The world has some stunning high jewellery – and Cannes is where it shines.

When it comes to the Cannes Film Festival, the spotlight is, of course, on cinema. But for fashion enthusiasts, the Cannes red carpet is equally a visual feast, where celebrities and supermodels showcase stunning haute couture creations. Yet the dresses alone don't tell the full story. Cannes has long served as the unofficial runway for the world&rsquo;s leading jewellers. Many celebrities step onto the red carpet adorned in jewellery worth tens of billions of dong&mdash;exquisite masterpieces that most of us are likely to see only once in a lifetime.

Sophia Loren, 1955
Has any star ever dazzled on the Cannes red carpet more than Sophia Loren? The Italian actress appeared in a classic ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, elegantly paired with long opera gloves. However, it was the exquisite, jewel-encrusted, peacock-tailed piece by Van Cleef &amp; Arpels that truly captivated the world at the time. Even in black and white, the elegance and splendour were unmistakable in every frame.

Sharon Stone, 1995
Sharon Stone graced the Cannes red carpet in a Valentino couture gown, featuring a metallic bodysuit and a flared skirt, cinched with a wide belt. The true visual focal point, however, was not the dress, but the three-tiered diamond necklace. The light reflected from the precious stones echoed Stone&rsquo;s irreplaceable status as an icon&mdash;one who has no need to show off to embody perfection.

Monica Bellucci, 1997
Monica Bellucci&rsquo;s timeless beauty was perfectly complemented by a bold Italian design from Dolce &amp; Gabbana&mdash;a classic floral wrap dress. She paired it with a stunning set of Cartier jewellery, including a necklace, earrings, and a regal bracelet. The combination transformed the actress from a film star into a living Renaissance statue, striding the line between reality and fantasy.

Carla Bruni, 1998 An icon of 90s minimalism, Carla Bruni chose a light slip dress with a plunging neckline, paired with a delicate diamond necklace, without any extra details from Chopard. Without needing to show off, Bruni still exudes the spirit of a French chic icon.

Salma Hayek, 1999
Salma Hayek took an entirely different approach. She wore a baby blue cardigan with just two buttons undone, paired with a soft silk skirt. In this understated ensemble, her diamond and sapphire jewellery stood out more strikingly than ever.

Natalia Vodianova, 2004
Once one of the most renowned supermodels of her time, Natalia Vodianova embraced a minimalist style to emphasise her graceful beauty. She wore a monochrome ivory dress, paired with a Chopard necklace featuring a &ldquo;solitaire pear&rdquo;&ndash;cut diamond suspended from an ultra-fine chain.

Sienna Miller, 2015
A true fashion icon, Sienna Miller never fails to impress on the red carpet. Wearing a black dress with a delicate cape design, she enhanced the look with a diamond necklace from Bulgari&mdash;a collar-style piece crafted with intricate lace-like details that appeared almost fabric-like. The elaborate jewellery perfectly complemented Sienna&rsquo;s signature femininity.

Julia Roberts, 2022
Without the need for a sweeping gown or elaborate design, Julia Roberts effortlessly commands attention with her confident, poised presence. At Cannes 2022, she wore a classic black tuxedo&mdash;but it was her necklace that rendered the red carpet speechless: a striking white diamond piece featuring a yellow diamond of over 100 carats from Chopard.

Anya Taylor-Joy, 2024
For her Cannes red carpet debut as the lead in Furiosa, Anya Taylor-Joy chose a breathtaking Dior ball gown. However, it was the Tiffany &amp; Co. jewellery&mdash;a mysteriously curved necklace&mdash;that completed the ensemble, transforming her from a film star into a modern-day fairytale goddess.

Margaret Qualley, 2024
On the Cannes red carpet last year, Margaret Qualley looked as if she had stepped out of a dream woven from stars and silk. She wore a delicate pale pink dress, reminiscent of morning dew just touching the earth, paired with high jewellery by CHANEL inspired by shooting stars. The headband and star-shaped drop earrings shimmered with a dreamlike sparkle, adding a touch of magic to the actress&rsquo;s ethereal beauty.
Photo: Getty Images

10 Timeless Jewellery Pieces That Made Cannes Red Carpet History

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