International Women’s Day: great women with great diamonds
In homage to International Women's Day, we've put together a little something for 77Diamonds favourite women in jewellery.
Elizabeth Taylor
Bio
As one of the most iconic actresses of the age, Elizabeth Taylor is just as well known for her beauty as her Oscar-winning acting talent. Having been married eight times – twice to the same man – Taylor has accrued one of the most comprehensive and unrivalled personal jewellery collections in the world.
The Jewels
Some of the more note-worthy jewels of Taylor’s incredibly note-worthy and extensive collection include the 33ct Krupp diamond ring, the Taj Mahal heart-shaped yellow diamond necklace and La Peregrina Pearl – all gifts from fifth and sixth husband Richard Burton. Whilst third-husband Mike Todd lavished the actress with an antique diamond tiara and a 29ct diamond ring. However, Taylor’s collection also boasts some of the most iconic and famous jewels ever made. These include the famed Duchess of Windsor diamond brooch and the impressive 69ct pear shaped Taylor-Burton diamond, given to her by her Cleopatra co-star and former husband Burton.
Quote Unquote
‘I'm fortunate to have some very important pieces of jewellery. I don't believe I own any of the pieces. I believe that I am their custodian, here to enjoy them, to give them the best treatment in the world, to watch after their safety, and to love them.’
- Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewellery.
Grace Kelly
Bio
Grace Kelly found fame as one of Alfred Hitchcock’s much lauded ‘ice blondes’ before becoming the toast of Hollywood with her role in Country Girl which saw her collect a Best Actress Oscar. However, Kelly then went on to a real-life fairytale as she was whisked off her feet by Monaco’s Prince Rainier III, before her untimely death in 1982.
The Jewels
Before marrying Rainier, Kelly became synonymous with diamonds after her eponymous role in To Catch A Thief. However, the Prince lavished his future bride with an eternity ring comprised of rubies and diamonds to tide her over until the 12ct emerald cut diamond engagement ring intended for her was fit for his princess! Once married, Rainier gave Kelly a Van Cleef & Arpels pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings set.
Quote Unquote
‘Thank you darling, for such a sweet, intimate wedding.’
-Grace Kelly recalls what she famously whispered into her fiancé’s ear as they made their way along the streets of Monaco (lined with almost 20,000 well-wishers) to the wedding, with a 600-strong guest list.
Marilyn Monroe
Bio
The original and best blonde bombshell, Monroe defined the age as one of the most glamorous stars in Hollywood. Born Norma Jean, Monroe soon found success in movies such as The Seven Year Itch, Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, before her death in 1960.
The Jewels
There are two images of Marilyn Monroe that have endured, that of her in the white dress over the air vent in The Seven Year Itch and of course her pink gown with matching gloves and diamonds in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Yet in spite of the latter, Monroe’s own personal collection only comprised of two pieces of valuable jewellery, a diamond eternity ring, set with 35 baguette diamonds and a pearl necklace, both of which were given to her by husband Joe DiMaggio. However, Monroe was a purveyor of the now customary practise of jeweller’s loaning their items to Hollywood stars. Her many public and promotional appearances helped a long list of jewellers which was even recognised by the industry. Indeed, Monroe was given an award by the Jewellery Academy, presented by its then-President Sidney Brownstein, the gong is inscribed with the following; ‘To Marilyn Monroe, the best friend a diamond ever had.’
Quote Unquote
‘A kiss on the hand might be quite continental but diamonds are a girl’s best friend...’
Lyrics from Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Jackie O
Bio
As one of the most iconic and stylish first ladies the United States has ever had, Jackie Kennedy spawned a legion of look-a-likes across the globe. Following the tragedies that beset the First Family, Jackie married shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968 and so the nickname Jackie O was born.
The Jewels
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ jewels collection is astounding. From the 6ct diamond and emerald engagement ring given to her by her first husband JFK to the 40ct marquise Lesotho III diamond ring gifted to her by future husband Onassis. Indeed, Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ jewels have garnered so much admiration both for their rarity and their historical value that at the 1996 Sotheby’s auction of the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, many of the jewels that sold went for double or triple their estimate.
Quote Unquote
‘It looks like it's been furnished by discount stores.’
Ever the purveyor of good taste, Jackie Kennedy told it how it was when she went to re-decorate the White House.
LIKE the sound of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels?
WANT to be a Princess like Grace Kelly?
REMEMBER the fabulous jewels of the late Duchess of Windsor?
By Hannah Powell
