Celebrity Jewelry: The Most Iconic Pieces and Their Stories
From Marilyn Monroe’s iconic diamond earrings to Elizabeth Taylor’s famous collection of jewels, celebrity jewelry has always captured the imagination of the public. The stories behind these pieces of jewelry often involve love, scandal, and above all, a touch of extravagance. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic pieces of celebrity jewelry and the stories that make them so memorable.
One of the most famous pieces of celebrity jewelry is the 69-carat diamond worn by Elizabeth Taylor, which was a gift from her then-husband Richard Burton. The diamond was known as the Taylor-Burton diamond and it was sold at auction in 1978 for a staggering $5 million. The diamond was originally part of a larger piece of jewelry owned by the wife of a wealthy industrialist, who sold it after the death of her husband. The diamond was later purchased by Cartier, who then sold it to Burton.
Another iconic piece of jewelry is the La Peregrina pearl, which was owned by Elizabeth Taylor. The pearl was a gift from Richard Burton and it has an incredible history that dates back to the 16th century. It was discovered off the coast of Panama and it was owned by Spanish royalty before it made its way into the hands of various European nobility. Taylor received the pearl as a gift from Burton and she later had it set into a necklace.
Marilyn Monroe’s diamond earrings are also among the most iconic pieces of celebrity jewelry. The earrings were a gift from her then-husband Joe DiMaggio and they became synonymous with her glamorous image. The earrings were auctioned off in 1999 for a staggering $170,000, which was well above the estimated value of $20,000 to $30,000. The earrings are a symbol of Monroe’s enduring legacy and they continue to captivate the public’s imagination.
Yet another iconic piece of celebrity jewelry is the Hope Diamond, which has a long and storied history. The diamond was originally owned by Louis XIV of France and it has had a number of owners throughout the centuries. It eventually ended up in the possession of famous jeweler Harry Winston, who then donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. The diamond has been the subject of numerous legends and it is said to be cursed, which only adds to its allure.
These are just a few examples of the most iconic pieces of celebrity jewelry and the stories behind them. They have all captured the public’s imagination and they continue to be symbols of glamour and luxury. Whether it’s the love story behind the Taylor-Burton diamond or the enduring legacy of Marilyn Monroe’s diamond earrings, these pieces of jewelry have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Celebrity jewelry continues to be a source of fascination for many people and the stories behind these iconic pieces only add to their allure.