The most expensive jewellery pieces from movie history

Think of cinematic jewellery, and we often draw a close association with the stunning Heart of The Ocean necklace that was made famous by David Cameron’s 1997 magnum opus, Titanic. But for those who know, extravagant jewellery has often had a long and close association with film history, whether to serve as a costuming detail or as plot devices. Here’s a look back at some of the most expensive jewellery featured in movies.

Talk about Hollywood glamour and some of the greatest cinematic moments featuring high fashion and jewellery will inevitably cross your mind. The striking image of Marilyn Monroe’s dazzling diamonds as she performs Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend is a classic representation of this phenomenon. Having adorned some of the most popular movie characters of our time, many iconic pieces jewellery pieces have gone on to become symbols of power, wealth, and timeless elegance.

Bedazzling gems and precious pearl pieces have brought luxury to the silver screen in moments that have made cinematic history. Let’s take a look at the iconic jewels with jaw-dropping values that have been worn by some of our favourite characters in movies.

The most expensive jewellery that has been featured in movies

The Touissant Cartier necklace in Ocean’s 8

In the star-studded cast of Ocean’s 8 (2018), which features some of Hollywood’s most talented actresses, it was instead Cartier’s Touissant necklace that stole the show. The action heist film centres Sandra Bullock’s Debbie Ocean, whose plan to steal the iconic piece is unsurprising, given its staggering value.

Boasting a magnificent history, the Jeanne Toussaint necklace is worth USD 150 million. It was created by Jacques Cartier in 1931 for the Maharaja of Nawanagar and named after Cartier’s creative director, Toussaint. The luminous piece was replicated for the movie, with Cartier also serving as an exclusive jewellery partner for the show.

Since the original necklace from 1931 no longer exists, the design was replicated by the Cartier via archival drawings and photographs. It was also downsized from its original size to fit Anne Hathaway’s Daphne Kluger, who wears it while attending the Met Gala in the film.

The Heart of the Ocean in Titanic

The enormous blue diamond necklace that adorned Kate Winslet’s neck in Titanic is one of the most famous pieces of jewellery ever worn in cinematic history. Dubbed the Heart of the Ocean in the film, the necklace, which features a blue diamond cut into the shape of a heart, was a prop inspired by the famous Hope Diamond. Of course, it later served as an inspiration to many jewellers who went on to create high-value replicas valued at approximately USD 200 to 300 million, making it a strong contender in our list of the most expensive movie jewellery pieces ever sold.

As for the original Hope Diamond, the 45.54-carat piece was sold to New York gem merchant Harry Winston in 1969. Winston later donated it to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where it remains today.

Elizabeth Taylor and her personal collection of expensive jewellery

In many of her films, film star Elizabeth Taylor allowed her personal jewellery collection to shine. One momentous occasion occurred when she took the opportunity to immortalise her La Peregrina pearl necklace on celluloid. The historically-rich neckpiece was a gift from her husband Richard Burton, and historically belonged to the Spanish royal family. In 1969’s Anne of the Thousand Days, Taylor wore the iconic jewellery piece onscreen in an uncredited role, allowing it to shine.

The pear-shaped pearl piece was bought by Burton for USD 37,000 at a Sotheby’s London auction in 1969. In 2011, the same necklace that belonged to the late actress was auctioned in New York, selling for USD 11 million. While many items from Taylor’s jewellery box had been worn by her characters, a prominent piece she repeated was her Krupp diamond ring. It was later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond and was sold for a whopping USD 8.8 million at a New York City auction.

Nicole Kidman’s diamond necklace in Moulin Rouge

As “Spectacular” as its accompanying musical number, the diamond necklace gifted to Nicole Kidman’s character Satine by the Duke of Monroth (Richard Roxburgh) in Moulin Rouge is one of the most expensive jewellery pieces ever featured in movies. Designed by Australian jeweller Stefano Canturi, the sparkling necklace was hand-crafted in 18K white gold and encrusted with 134 carats of diamonds. The exquisite piece of jewellery weighed 426 grams, and bore a total of 1,308 diamonds. Regarded as one of the most valuable pieces of film jewellery, it is worth approximately USD 3 million.

The Isadora diamond necklace of How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days

The sight of Kate Hudson’s Andie Anderson in her yellow Carolina Herrera silk gown in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) is an iconic fashion moment. Adding to its allure, Hudson also wore a gorgeous yellow diamond necklace to cement her place as the star of the show. Undoubtedly one of the most famous jewellery pieces ever featured in a movie, the Harry Winston diamond necklace was named after dancing legend Isadora Duncan. The 84-carat pendant which was inspired by the Tiffany yellow diamond was sold at USD 5 million. Interestingly, special security personnel and an armoured car were assigned to the set during filming to guarantee the safety of the precious jewellery item.

Tiffany & Co.’s sparkling gems in The Great Gatsby

Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan’s The Great Gatsby is every fashion enthusiast’s dream movie. High fashion ensembles and Art Deco jewels portray Jay Gatsby’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) flamboyant lifestyle in the film. With Tiffany and Co. on board to provide the jewellery featured in the film, Mulligan’s Daisy Buchanan is allowed to sparkle in a dazzling array of pieces that aptly captured the 1920s glitz and glamour. Among the most iconic pieces in the film is a diamond and cultured pearl Savoy tiara, a stunning headpiece that caught the eye of all on-screen and off, worth approximately USD 220,000.

The Tiffany yellow diamond in Death on the Nile

A recreation of Audrey Hepburn’s famous Tiffany diamond from Breakfast at Tiffanys, this elegant 128-carat yellow diamond necklace was featured in Kenneth Branagh’s 2022 film, Death on the Nile. Gal Gadot’s character Linnet Doyle appears wearing the stunning necklace, not merely to paint an arresting image but also to hold a crucial connection to the plot. The necklace features a 128.54-carat cushion-cut yellow diamond suspended from 100 carats of white diamonds laid out in a geometric pattern. Experts estimate the memorable piece of jewellery to be worth USD 30 million.

Julia Roberts’ legendary jewel piece from Pretty Woman

A definitive pop culture moment involving jewellery in cinema takes place in Julia Roberts and Richard Gere’s revered rom-com Pretty Woman (1990). The adorable scene in which Gere almost closes the jewellery box on Robert’s hand, followed by her iconic laugh, remains memorable to this day. The exquisite diamond and ruby necklace is worth approximately USD 550,000. It is one of the most expensive jewellery pieces ever featured in a movie from the early 90s.

Chanel necklace in Anna Karenina

In the 2012 screen adaptation of Anna Karenina, the graceful Keira Knightley featured in elegant Chanel jewellery pieces that captured the glamour of Russian high society. The French fashion house created a special collection for the film, including the Camelia Poudré diamond necklace with a layered floral design. Alongside Knightley’s inimitable charms, the piece went on to become a popular piece of film history and is one of the most expensive jewellery items featured in movies. The diamond necklace was reportedly worth USD 3 million.

Lady Gaga’s expensive jewellery and tastes in House of Gucci

Lady Gaga made a lasting impression with her portrayal of the infamous Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci, and the film’s stellar costume department also deserves a shoutout for the resulting glamour. The wardrobe choices served as a crucial storytelling tool; hence, the jewellery worn by Gaga had to dazzle. The extravagant jewellery pieces worn by her in the film included a stunning ruby and diamond studded necklace by Bulgari. Featuring 77 round-cut diamonds, the Le Magnifiche collection piece is estimated to be worth over USD 625,000.

Marilyn Monroe’s Moon of Baroda

In the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe performed Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend adorned in diamonds, including The Moon of Baroda, a stunning gem that sparkled prominently around her neck. The 24-carat pear-shaped diamond has a long history, with a list of famous past owners that included Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, as well as Maria Theresa of Austria. The necklace is among the most famous pieces of jewellery ever seen in cinematic history, with an estimated value of over USD 4 million.

(Main and featured images: IMDb; Oceans8movie/Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How much is the necklace from Titanic?

The necklace worn in the movie was a prop, but replicas of the Heart of the Ocean necklace from esteemed jewellers are estimated to be worth USD 200 to 300 million.

– Which film contains the most expensive piece of jewellery?

Titanic’s Heart of the Ocean necklace is considered to be the most expensive piece of jewellery in a Hollywood movie.

– What is the most expensive piece of jewellery sold?

The Hope Diamond is the most expensive diamond ever sold in the world. The elegant blue diamond costs around USD 250 million and weighs about 45.52 carats.

– How much is the Pretty Woman necklace worth?

The ruby-embedded diamond necklace from Pretty Woman, which starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, is worth approximately USD 550,000.