Celebrities have always had a profound influence on fashion, and their choice of jewelry often sets trends and defines luxury. From red carpet events to personal collections, these stars showcase some of the most stunning and iconic jewelry pieces in the world. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable pieces of jewelry ever worn by celebrities, making history both in fashion and pop culture.
1. Elizabeth Taylor’s 33.19-Carat Krupp Diamond
- The Story: Elizabeth Taylor, one of Hollywood’s most glamorous actresses, was known for her love of extravagant jewelry. Among her most famous pieces was the Krupp Diamond, a 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond that was a gift from her husband, Richard Burton, in 1968.
- Why It’s Iconic: Renamed the “Elizabeth Taylor Diamond” after her passing, this stunning piece symbolizes both her legendary beauty and her love affair with opulence. The diamond’s clarity and size make it one of the most remarkable jewels in the world.
2. Audrey Hepburn’s Tiffany Diamond Necklace
- The Story: Worn by Audrey Hepburn in promotional photos for the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the Tiffany Diamond is one of the largest yellow diamonds ever discovered, weighing in at 128.54 carats.
- Why It’s Iconic: This necklace is not only a stunning piece of jewelry but also a cultural symbol of elegance and sophistication. It has since been worn by other celebrities, including Lady Gaga at the 2019 Academy Awards, but it will always be most associated with Hepburn’s timeless grace.
3. Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring
- The Story: When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, he presented her with a 12-carat oval blue sapphire ring, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds. This ring, set in 18k white gold, was chosen by Diana herself from a selection offered by Garrard.
- Why It’s Iconic: The ring became one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry in the world, symbolizing the fairy tale romance between Diana and Charles. After Diana’s tragic death, the ring was passed down to her son, Prince William, who gave it to Kate Middleton when he proposed in 2010.
4. Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” Necklace
- The Story: In the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe performed the iconic number “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” while wearing a stunning diamond necklace. The piece was actually a prop, but it has since become one of the most famous images of Marilyn.
- Why It’s Iconic: Monroe’s performance and the glittering necklace encapsulate the allure and glamour of the Hollywood Golden Age. The song and the necklace both solidified diamonds as the ultimate symbol of luxury and romance.
5. Jacqueline Kennedy’s Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Necklace
- The Story: Jacqueline Kennedy, the elegant First Lady of the United States, received a stunning emerald and diamond necklace from her husband, President John F. Kennedy. The piece was created by Van Cleef & Arpels and features 18 emeralds set in gold and diamonds.
- Why It’s Iconic: This necklace is a perfect example of Jackie Kennedy’s refined and sophisticated style. It became one of her signature pieces and remains a symbol of her enduring legacy as a fashion icon.
6. Beyoncé’s Lorraine Schwartz 18-Carat Emerald Cut Diamond
- The Story: When Jay-Z proposed to Beyoncé in 2007, he did so with an 18-carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz. The stunning ring is estimated to be worth over $5 million.
- Why It’s Iconic: Beyoncé’s engagement ring is one of the most talked-about pieces of celebrity jewelry in recent history. It reflects her status as a global superstar and her love for all things glamorous and extravagant.
7. Lady Gaga’s Tiffany Yellow Diamond Necklace
- The Story: At the 2019 Oscars, Lady Gaga wore the famous Tiffany Yellow Diamond, which had previously been worn by Audrey Hepburn. The diamond is one of the largest and most famous yellow diamonds in the world.
- Why It’s Iconic: Gaga’s decision to wear this historic piece brought it back into the public eye, linking her modern-day star power with the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn. It was a perfect blend of old Hollywood glamour and contemporary style.
8. Angelina Jolie’s Emerald Earrings
- The Story: Angelina Jolie made headlines at the 2009 Academy Awards when she wore a pair of 115-carat emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz. The striking color of the emeralds perfectly complemented her classic black gown.
- Why It’s Iconic: These earrings sparked a trend for colored gemstones on the red carpet, showcasing how a bold choice of jewelry can make a memorable impact.
9. Kim Kardashian’s 20.5-Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
- The Story: Kim Kardashian was given a 20.5-carat diamond ring by Kanye West when he proposed in 2013. The ring, designed by Lorraine Schwartz, was valued at around $4 million.
- Why It’s Iconic: Kim Kardashian’s ring is a modern symbol of celebrity luxury, reflecting her larger-than-life persona and her love for all things lavish. It’s one of the most famous engagement rings of the 21st century.
Conclusion: Celebrity Jewelry as Cultural Icons
These iconic jewelry pieces worn by celebrities are more than just accessories—they are symbols of wealth, style, and the eras in which they were worn. Whether it’s a royal sapphire or a Hollywood diamond, these pieces have left a lasting impression on the world of fashion and continue to inspire jewelry lovers around the globe. Each piece tells a story, not just of the celebrity who wore it, but of the history and culture it represents.
