Maria Callas, known as “La Divina,” remains one of the most iconic opera singers of all time. Her legacy has recently returned to the spotlight as Angelia Jolie takes on the role of a lifetime as the singer in Maria (2024). Today we look at the incredible jewellery and taste of this iconic singer.
Statement Pearls
Maria’s pearl collection included several pairs of earrings and necklaces of single, three and even five row necklaces. In 1957 she wore a pearl-encrusted headpiece as Turandot in Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot and was frequently photographed dripping in pearls.
Pearl jewellery is the perfect reflection of elegance and grace – perfect for a Prima donna. Worn by royalty for thousands of years, the rarity and lustre of pearls are truly renowned Take a look at our top pearl drop earrings to get the same look as Maria!
Brooches
La Divina’s brooch collection has recently come back into the spotlight, with Angelia Jolie paying homage to the soprano by wearing her real brooches. In an interview with Vogue, she gushed over “how special it was to wear a piece of jewelry that was Maria’s” and how she did not want to copy the singer’s looks but honour them in her own way. Jolie wore two of the soprano’s won Cartier brooches during the Venice International Film Festival, one a Rose Ouvrante 1972 flower brooch and the other a golden panther brooch ornamented with onyx spots and emerald eyes.
Whilst the panther brooch is more well known, it is the Rose Ouvrante that is particularly interesting due to it’s special mechanism that allows the petals to be opened and closed. In Jolie’s interview she expressed how charmed she was at how it transformed from a closed flower that then blooms, adding “I like to think it made her smile. The little secret in the piece.”
Gifts from Onassis
In 1959, Maria left her husband Aristotle Onassis, a shipping magnate who would later go on to leave her to marry Jackie Kennedy. She received many gifts from Onassis, including jewellery from Van Cleef & Arpels, a luxury jewellery house he was close friends with.
Her Van Cleef & Arpels collection grew over time, but she was particularly fond of a ruby and diamond floral brooch, set with six Burmese rubies totalling 15.77 carats, as well as 16.35 carats of diamonds. It’s believed Onassis gifted her this brooch as a testament to his appreciation for Callas’s refined taste and a symbol of their romance though many believe she bought it herself.
La Divina’s Diamonds
As an honorary client of Van Cleef & Arpels, they would loan her jewels like this spectacular diamond necklace in exchange for the publicity and attention that came from her photographed wearing it.
She wore the diamond necklace at high-profile events, reinforcing her reputation as a true style icon. These dazzling creations not only complemented her striking stage presence but also became a part of her legendary image.
The Legacy of Maria Callas’ Jewellery
Maria Callas’ exquisite jewellery collection was more than just a symbol of luxury—it reflected her larger-than-life persona, her deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and her status as one of the most celebrated sopranos of all time. From her beloved pearls and statement brooches to the precious gifts from Onassis, each piece carried a story of love, artistry, and timeless elegance. With Angelina Jolie bringing her story to life in Maria (2024), the fascination with Callas’ glittering legacy continues!
