Men and diamonds: how jewellery has become a powerful tool and representation in the age of inclusivity
In 1953 Marilyn Monroe sang the unforgettable song "Diamonds are a girl's best friends" in the film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", 68 years later actors and singers are stealing the spotlight from women, elegantly pushing towards more inclusive conceptions and proving that they are up to the task of interacting with diamonds and precious stones. And it's surprising that the latest male style icons are increasingly free in their approach to the world of fashion.
Let's take a look at some the best-known men in show business who have been able to sport diamonds to great effect.
During the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, who sadly passed away in August 2020, rocked the red carpet in his custom Ermenegildo Zegna XXX suit. On the lapel of jacket, Boseman added three Tiffany brooches, designed by renowned French designer Jean Schlumberger, to add some sparkle to the look. The three brooches, dubbed Five Leaves, Paris Flames and Floral Leaves, were made of 18-carat yellow gold and platinum and set with white diamonds, worth $12,800 and $23,000 each.
Twenty-five-year-old actor Timothée Chalamet, best known for his starring role in the film Dune, has been described as one of the most versatile and interesting style icons of the last decade. At the 78th Venice International Film Festival, Chalamet lit up the Italian red carpet wearing a crystal-studded Haider Ackermann suit and a selection of Cartier jewellery. The rings, dating from 2005 and 2017 respectively, were made of 18-karat white gold, black ceramic and diamonds. After Venice, several collaborations with the fashion house in events and appearances are expected for the young actor. "As a man of passion, independence, open-mindedness and creativity, Timothée's bold approach to life - conveyed through his professional choices and free style - is intrinsically aligned with Cartier's core values," said Arnaud Carrez, Cartier's SVP and chief marketing officer.
And finally we have the incredible Billy Porter, the award-winning actor from the Netflix series, Pose, and best known for playing the role of the fairy godmother in the film Cinderella with Camila Cabelo. On every red carpet, Porter has sported powerful looks, proving that inclusivity is not just a passing fad but a new and true cultural revolution, crying out to embrace all kinds of diversity. At this year's Emmy Awards, Billy Porter sported a dramatic black dress with wing sleeves by Ashi Studio, paired with six diamond cocktail rings by H.Crowne. But the real star of his look has been the necklace by Hollywood's favourite American jewellery designer,Lorraine Schwartz. A spectacular necklace studded with 49.93 carats of white diamonds and 34.78 carats of teardrop emeralds surrounded by a diamond setting, all set in 18 carat white gold. Completing Porter's look was a pair of diamond cuffs and ear cuffs, both pieces by Schwartz, with a total value of one million dollars.
