Hunter Schafer Debuts Pink Sapphire Jelly Manicure

The actress wears a jewelry-inspired nail look featuring a layered translucent finish and shimmering pink cat-eye polish.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Beauty

Bold vector editorial illustration of a layered translucent pink gemstone fragment, representing a high-end jewelry-inspired nail manicure trend. — The 'pink sapphire jelly' manicure trend highlights a growing consumer preference for layered, translucent finishes that mimic fine jewelry and gemstones. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Hunter Schafer debuted a pink sapphire jelly manicure at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. The look was designed by nail artist Kim Truong and drew aesthetic inspiration from a pair of Chopard earrings.

Why it matters

Trends in red-carpet beauty often drive seasonal shifts in personal style and nail salon requests. This specific design highlights the continuing popularity of translucent, layered finishes that mimic the clarity of fine jewelry.

The manicure features a translucent base created by mixing Get A Grape polish with LGND Non Wipe Top Coat, layered with Silk Cat Eye in Pink Eclipse. It remains unknown how this specific layering technique performs over extended wear compared to standard gel applications.

The players

Hunter Schafer

An actor and fashion figure who attended the Academy Museum Gala.

Kim Truong

A professional nail artist who created the manicure for Hunter Schafer.

The details

Nail artist Kim Truong achieved the jelly effect by first applying a translucent base coat that provides a clear, glass-like depth. She then layered a pink cat-eye polish over this base to create the multi-dimensional, gemstone-inspired look. The final aesthetic mimics the properties of kunzite and sapphire stones found in the Chopard earrings that inspired the design.

October 17-18, 2026: The Academy Museum Gala took place.

Health Landscape

This design marks an evolution in the jelly manicure trend by incorporating cat-eye effects to mimic high-end jewelry materials. It follows a broader industry movement toward translucent, depth-focused finishes that prioritize texture over flat color.

When opting for gel manicures, it is important to consider the health of your nail bed during the curing and removal processes. If you are interested in replicating this layered look, consult your nail technician about the specific products used and ensure proper nail care practices are followed.

The takeaway

Achieving this gemstone-inspired look relies on the combination of a translucent base and a shimmering top layer to create depth. For any new nail service, prioritize salon hygiene and ask your technician about the specific types of gel products being applied to your nails.