Jewelry has always been an essential aspect of human culture, used to signify wealth, power, and social status. Throughout history, many iconic jewelry pieces have captured the public’s imagination and become symbols of beauty, elegance, and sophistication. This blog post will explore some of the most famous jewelry pieces in history, from Elizabeth Taylor’s stunning diamond collection to Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Collection
Elizabeth Taylor was famous not only for her stunning beauty but also for her incredible collection of diamonds. Taylor was a collector of fine jewelry. Over the years, she amassed an impressive array of diamonds, including the famous Krupp Diamond, which was given to her by Richard Burton. The Krupp Diamond is a 33.19-carat, Type IIa diamond initially owned by Vera Krupp, the wife of German industrialist Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach. Taylor loved the diamond and wore it often, including to her 40th birthday party, where she famously wore it on her forehead.
Another iconic piece in Taylor’s collection was the Taylor-Burton Diamond, which was a 69.42-carat diamond that was purchased by Richard Burton for Taylor as a gift. The diamond was later sold at auction for $1.05 million, a record at the time. Taylor also owned a stunning diamond necklace given to her by Mike Todd, her third husband. The chain comprised 29 diamonds and was worth $200,000 at the time.
Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring
Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring is one of history’s most famous engagement rings. The crew was given to Diana by Prince Charles when he proposed to her in 1981, and it quickly became one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry of all time. The ring features a 12-carat oval-shaped sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, and it was designed by Garrard, the official jeweler to the royal family at the time.
The ring was not only beautiful but also meaningful, as sapphires are said to symbolize loyalty and faithfulness. The crew was a perfect choice for Princess Diana, who was beloved by the public for her grace, kindness, and devotion to her family and charitable causes. The ring was later passed down to Prince William, who gave it to his wife, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge when he proposed to her in 2010.
Audrey Hepburn’s Pearl Necklace
Audrey Hepburn was one of the most iconic actresses of all time, and her signature style was the epitome of elegance and sophistication. One of her most famous jewelry pieces was a pearl necklace that she wore in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The nch jewelry house Cartier, a, created the necklacend it was made up of four strands of pearls and a diamond clasp.
The necklace became an instant classic and helped to cement Hepburn’s status as a fashion icon. The chain was so iconic that it was later sold at auction for $926,000, more than seven times its estimated value.
Marilyn Monroe’s Diamond Rivière Necklace
Marilyn Monroe was one of the most famous actresses of all time, and she was known for her glamorous style and love of diamonds. One of her most iconic pieces of jewelry was a diamond rivière necklace given her by her husband, Joe DiMaggio, as a wedding gift. The chain comprised 16 emerald-cut diamonds and was valued at $80,000 at the time.
The necklace was worn by Monroe on many occasions, including at the premiere of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, where she famously sang “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” The necklace became one of Monroe’s most famous jewelry pieces and was sold at auction for $1.2 million.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are some of the world’s most impressive and valuable jewelry pieces. The collection includes many iconic works, including the Imperial State Crown worn by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament. The crown is set with over 2,800 diamonds, including the famous Cullinan II diamond, the second-largest diamond in the world.
Another iconic piece in the collection is the Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the world’s largest diamonds. The diamond was originally mined in India and was given to Queen Victoria by the East India Company in 1850. The diamond is now set in the Queen Mother’s Crown and displayed at the Tower of London.
The diamond of Koh-i-Noor
The 105.6-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the world’s biggest cut diamonds, is also one of the most contentious of the British Crown Jewels. Originally thought to have been mined in medieval South India, the diamond’s written provenance dates back to 1628, when it adorned the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s gem-encrusted throne. The Persian monarch Nader Shan plundered the throne during his invasion of Delhi in 1739, and the diamond was taken to Afghanistan. The stone then “passed between the hands of various rulers in one blood-soaked episode after another,” according to Smithsonian Magazine, before resurfacing in India, landing in the lap of Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh in 1813.
The Koh-i-Noor presently adorns the late Queen Mother’s crown. Still, the governments of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all requested that this unique symbol of colonial conquest be returned.
Conclusion
Jewelry has been an essential aspect of human culture for thousands of years, and throughout history, many iconic pieces have captured the public’s imagination. From Elizabeth Taylor’s stunning diamond collection to Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, these jewelry pieces are beautiful and have significant historical and cultural importance. Whether it’s a diamond necklace, a sapphire ring, or a crown set with thousands of diamonds, these jewelry pieces are timeless. They will continue to captivate us for generations to come.