By Rachel Garrahan, guest editor for the LA awards season
Another day, another major awards ceremony. This time Los Angeles played host to the stars of the music industry at the Grammy Awards, who took their turn to praise each other's efforts and of course strut their stuff on the red carpet.
Compared to years past (see Lady Gaga's arrival in an egg and THAT JLo Versace dress), most women played it safe this year. Maybe it had something to do with the official warning made by the Grammy organisers last years not to wear anything too risqué.
Although it was disappointing not to see many risk-takers, The Jewellery Editor still spotted some beautiful jewels from a pleasingly wide selection of designers.
Nominee Katy Perry mixed glamour and fun with her hot-off-the-runway Valentino gown, complete with musical notes. And while the jury may be out on how flattering the sheer, full-skirted gown really was, there was no doubt her platinum spinel and diamond drop earrings by Ivy New York were among the best jewels of the night. Her braided up-do and understated makeup allowed the jewels to take centre stage.
Beyonce was absent from the red carpet, no doubt preparing for the sultry duet with husband rapper Jay-Z that opened the award ceremony. Her black, barely there stage costume was accented with large diamond dagger earrings by New York-based Jennifer Fisher.
Back on the red carpet, Madonna made an entrance with son David in matching Ralph Lauren suits. She accessorised with a diamond crucifix tie pin, large rings spelling out ME by Neil Lane on one hand and a silver fingerless glove from Michael Schmidt on the other. If those weren't accessories enough, the queen of pop also sported a cane and large hat.
Headwear was a theme of the night. Pharrell Williams wore an oversized park ranger-style hat (which already has its own Twitter account) to join helmeted Daft Punk and blue beret-wearing music producer Nile Rogers on stage to pick up the Best Duo award for their 2013 hit, Get Lucky.
Metallic gowns were another trend (as worn by Taylor Swift and Ciara), and British singer/actress Rita Ora dazzled in a short Lanvin dress. Hard as it may seem for a gold lamé dress to be upstaged by accessories, even more attention was paid to the bold rings she wore on every finger. A mix of Lorraine Schwartz and Rita's own mother's rings, they were topped off with the wildest, most colourful manicure of the night.
This awards season's drop earring trend continued with actress and awards presenter Anna Faris in large, dark sapphire drops and a hand bracelet by Sutra Jewels. Country singer Miranda Lambert meanwhile sported giant and beautiful opal earrings by Kimberly McDonald.
Perhaps the most memorable jewels on the night though were the rings exchanged by 33 couples (same and opposite sex) married on stage by Queen Latifah during a performance by Grammy award winners Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and Madonna. Now there's a pop moment to remember.
