Platinum has been centre-stage at this year's Academy Awards ceremony, with the precious metal again adorning some of Hollywood's hottest stars.

Bold statements made with eye-catching brooches, dazzling earrings and large watches characterised the 78th Oscars, with a host of celebrities showing off their platinum trinkets.

At Platinum Guild International's Academy Awards red carpet jewellery preview Sin City's Brittany Murphy, Desperate Housewives' Nicollette Sheridan and singer Michael Bolton were on hand to peruse the $16 million worth of goodies.

Jewellers including Alan Friedman, Erica Courtney, Jacob & Co., Neil Lane and Ricardo Basta dominated the Oscar proceedings.

Madonna's ensemble alone from Neil Lane included platinum and ten-carat diamond earrings, three platinum and diamond chains, a platinum and 100-carat mesh cuff bracelet, as well as a series of bangles and rings worth more than £10 million in total.

Former Academy winner Charlize Theron was another leading lady looking stunning in platinum, wearing four platinum and diamond cuff bracelets, platinum, diamond and emerald earrings and a matching cocktail ring also by Neil Lane.

Jennifer Aniston also wore platinum with a Bulgari necklace, while Pulp Fiction star Samuel L. Jackson donned a platinum and 40-carat diamond watch and a personalised "SLJ" Chris Aire platinum and diamond tie pin worth $15,000.

Sin City star Jessica Alba showed off some dazzling platinum and yellow beryl drop earrings from Erica Courtney, as well as a Jacob & Co. ring for the after-show parties.

PGI's senior vice president Michael O’Connor said it had been a return to Hollywood's "glamorous roots", with vibrant colours and dangling earrings for the ladies and striking statements for the men.

"Men are now requesting bold jewellery including large watches, square-shaped cufflinks with brushed platinum and diamonds, lapel pins and tie tacks," he said.

"950 Platinum, a rare and dense metal, is ideal for securing large, high quality gemstones and adds sophistication to a suit or tuxedo," he added.

Big winners on the night included Best Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman for Capote, Best Director Ang Lee for Brokeback Mountain and Best Actress Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd