Gems on Screen: Illuminating Stories of Jewelry in Cinema

Jewels remain silent, yet they captivate a woman's heart more than any words can.

As people say, "clothes make the man," the pairing of jewelry with beautiful attire immediately catches one's eye. In films, the glow of the protagonists' aura is brilliantly accentuated by the shimmer of the jewelry they adorn.

Today, let's take a journey through cinema, exploring the significant jewelry pieces featured in movies.

1. Breakfast at Tiffany's

Featured Jewelry: Pearl Necklace

In Breakfast at Tiffany's, the opening scene is hailed as a classic in cinematic history. The scene unfolds as Hepburn steps out of a taxi and strolls towards the Tiffany's jewelry store window. The grand window displays glittering bracelets and sparkling brooches. Hepburn adorns a pearl diamond necklace, aspiring to the exquisite life behind jewelry.

2. The Great Gatsby

Featured Jewelry: The Great Gatsby series created by Tiffany

The film's costumes are extravagantly luxurious, and while one might have marveled at the attire, the accessories were the most important decorations. The lead actress wears an exquisitely designed headpiece and pearl jewelry, all crafted by Tiffany. The headpiece frequently appears throughout the movie, one of the significant accessories for the female lead. The feather shape on the headpiece can be detached and worn as a brooch. The design of the pearl and diamond jewelry represents contemporary high society in the film.

3. Anna Karenina

Featured Jewelry: Chanel Joaillerie collection, Camellia Necklace

Anna Karenina epitomizes opulence and grandeur in a royal setting. Chanel's jewelry collection embodies the luxurious mood of the 19th century, resonating with the rich tapestry of embroidery, lace, and Byzantine-style velvety floral decorations. The film showcases several pieces specifically chosen from the Chanel jewelry collection, echoing the historical essence within the movie.

4. Cleopatra

Featured Jewelry: Gold

This film was made in the 1960s, with an investment of 44 million US dollars, therefore, the film's set and costumes were exceptionally luxurious. Actress Elizabeth Taylor wore a suit made from a 24-karat gold-woven fabric. The unfathomable opulence speaks volumes beneath the golden attire, highlighting her matchless beauty and symbolizing an unparalleled status—Egypt and Rome, both bowing to her beneath her golden pomegranate skirt.

5. Ocean's 8

Featured Jewelry: Diamonds

Unusually led by an all-female cast, this film tells the story of eight beautiful thieves who successfully steal jewels. Instead of the eight female stars being the main focus, the Cartier diamond necklace, which the entire film revolves around, stands out. This diamond necklace showcases the collective intelligence and raw materialistic desire of these eight women. It is Cartier's legendary work, the Jeanne Toussaint necklace, weighing 136 carats.

6. Moulin Rouge

Featured Jewelry: Diamond Necklace

In this film, aside from Nicole Kidman's beauty, the unforgettable diamond necklace is prominently featured. In the movie, this necklace was a gift specially created for the "headliner" Satine by the Duke for the Moulin Rouge. The necklace beams with elegance, illuminating the matchless beauty of the female lead. It resonates with her recognition as the "shimmering diamond" in the Moulin Rouge.

7. Diana

Featured Jewelry: Earrings

In this biographical film about Princess Diana, jewelry, especially earrings, that reflect the style she loved frequently appear. Those familiar with Princess Diana's style would know of her extreme fondness for earrings, often wearing them exclusively. The film showcases several designs from Chopard specifically created to replicate the princess's style and preferences, offering a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of Princess Diana's elegance.

8. Titanic

Featured Jewelry: Tanzanite Necklace

One of the most iconic jewelry pieces in movie history is the "Heart of the Ocean." Though it was a gift given by the second male lead to the female lead, it inadvertently became the witness of the love brewing between the male and female leads, Jack and Rose. Rumors suggest that the "Heart of the Ocean" in the film might have been inspired by the "Hope Diamond" from Harry Winston. However, the natural blue diamond was too costly, so director James Cameron used a Tanzanite stone that closely resembled the blue diamond for the heart of the ocean.

Screen life derives from reality, and everyone is the protagonist of their own life. Jewelry adorns these characters and adorns us too.

In the documentary Becoming Hepburn, an elderly Tiffany employee recalls the time she secretly wore the yellow diamond worn by Hepburn in Breakfast and she said, "The measure of life is not in the number of heartbeats but in those breathtaking moments that take our breath away." And in her opinion, jewelry is the most stunning flow in these moments.

After viewing so many beautiful pieces of jewelry, are you also deeply captivated? Although the jewelry in movies seems distant from us, you can take a look at this article to gain more insights into styling jewelry in real life. Come here at BeautyInVogue and have a look!