Film fanatic and a jewellery lover? Have we got the blog for you. Join us as we explore 5 iconic real-life pieces of jewellery from the movies!
5. The Devil Wears Prada’s Egyptian Revival Necklace
Fashion lovers are still romanticising getting ready to work blasting KT Tunstall and imaging they’re in The Devil Wears Prada, the 2006 comedy-drama about the assistant to a powerful fashion magazine editor. Meryl Streep plays the Anna Wintour-esque character and has the wardrobe to match, notably styling an Egyptian Revival necklace except this was not a prop but a genuine 1800s antique with a well-documented backstory.
In the 1870s, the then-Prince of Wales Edward VII gifted the Egyptian style necklace, commissioned by the London jeweller Hancocks & Co, to his mistress Lillie Langtry – the perfect gift to celebrate her first performance as Cleopatra in the West End.
The necklace is opulent with winged scarabs, a carved carnelian shell, coral drops, turquoise cabochons and carved moonstones and has been described as “a magnificent Egyptian revival necklace and a stunning example of 19th-century craftsmanship” and a perfect example of the obsession with Egypt that followed after Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt and opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. This fascination manifested itself in Victorian silverware and jewellery, with a focus on vibrant coral and turquoise as well as Egyptian motifs.
After a brief stint on screen, and a buyer tug of war over the years, the necklace has finally returned to the hands of the Hancock’s and will be kept on display in their townhouse boutique alongside other historical pieces.
4. Grace Kelly’s Real Engagement Ring in High Society (1956)
Grace Kelly’s engagement ring in the movie High Society was real, gifted to her by Prince Rainier III and quickly became one of the most admired engagement rings in history.
The story goes that the costume designer planned to use a fake ring as a prop for Kelly’s character, the ultra-disciplined and refined Tracy Lord, but the prince offered to buy her a real one so she could wear it in the movie and indulge in a second engagement ring.
The stunning Cartier 10.48 carat emerald cut diamond with two supporting baguette cut diamonds is thought to have cost $4million at the time, and now worth closer to $30 million! It serves as Kelly’s flashier of her two engagement rings, the first being a thoughtful diamond and ruby eternity ring, a tasteful nod to the colours of Monaco’s flag. Whilst beloved by Kelly, it’s rumoured the Prince noticed American women had larger rings and followed suite.
3. Julia Roberts’ Ruby and Diamond Necklace in Pretty Woman (1980)
Following a stunning makeover Vivian, played by Julia Roberts, is gifted an incredible diamond and ruby necklace. The necklace was created especially for the 80s film crafted in white gold and set with 23 rubies and diamonds and estimated to be worth around $1.35 million. Paired with that iconic red dress and her tousled up-do the necklace is one we’ll never forget. Ruby jewellery is perfect for a date night and always feels particularly romantic!
2. The Moulin Rogue (2001) Famous Diamond Necklace
Unlike many jewels seen in films, Nicole Kidman’s showstopping diamond necklace was made of real diamonds. The diamond choker extends across her collarbones and chest to create a lace-like design, embellished with a total of 1,308 diamonds set in 18ct white gold with sapphire accents.
Created by Stefano Canturi, the decadent necklace took influence from Louis XVI style of the late 1800s. The necklace was made to measure for Nicole Kidman, requiring a series of fitting over a course of 3 months. The necklace was hand-crafted, embellished with a total of 134 carats of diamond and a 2.5-carat cabochon-cut Sri Lankan blue sapphire accented the clasp.
1. Kate Hudson’s Isadora Necklace in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
We all know that butter yellow backless dress but did you know the yellow diamond necklace she wears with it was the real 84 carat Isadora necklace by Harry Winston? In total just over $14 million worth of jewels were loaned for the filming of the ‘Frost Yourself’ Gala scene. The necklace was shortly sold to a private buyer after filming but the look is still replicated to this day with Lady Gaga wearing a similar style by Tiffany and co in 2019.
Let us know if you want to know about even more real-life pieces that have been featured in the movies! These 5 are certainly our favourites and if you’re feeling inspired don’t forget to check out our collection of luxury antique and vintage jewellery to own your own piece of history!
