Over the years, some truly spectacular pieces of jewellery have graced the silver screen. Who hasn’t swooned over the antique jewels and iconic costumes of movie stars, especially when we hark back to the classic films that have gone down in history? From Marilyn Monroe to Julia Roberts, actresses have dazzled us with their gems as well as their captivating performances. We’ve seen Victorian jewellery, vintage jewellery, and one-off pieces with a remarkable history used in our favourite films-it’s almost impossible to pick a favourite!
When it comes to necklaces, however, certain pieces are a cut above the rest. Join us as we round up our absolute favourite necklaces in movie history, each as iconic as the last!
1. Lorelei Lee’s diamond necklace in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
If you’re looking for a star-studded showstopper, you don’t have to look any further than Marylin Monroe’s jewellery box for the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
For the 1953 film, Monroe borrowed the iconic pendant from Meyer Rosenbaum of Detroit, and it was one of the oldest pieces of jewellery known to be worn in a movie – at over 500 years old at the time!
The dazzling diamond pendant necklace was originally owned by the Maharajah of Baroda, India, and has since been worn by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and Marie Antoinette.
The impressive necklace certainly lives up to its elaborate backstory, adorned with layers of stunning diamonds.
This piece was thought to be one of the driving forces which boosted the popularity of the diamond during the 20th century.
By the end of the 1950s, diamonds were considered an essential part of any engagement ring.
Get the look with this stunning vintage Art Deco 5.56 carat diamond and 14 carat white gold necklace for £7,645.00.
2. Rose’s Heart of the Ocean pendant in Titanic (1997)
Is there a more romantic and heart-wrenching tale than of Rose and Jack in the 1997 blockbuster, Titanic? It’s certainly hard to top at any rate! A strong motif in the film is the heart-shaped pendant worn by Kate Winslet’s character, Rose.
Is there a more romantic and heart-wrenching tale than of Rose and Jack in the 1997 blockbuster, Titanic? It’s certainly hard to top at any rate! A strong motif in the film is the heart-shaped pendant worn by Kate Winslet’s character, Rose.
Get the look with this impressive 3.50 carat blue topaz and 9 carat yellow gold heart-shaped pendant for £1,535.00.
3. Satine’s diamond necklace in Moulin Rouge (2001)
From the moment Satine, played by Nicole Kidman, dramatically enters the Moulin Rouge on a swing attached to the ceiling, singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”, it’s clear that the character is going to bring something special.
The elaborate diamond necklace is in-fitting with the romantic French era the film is set in, and it is a true showstopper!
The piece is thought to have been inspired by the style of Louis XVI with openwork lace patterns and scrolls, featuring a total of 1,308 diamonds at an impressive 134 carats!
When it was created, it was the most expensive piece of jewellery ever made to be used in a film and it is estimated to be worth $1 million.
Moulin Rouge won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design at the 2002 Oscars, and it’s no surprise.
The weeks of research to craft something this perfect make us all want to embrace our inner Satine!
4. Vivian’s ruby and diamond necklace in Pretty Woman (1990)
There are few movie looks as iconic as Vivian’s red opera dress, fiery red hair, and jaw-dropping ruby and diamond necklace in Pretty Woman. Julia Roberts’ character undergoes a fabulous transformation throughout the film, and the gorgeous necklace is the cherry on the top.
Crafted using 23 pear-cut rubies surrounded by diamond hearts, this stunning necklace has an estimated worth of $1.35 million.
Go for an emerald twist on the original and get the look with this vintage 9.39 carat diamond and 4.10 carat emerald, 14 carat white gold necklace for £16,950.00.
5. Holly Golightly’s pearl necklace in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
While we’re talking about iconic movie moments, it would be a crime not to mention Audrey Hepburn’s glamourous portrayal of Holly Golightly in the 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The multi-strand pearl and diamond clasp necklace that was worn by Hepburn in the movie exudes pure vintage elegance.
The necklace perfectly sets off the rest of the timeless outfit, consisting of a Givenchy haute couture little black dress, arm-length gloves and an elegant cigarette holder.
It’s crazy that throughout the entirety of the film, Audrey Hepburn doesn’t wear a single piece of Tiffany & Co. Jewellery!
Then again, with a five-strand pearl necklace and a diamond clasp like that – who needs Tiffany’s?!
The movie boosted Tiffany’s into a tourist attraction, and made the image of a little black dress and pearls a timeless part of fashion history – an essential for every woman to own!
Get the look with our double strand pearl necklace with diamonds for £3,575.00.