Rose Byrne made a statement at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, stepping out in striking Desert diamonds that continue to gain traction as standout jewelry trends for 2026.
Byrne, who was nominated for Best Actress for her performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, wore custom pieces by designer Nikos Koulis, showcasing the growing appeal of diamonds in warm, earthy tones ranging from sunlit whites to deep browns.
The actress’s look was anchored by a pair of bespoke earrings from Koulis’ ME collection, featuring more than 16 carats of oval-shaped fancy brown-yellow diamonds, paired with over 5 carats of pear-shaped white diamonds, all set in a rhodium-finished 18-karat white gold design. She completed the look with the brand’s Oui ring, featuring a 5-carat round diamond accented with baguette-cut stones and black enamel detailing.
Koulis, known for blending architectural structure with fluid design, said the appeal of Desert diamonds lies in their warmth and natural luminosity. “Desert diamonds have a captivating allure and a heartwarming effect,” he said. “I love the way they glow and carry incredible light.”
He added that selecting the right tones is key to achieving balance in high jewelry pieces. “I’m very particular about the exact tones I select. I want them to have an even, harmonious color,” Koulis said, noting that the honey-hued diamonds in Byrne’s earrings were chosen as a perfectly matched pair.
The design also plays with contrast, pairing the softer tones of the Desert diamonds with white diamonds set in a darker, matte-finished metal to create visual tension.
Sally Morrison, Natural Diamonds Market Lead at A Diamond is Forever, praised the look, calling Koulis “a modern master of jewelry design” and highlighting the contrast between the structured silhouette and the softer tones of the stones.
As seen throughout awards season, Desert diamonds are emerging as a modern classic, offering a natural, organic alternative to traditional white diamonds while still delivering high impact on the red carpet.
Byrne’s Vanity Fair appearance further cements the trend, proving that understated warmth can still shine just as brightly under the spotlight.
REELated:
One Battle After Another wins Best Picture at 2026 Oscars
