Jewellery trends come and go, but there are a few famous jewellery peices that stand the test of time. You might recognize some from pop culture references or while shopping around, but we’re going to give you a quick run-down on the history to understand why they’re so well-known.
1. Return to Tiffany
As fitting as it seems, the iconic “Return to Tiffany” wasn’t originally printed on dog tags, nor was Tiffany a woman – but that’s a tale for another time. This famous jewellery set was created with a completely different idea in mind.
Although Tiffany has been around since 1837, the famous jewellery collection didn’t arise until decades later, in 1969. The label first appeared on a line of key rings, each with a unique serial number. These serial numbers ensured that the keys were returned to the official owner at the Tiffany flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Due to the high level of craftsmanship involved the “Return to Tiffany” line has become a staple to the brand. The stamp is available on necklaces, bracelets, earrings – just about anything.
2. Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring
Princess Diana of Wales is one of the most beloved figures of the British royal family. Mother of Princes Harry and William, Diana was known as The People’s Princess for her kindness and down-to-earth personality. With that in mind, it only makes sense that her beautiful engagement ring is just as popular as she was. The ring was one giant oval sapphire surrounded by 14 solitare diamonds and set in 18-carat white gold. It was made by Garrard Jewellers, who have been the official jewellers for the Royal Family since the 1800s, and was chosen by Diana herself. Interestingly, the ring was from the catalauge rather than custom made.
Many wondered what happened to her jewellery over time, and many would be pleased to hear her famous ring was used by Harry to propose to Kate Middleton.
3. Nicole Kidman’s Necklace in Moulin Rouge
Everyone remembers the historical film, Moulin Rouge. Whether you watched it for the entertaining plotline, catchy musical mash-ups, or the captivating musical numbers, this film is nothing less than extravagant. The same can be said about Satine’s bib-necklace. While the majority of the characters wore fake or costume jewellery, her necklace was the real deal. Many say it was the most expensive piece of jewellery made for film. It costed $1 million dollars to make, and was even featured in the Guinness World Record book. Designed by Stefano Cantur, this captivating necklace is said to be made up of 1,308 diamonds and weighing around 134 carats. It took about four months to make using old-school methods of jewellery making.
Fun fact: There were a few fake stunt necklaces made with magnetic clasps so the necklace could be ripped off Nicole Kidman without hurting her neck.
4. Queen Marie’s Shell Broach
Centuries have passed, making Romania’s Queen Marie a somewhat forgotten figure, but her broach is still very relevent. Known as one of the most expensive pieces of jewellery, her pecten shell shaped broach was designed by the famous C. Febrege. It may not look like much, but it was used as the crowned monogram for the Queen herself. Marie was a beloved figure among Romania’s people, despite being controversial. She had family ties to the British and Russian royal families and was (unfaithfully) married to King Ferdinad I. Despite her action in her marriage, she devoted her life to serving her country. Queen Marie’s actions include working as a nurse during WWI and writing a book to raise funds for Romania and devising a plan with the military to throw out German soldiers. She’s remained an important and integral part of Romanian history, and her broach just as famous.
5. Cartier Nail
Nothing says “Cartier” like the famous jewellery line of Juste un Clou. Designed by Aldo Cipullo, Juste un Clou was first released in 1971. Cipullo was known to have a strong interest in hardware, specifically nuts, bolts, and screws, and even said hardware stores were his second home. In order to fully appreciate the nail, you have to remember where it came from. The late-60s and early 70s was a time of rebellion and change in social norms. While this famous jewellery may not look like it, many say Cipullo created this by thinking outside the box.
The great thing about this piece of famous jewellery is the simplicity of it – after all, Juste un Clou litterally translates to “Just a Nail.” This simplicity has made it a timless classic considering how well it pairs with everything.
6. Heart of The Ocean
Chances are if you’re into movies, you’ve seen Titanic at some point. Even if you haven’t, you have some knowledge about the film and the iconic necklace Rose – spoiler alert! – throws into the ocean and the rage you felt as she tossed away millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery. Even though the characters are fictional, there’s more truth to the film than just the sinking of a massive ship. The Heart of the Ocean is based off a real gem, the Blue Hope Diamond. Also known as Le Bijou de Roi, or The King’s Jewel, this gem is 45.42 carats (which is smaller compared to its origional size), and of course, not as much of a famous jewellery peice as themovie verison of it. Originating in India, this gem was brought to France by Jean-Baptiste Tavernier and is believed to be cursed. While it currently sits in the Smithsonean, there are many inspired pieces and copy-cats out there. Remember, a jewel this fancy won’t be available for $20 on Amazon.
7. One Ring
Alright, alright, another piece of famous jewellery that isn’t real, but the impact this ring has had on pop culture is huge. Not only has it been subject to thousands of paradies and jokes, but millions of fans have bought or made their own ring to sport both dressed up as hobbits and not. Some people even get their wedding rings to resemble the Ring and sometimes engrave elvish words on the inside. If that isn’t a famous jewellery peice, then we don’t know what is.
8. Grace Kelly’s Engagement Ring
Grace Kelly lived a life that many young girls only dream of. Kelly met Prince Rainier III of Monaco during the Cannes Film Festival thanks to Alfred Hitchcock. It took a mere six months before Rainier proposed – origionally with a ruby and diamond ring. Eventually, he wanted to get something bigger and flashier for his bride-to-be (as per the fashion at the time) and presented her with the now-famous, giant ring associated with Kelly. The ring was made by Cartier with a 10.5-carat emerald cut diamond and two baguettes on the side, all set in platinum. This ring has become a famous jewellery piece that it has inspired many other designers in their work.
9. The Van Cleef Clover
Four-leaf clovers are said to be lucky, but elegant? Only when talking about the Van Cleef Alhambra. This famous jewellery line has been around since the late 60s and has had a large influence on to jewellery designers everywhere. The original inspiration for the clovers is hard to pin down. One theory comes from the idea that the quatrefoil design on the tiles located in Alhambra Palace in Granada is the sole source of inspiration. There’s also the idea Jacques Arpels would pick clovers and gift them to his staff as a reminder to be hopeful, in turn becoming part of the company’s history. Either way, the clover is an important staple to the company and very popular among jewellery collectors, including the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and the Princess of Morocco.
10. Queen Elizabeth’s Crown
Queen Elizabeth has many beautiful tiaras and crowns, but the one that comes to mind is the Imperial State Crown. This traditional one is based off the one worn by Queen Victoria in the 1830s. Elizabeth’s crown was made in the 1930s for King George VI’s coronation (her father) but underwent renovations in 1953 before her crowning. There are over 3,000 stones set in the crown, and features all kinds of precious stones including rubies, pearls, and sapphires. For those who are interested in more information can always check out the video Elizabeth did deconstruct the history of all the stones.
11. Coco Channel Logo
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, chances are you’ve seen the famous interlocking double Cs. It’s been found on all forms of jewellery (and then some). It’s so simple, yet so iconic, and so many people associate it with wealth and luxury. This is a classic tale of rags to riches with Coco (born Gabrielle), who went from being raised by nuns in an orphanage to owning an international powerhouse in the fashion industry. She learned how to sew thanks to the nuns, which inspired her to later to move to Paris and sell hats to the wealthy, and eventually, hats turned to suits, and the classic little black dress, and so on. Theories behind the logo come from a window in the orphanage and the original logo of Château de Cremat. Whatever the case may be, Channel’s famous jewellery is legendary.
12. Elizabeth Taylor Diamond
Let’s be real, Elizabeth Taylor owned tons of beautiful and iconic pieces of jewellery. She owned nothing short of luxury and wealth, making this particular selection hard to choose from. There’s the Taj Mahal diamond, the Prince of Wales Broach, and the Vancleef Daisy Collection for example. If you’re to search through all these lists though, you’ll find one of the most common of these pieces is the Taylor Diamond. With 33 carats and D-colour, Taylor wore this engagement ring nearly every day since gifted by her husband, Richard Burton.
13. Marilyn Monroe’s Diamonds
What comes to mind when you think of diamonds? It was Marylin Monroe strutting down those red steps in her pink satin gown covered in jewels, (or Madonna in the Material Girl video,) right? Of course! That iconic movie has changed the jewellery industry to the point where we’re still holding diamonds to a high standard. The scene has been referenced all over pop culture, even years later. It would be almost criminal to not mention it in this list!
14. Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s Look
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is another classic movie that influenced the jewellery industry. As with Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, pop culture has referenced this film and more often than not, with the pearl necklace, cigarette, and up-do. There’s just something so appealing and dreamy about Hepburn’s character eating her breakfast, drinking her morning coffee while windowshopping in the early hours of New York. Dolled up and nowhere to go, this really resignates with people. Especially when contrasted with the ending of the film, as un-Hollywood and realistic as it is. Sure, this is more an aesthetic than a piece of jewellery, but it’s still so important.
15. Faberge Eggs
Alright, so it’s technically not a piece of jewellery, but the intricacy and ostentatiousness of this egg is far too extravagant to not list. There were 50 Imperial Eggs made between 1885 and 1916 for the Romanovs (which are historical in themselves). Each egg has their own surprise inside for whoever opens them, such as a beautiful clock or a mini scale of the palace. Usually, they were gifts from one member of the family to another. At the time, the company was still run by Peter Carl Faberge. It’s believed that in addition to those 50, it’s believed that the company made another 19, however, only 57 of the 69 survived, and 43 of them are Imperial.
Each of the designs was extraordinary in their own rights. One was decorated to look like the Kremlin, one was detailed with an art nouveau style having lilies growing on it and topped with portraits of children in the family. It’s very much worth searching what they all looked like.
A Google search can provide a list of which eggs survived and what parts of them. Some are fully intact with a few minor scratches, and some only have the surprise inside remianing. No two eggs are identical, and there are still so many things we don’t know about them – it’s a real-life mystery that can’t be cracked.
16. Jackie Kennedy’s Pearls
Jackie Kennedy is known for more than being JFK’s wife. She is often thought of by Americans fondly, and many associate her with class and elegance. Most of the time, Kennedy’s pearls are mentioned as being her signature look, specifically the triple string. It was said that the clasp was so worn you could clearly spot the wear. Many believe it was a gift from her mother, which would explain why she wore it so often. Who knew a family heirloom would become such a famous peice of jewellery?
