The Biggest Jewelry Icons of The 20th Century
The 20th century transformed the jewelry industry with innovative techniques and iconic designs. After World War I, a desire for change sparked bold new styles, amplified by mass media and the rise of legendary figures. From Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic pearl necklace, these jewelry icons defined elegance and inspired generations. Explore the stunning collections of the 20th century’s most influential women, whose timeless pieces continue to captivate.
Over the 20th century, the jewellery industry completely transformed as new techniques were developed. Following World War 1, particularly, everyone was ready for change and something new, which was heavily reflected in jewelry design. With the increase in mass media and reporting came iconic stars, some of whom became known for their lavish and stunning jewelry collections. Here are a few of the biggest jewelry icons of the 20th century whose legacy of showcasing new and interesting jewellery styles lives on!
Princess Diana: A 20th Century Jewelry Icon
Princess Diana had a breathtaking jewellery collection, resulting in endless amounts of replicas being created over the last couple of decades. From stunning pearl necklaces and striking tiaras to drop earrings and headpieces, most people were envious of her fashion sense and accessories. Of course, Princess Diana was known and loved for so much more than that, which is likely why her pieces became so well-known.
One of the most famous pieces of jewellery that Diana owned was her sapphire and diamond engagement ring. It has been valued at around £300,000 and was passed onto Prince William after Diana passed, with blue sapphire jewelry becoming exceptionally popular as a result of how loved the princess and her style were loved. Princess Kate Middleton now proudly wears the vintage engagement ring after Prince William proposed to her in 2010. Many of Diana’s pieces are now worn by Kate, so her iconic jewellery legacy lives on.
Jackie Kennedy
Another significant jewellery icon of the 20th century was Jackie Kennedy. She is known as one of the most fashion-forward first ladies in history, with her jewellery collection helping to contribute to this reputation. Every piece of jewellery she wore oozed elegance, particularly her stunning emerald and natural diamond engagement ring given to her by John Kennedy. The ring featured a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald.
Her second husband, Aristotle Onassis, gave her a 40-carat diamond ring. After she passed away, it was sold at auction for $2.59 million. Jackie’s birthstone was ruby, so she often received gifts featuring rubies that became an iconic part of her collection.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor had a spectacular jewellery collection thanks to her iconic career as a classical Hollywood actress in the 1950s. From rings to necklaces and bracelets to brooches, every piece of jewellery worn by the actress was breathtaking. However, she was most well-known for her 10 iconic engagement rings.
One of her most impressive engagement rings was given to her by Mike Todd when she was 24 years old. The emerald-cut diamond ring was stunning; however, sadly, the marriage ended when Todd died in a plane accident just a year after they married.
Taylor went on to marry Richard Burton twice; however, he never actually gave her an ‘engagement ring.’ Instead, he regularly gifted her expensive pieces of jewellery, including a 32-carat Burmese sapphire pendant. She also received the famous Krupp diamond, which was renamed the Taylor-Burton diamond, which is now worth a staggering $10 million.
Throughout her lifetime, she wore beautiful jewellery that will mean she is forever remembered as a jewellery icon, alongside her many other achievements. Her collection of vintage jewellery will always be admired.
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly is one of the most iconic American actresses of the golden era of Hollywood. Starring in many notable films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window and Dial M For Murder, To Catch A Thief, and High Society. Her beauty and character simply shone, being renowned for being a passionate, strong, and well-educated woman who people simply adored. She wore a whole host of beautiful jewellery in her films; however, things took a turn when she became a real-life princess, marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco.
From here, she became the face of Hermes and was constantly adorned in extraordinary jewellery. From her Cartier emerald-cut engagement ring to the iconic Van Cleef & Arpels diamond tiara she wore to her daughter’s wedding, her collection was truly beautiful. She also loved pearls, claiming them as the queen of gems. Grace Kelly very sadly died from injuries she sustained in a car crash in Monaco; however, her love for jewellery lives on through her family.
Audrey Hepburn
Now, a story about the biggest jewellery icons of the 20th century simply wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Audrey Hepburn and, specifically, her iconic diamond and pearl necklace worn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This piece inspired designs for decades to come, with iconic designers such as Vivienne Westwood taking their spin on the piece, which quickly became a cult classic. The elegance, sophistication, and playful rebellion embodied in her character are perfectly captured in this beautiful piece of jewelry. Simply iconic, this piece was one of the main reasons that pearls were really brought into the mainstream, whether as costume jewellery or the real deal.
Photo by cottonbro studio
