HALLE AND NICOLE DAZZLE IN DIAMONDS

March 24, 2002Mar 24, 2002, 11:00 PM GMT

Oscar gold wasn’t the only thing glittering at the Academy Awards on Sunday night – millions of dollars in gems adorned the stars for Tinseltown’s biggest event of the year. And with the dazzling diamonds catching plenty of light – from Nicole’s Bulgari necklace to Halle’s Harry Winston Pumpkin ring – it’s clear that Oscar glamour isn’t just about the gown.

Best actress Oscar winner Halle, along with her stylist Phillip Bloch, worked with Harry Winston to come up with specially-designed jewels just for the occasion. The Monster’s Ball star was brilliant in a garnet bracelet with matching ear clips and two diamond rings – including the $3 million Pumpkin ring, which features the world’s largest orange diamond. Other nominees in Winston jewels included Dame Judi Dench, Sissy Spacek and Reneé Zellweger, who chose “cascading waterfall” diamond chandelier earrings, worth nearly half a million dollars.

Moulin Rouge star Nicole sported an amazing 200 carat choker of raw Bulgari diamonds – a piece valued at about $4 million – to complement her Chanel gown. And Cameron Diaz selected a fabulous Fred Leighton necklace, which she wrapped around her waist as a belt to complete the look of her Ungaro couture frock.

Accompanied by three bodyguards, Mulholland Drive actress Laura Harring wore a $27 million necklace that went perfectly with her Stuart Weitzman platinum and diamond studded high heels, valued at a cool $1 million. The handmade sandals, which also feature a gold-plated sole, are fit for a princess, says the star. “I think the designers chose me because they wanted a Cinderella story,” explained Laura. “I come from a small town in Mexico, I’ve done very well, and I live in a castle.”

Many stars, including last year’s best supporting actress winner Marcia Gay Harden, opted to choose gems from the Red Carpet Diamond Collection to benefit AIDS charity AmFar. Each time a celebrity wears one of the 14 pieces – all from top jewellers such as Harry Winston, Fred Leighton, Bulgari and Tiffany – a $10,000 donation goes to the charity in their name.

Nicole sported an amazing 200 carat choker of raw Bulgari diamonds – a piece valued at about $4 million – to complement her delicate Chanel gown

Best actress Oscar winner Halle had a hand in the design of her jewellery, including a Harry Winston garnet bracelet with matching ear clips and an orange diamond ring worth $3 million

Mulholland Drive actress Laura Harring showed off a pair of Stuart Weitzman platinum and diamond studded high heels, valued at a cool $1 million

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