Magazine · 9 October 2026
Gold jewellery: how the stars wear it
Earrings, chains and statement collars from the red carpet, and how to get the look for less.
Gold is having a long moment. On the red carpet it shows up as chandelier earrings, sculpted collars and, more and more, as fine chains on men. The good news: gold jewellery is one of the easiest celebrity looks to copy, because a simple piece in the right shape does most of the work.
Gold earrings
Margot Robbie keeps coming back to gold earrings. At the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood premiere she wore Bulgari chandelier earrings with a white gown, and at Somerset House she paired gold drops with a simple lace top. Anya Taylor-Joy and Angelina Jolie use the same trick: one strong pair of earrings, nothing else competing.
White plunging gown and gold earrings
White lace dress and gold earrings
Black one-shoulder top
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Statement necklaces
If the earrings are small, the necklace can be big. Lupita Nyong’o wore a Van Cleef & Arpels gold choker with a corset gown, Charlize Theron put a Bulgari gold collar on top of a white tuxedo, and Dua Lipa let a gold statement necklace carry an otherwise simple black top. The rule: one statement at a time.
Gold choker and corset gown
White tuxedo and gold collar necklace
Statement necklace and black off-shoulder top
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Chains for men
The fine gold chain is now standard menswear. Michael B. Jordan wears one with a knit polo, Jeremy Strong with a denim blazer and a white tee, and Daniel Craig layers gold and silver chains under a linen jacket. Lewis Hamilton goes further with several layered chains. Start with one thin chain worn close to the collarbone.
Black knit polo and fine chain
Denim blazer and white tee
Double-breasted linen jacket and chains
Gold chains and sunglasses
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Rings
Kelly Rutherford finishes her tailored suits with gold earrings and a single cocktail ring, which is the grown-up version. Justin Bieber stacks several gold rings at once. Both work, as long as the rest of the outfit stays simple.
Khaki tailored suit
White sleeveless hoodie and sunglasses
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Real gold, plated or vermeil?
Solid gold is stamped with its purity: 18 carat is 75 % gold, 14 carat is 58.5 %. It lasts forever and keeps its value, but it is expensive. Gold-plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold over another metal; it looks the same on day one but can wear through with daily use. Gold vermeil sits in between: a thicker layer of gold over sterling silver. For pieces you wear every day, like a chain or studs, it is worth paying for solid gold or vermeil. For statement pieces you wear now and then, plated is fine.
How to wear gold
Pick one hero piece per outfit: big earrings or a big necklace, not both. Mixing gold and silver is allowed, Daniel Craig does it. Gold looks warmest against cream, black, navy and camel. And take your jewellery off before the shower and the gym; it will last much longer.
The pieces worn by the stars cost thousands. Every look above links to the originals and to affordable alternatives, and the shop links in this guide take you straight to similar pieces. Worn By may earn a commission if you buy through them.