Filmmaking was always made better by jewelry, and vice versa. A single ring with special powers can change the fate of kingdoms, while a custom pendant can hide conspiracy in its clasp. You may have watched stories like these from the time you started watching TV. But as you see more and more movies, you realize that jewels always mean something more than simply decoration. They are a symbol of deep emotion, shown in the form of iridescent light and carats. Now, let’s remember the gemstones whose sparkle Hollywood has used to create its legends for the past several decades.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953): Marilyn Monroe’s diamonds
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Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend is sung by Lorelei Lee (played by Marilyn Monroe) in an iconic pink dress. This song combines humor with sensuality, making diamonds both a character of the movie and the girls’ armor. Its brilliance hasn’t diminished, and we have seen dozens of tributes.
To Catch a Thief (1955): The Diamond Necklace worn by Grace Kelly
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Sunlight and thrill gleam in Hitchcock’s Riviera. A trap, a signal, and possibly a love letter… Frances Stevens (Grace Kelly) entices an old thief John Robie (Cary Grant) with her river of diamonds. When she steps into the light of the moon, it becomes clear the necklace isn’t the only thing he’d like to steal.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961): Audrey Hepburn’s Pearls
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A charming American socialite Holly Golightly at dawn before Tiffany’s, holding a cup of tea, immersed in her thoughts and wearing pearls… There aren’t many more iconic scenes like these. The multi-strand necklace turns identity into imitation and is the ideal symbol of a woman mastering her illusion.
Cleopatra (1963): Elizabeth Taylor’s Egyptian-style Jewels
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While Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra shines in lapis lazuli, kyanite, and gold, her off-screen possessions have become historic. Richard Burton started giving her emerald Bulgari items while the movie was being shot, which in the end expanded into an entire suite. The film makes life almost indistinguishable from myth, and “Bulgari” is, not surprisingly, Taylor’s favorite Italian word.
The Pink Panther (1963): The Princess’s Necklace
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Have you noticed that many jewelry-themed films are actually about thieves? This is definitely one of them. Sir Charles has set his eyes on a deep-colored diamond with panther-shaped inclusion but his cousin may beat him to it. The humor of the story is all about unwitting police with one of the officers coming close to losing his good name.
Pretty Woman (1990): The Ruby Necklace
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Fred Joaillier’s $251,500 ruby-and-diamond necklace is a true masterpiece, but it was magically enhanced by the laughter of Vivian, played by Julia Roberts. It was her acting that turned splendor into something relatable; in the opera scene, the jewels represent the character’s metamorphosis.
Titanic (1997): The Heart of the Ocean
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The story of this famous piece, which is based on the Hope Diamond, starts with Cal Hockley (Billy Zane) attempting to enchant Rose (Kate Winslet). At the end when the piece is thrown into the ocean, it becomes a symbol of setting the woman free.
Moulin Rouge! (2001): The Necklace with a Thousand Sparkling Diamonds
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S. Canturi created a stunning 18k gold collar for Satine (Nicole Kidman), which was set with 1,309 diamonds. This piece perfectly captured both her beauty and imprisonment. It was designed specifically to mimic the actress’s neckline and is worth millions of dollars.
The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003): The One Ring to Rule Them All
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Have you imagined that a single gold band could become the most dangerous and thrilling item to have? The Ring is evidence that even the tiniest jewel can hold the weight of entire worlds, especially, if it channels greed, misfortune, corruption, and destruction.
The Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003): The Legendary Earpiece
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By simply wearing a pearl earpiece, Scarlett Johansson’s character, the Pearl, becomes the inspirer of Vermeer. The earring turns silence into pure energy, connecting intimacy and true art.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): The Yellowish Diamond
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Were you ever tasked to write an article on how to lose a boyfriend in ten days? The heroine of our next film was, and she completed the task successfully. Plus, she dazzled everyone with a canary diamond that ideally suited her clothes, what a true glam queen!
Casino Royale (2006): Love Knot Necklace and Omega Watch
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One of iconic James Bond movies about preventing a high-stakes win. The character is assisted by Vesper who’s wearing the love-knot necklace that represents her divided commitment. At the same time, Bond himself is wearing an Omega Watch, for him, it was a symbol of precision and determination.
Ocean’s 8 (2018): The Famous Cartier necklace
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. / Photo credit: Barry Wetcher.
Another one of crime-themed jewelry films depicts Debbie preparing to steal a 151-million-dollar Cartier necklace along with several other women who form “the secret group”. The item was originally created for an Indian noblewoman, and although the piece itself no longer exists, the company was able to recreate it just for this film.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018): How to Profess Love with an Emerald
Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection.
This is the very moment when costume designers couldn’t find the right piece, and the actress herself (Michelle Yeoh) had to step up and offer her own ring for the part. The film highlights how tender the engagement can be and what true love can lead to.
As you can see, jewelry and cinema always go together, one enhancing the other. And what movies do you know that feature famous jewels? Perhaps, you’d like to see some royal jewels proudly displayed in a film? Olertis is looking forward to future cinematic masterpieces that sparkle with something more than just actors’ talent!
