ensemble later in the program.

Large earrings were the overall jewelry theme of the night, but that's not unusual for an MTV outing. Some celebrities wore long necklaces with pendants, and Ashley Green kept it classic with a gold snake chain necklace.

There were lots of celebrities who wore diamonds and platinum on the Teen Choice Awards' red carpet, but just as many stars arrived in casual attire. And while (as always) the styles were a mixed bag, the words big, chunky and bold are all accurate descriptions of the overall jewelry trends at the event.

Large cocktail rings were a favorite, like the huge earthy oval stone on tattoo artist Kat Von D's index finger. Jennette McCurdy's hot pink ring matched her clutch, but was a warm contrast against a neutral dress.

Diamonds, vividly colored gemstones, lush gold, asymmetrical pieces -- you'll find a wide mixture of jewelry at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. And although some celebrities are wearing less jewelry this year, or have replaced diamonds with other materials, for the majority it appears to be business as usual. How do you feel about that? Should celebrities exhibit more empathy for people who are struggling to make ends meet during the current worldwide recession, or do you expect them to dress as richly as they always have?

You can always expect to see waves of platinum and white diamonds on celebrities at the Emmy Awards, but look a little more closely and you'll find some standout colorful gems at the 2009 event. Like Lara Spencer's turquoise and pink tourmaline cuff bracelet and Melora Hardin's yellow diamond earrings.

Several women wore dramatic necklaces, including Ginnifer Goodwin, in a rock crystal and diamond piece from Ivanka Trump's Rose Gold Collection (and made even more striking by Ginnifer's short haircut).

Held just a few days after Michael Jackson's death, it wasn't surprising to see the BET Awards converted into a tribute for the King of Pop and his music. BET Awards jewelry was dramatic, and circular motifs were among the most popular trends. Amerie's big-link necklace is one of my personal favorites, and I like the goth-and-heart piece that Elise Neal wore.

For jewelry lovers, last year's SAG Awards were all about earrings. And while earrings weren't in short supply on Sunday night, I think it was the bracelets that deserve 2009's awards. Styles were all over the place, from delicate diamond and pearl cuffs to chunky pieces like this one, a diamond, crystal and platinum design worn by Teri Hatcher.

The turquoise necklace Yolanda Adams chose for Grammy night was among the most dramatic jewelry at the presentations. Long drop earrings were popular, and so were gold and diamond ovals. Some of the women were draped in diamonds and platinum, but yellow gold continues to be hot, especially for stacked cuffs and bangles. Overall, Grammy jewelry looks were impressive (some of the fussy-gowns are another story).

The Goya Awards are Spain's version of the Oscars presentations, and like the Oscars, awards night is as much about style as it is the performances being honored. Looks varied, but vintage was a key theme at this year's Goyas, for the jewelry and with the handbags women carried.

Some celebrities wore vintage (or vintage look) jewelry to the 2008 Primetime Emmys -- like Mary-Louise Parker's Cartier bracelets. I loved Lisa Edelstein's dramatic necklace and the multiple strands of varying lengths around Rose Byrne's neck. Mariska Hargitay's goldest-gold and ruby earrings were a match for her sunshine yellow gown.

Large earrings were the most obvious jewelry trend at the Emmy Awards. Some were chandeliers, but a larger percentage of the earrings were fashioned with pendants and chains, or a mixture of the two.

Earrings were the most-worn jewelry at the 2008 SAG Awards. Long drops were popular, and so were chandelier earrings of all dimensions, from delicate to overpowering. Angelina Jolie and a few other celebs chose large hoops. Some of the earrings at the SAG Awards had a vintage look, but overall, variety was key.