The Cannes Film Festival has long been more than the world’s most prestigious celebration of cinema. It has also become one of the most important showcases for high jewellery, where extraordinary creations from the world’s leading maisons compete for attention alongside the stars themselves. Every May, the red carpet transforms into a dazzling stage for exceptional gemstones and one-of-a-kind masterpieces. In 2026, Chopard, Graff, Cartier, Bvlgari, Messika, Boucheron and Chaumet once again dominated the Croisette, with some creations rivalling museum pieces in both rarity and craftsmanship.
This year’s defining jewellery trend was unmistakable: boldness and extravagance. Oversized diamond necklaces, dramatic cascades of gemstones, rare coloured minerals and statement high-jewellery creations left minimalism firmly behind.
As always, Chopard, the Festival’s official jewellery partner, delivered some of the most memorable moments. One of the standout appearances of the opening ceremony belonged to Demi Moore, who wore a spectacular five-row diamond necklace totaling more than 226 carats. The piece instantly became one of the most talked-about jewels of the festival and a highlight of Chopard’s celebrated Red Carpet Collection. Later in the week, the actress made another unforgettable appearance in an asymmetric Gucci gown paired with a Chopard emerald and diamond choker featuring more than 87 carats of emerald-cut emeralds and over 40 carats of diamonds, completed by elegant emerald drop earrings.
Bella Hadid once again confirmed her status as one of Chopard’s most celebrated muses. For the Miracle Gala, the model chose a breathtaking diamond necklace from the Red Carpet Collection featuring nearly 34 carats of diamonds, complemented by matching statement earrings.
One of the strongest jewellery trends of 2026 was the return of large coloured gemstones. While diamonds remain timeless, designers are increasingly embracing vivid emeralds, sapphires, aquamarines and the highly coveted Paraíba tourmalines.
Among the most striking examples were the Pomellato creations worn by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu. The Emily in Paris star stepped onto the red carpet wearing an exceptional necklace set with rare blue Paraíba tourmalines, bringing a fresh burst of colour to the Croisette.
At the premiere of The Electric Venus, screen legend Jane Fonda dazzled in Pomellato’s Iconica High Jewellery necklace featuring a 46 carat oval aquamarine surrounded by more than 2000 diamonds. Against her black gown, the piece delivered one of the most elegant jewellery moments of the festival’s opening days.
Meanwhile, Colman Domingo continued to champion the rise of men’s high jewellery. One of his most memorable looks featured a Boucheron brooch crafted from diamonds, onyx and white gold, inspired by Art Deco glamour and the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, paired with several diamond rings. For the Kering Women in Motion dinner, the actor embraced a more avant-garde approach, wearing Boucheron’s striking octopus ear climber set with diamonds and mother-of-pearl, alongside an impressive selection of diamond rings and bracelets. The result was one of the most original and talked-about jewellery statements seen at Cannes this year.
