The Bare Neck Brigade
One of the most noticeable trends at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards was what wasn't there: necklaces. Younger stars in particular are embracing a more minimalist approach, letting a dramatic gown or a pair of statement earrings do all the talking. Selena
Gomez, for instance, paired her shimmering Louis Vuitton gown with bold Tiffany & Co. earrings and a matching bracelet, leaving her neck bare. This isn't an accident; it's a deliberate choice. Stylists note that forgoing a necklace can make a look feel more youthful and clean, allowing the focus to remain on the dress or the person wearing it. It’s a philosophy that aligns with the Gen Z preference for self-expression over overt displays of wealth. This less-is-more aesthetic often reads as more modern and personal, a departure from the high-jewelry opulence that once defined Hollywood glamour.
The Return of the Showstopper
On the other side of the aisle, the classic Hollywood statement necklace is far from extinct. Veterans and maximalists alike made a powerful case for unapologetic sparkle. Lisa Rinna arrived wearing a jaw-dropping Jacob & Co. high jewelry piece featuring a massive 42.73-carat blue sapphire. Florence Pugh, a Bulgari ambassador, sported a colossal necklace of morganite and tourmaline with her Vivienne Westwood gown, but pointedly wore no earrings to let the piece shine. This school of thought treats red carpet jewelry as an art form, a chance to wear breathtaking, often priceless, pieces from legendary houses. For this group, an event like the Emmys is an occasion for fantasy and aspiration, not relatability. It’s a nod to a tradition where jewelry wasn't just an accessory, but the main event—a spectacular display of status and craftsmanship.
The 'Earrings or Necklace' Rule
The 2026 Emmys red carpet seemed to enforce an unspoken rule: you can have a major necklace or major earrings, but not both. It was an either/or proposition that forced a clear style choice. Stars like Zendaya and Ayo Edebiri focused on standout pearl earrings from Mikimoto, keeping their necklines clean. Zendaya's stylist, Law Roach, noted the goal was to make timeless pearls feel “fresh, modern, and young.” Conversely, actresses Shailene Woodley and Grace Gummer chose bold, artistic collar necklaces as their single point of focus. This trend toward a single, decisive gesture signals a move away from the cluttered, layered look of years past. It suggests a desire for a more curated and impactful statement, where one spectacular element is given room to breathe rather than competing for attention.
More Than Just Sparkle
Ultimately, the disagreement over jewelry isn't just about carats or clutter; it’s a reflection of shifting cultural values. The move towards minimalism, particularly among younger celebrities, has been linked to "recession-core"—an effort to seem more relatable and less ostentatiously wealthy during times of economic uncertainty. One stylist bluntly noted that high-jewelry necklaces can feel “aging” and that “mindless extravagance just feels so out of touch.” Meanwhile, the Gen Z approach to style prioritizes personality, authenticity, and even sustainability over traditional brand-name luxury. They are more likely to mix high and low, or choose pieces that tell a personal story. The classic Hollywood glamour of a vault-worth of diamonds represents an older ideal of celebrity: untouchable, aspirational, and impossibly chic. The new guard seems to prefer a different message: authentic, individual, and maybe even a little more down-to-earth.
