Best Celebrity Jewelry of All-Time
Do you ever wonder what jewelry celebrities wear off the red carpet? When they’re not borrowing six-figure Cartier necklaces or Bvlgari rings for glitzy events, what are they accessorizing in?
I’ve decided to look into the jewelry collections of everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Charlize Theron to round up some of the most expensive pieces worn during their downtime.
Elizabeth Taylor
“Life without earrings is empty,” Elizabeth Taylor once declared. That’s something she and I agree on very much!
An avid jewelry lover, Taylor was rarely spotted without a dazzling pair of sparklers hanging from her lobes. Among her favorites were the diamond and platinum chandeliers, gifted to Taylor by theater producer and her then-husband, Mike Todd.
Another piece she put on every day for years was the 33.9-carat Krupp diamond ring, a gift from then-husband Richard Burton.
Get the look: Nina Gilin Moonstone & Diamond Chandelier Earrings
Beyoncé
The Queen of Pop’s collection of jewels is just as legendary as the singer herself. Over the years, Beyoncé has accumulated an impressive collection of statement hoops, opulent crowns, and 18-carat sparklers.
While most of her treasure trove is designed by jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, she’s been seen wearing other names in her off-duty looks.
In 2018, Beyoncé was spotted wearing Y/Project gold slinky earrings as she headed out to dinner in New York.
The same year, Queen Bey also sported name-plated hoops as she stepped off a yacht in the south of France, putting personalized jewelry on trend again.
Get the look: Stephanie Gottlieb Nameplate Hoops
Marilyn Monroe
The icon is known for her dazzling, sparkling jewelry collection. But those diamond-stoned pieces were mostly borrowed for movies and events.
Surprisingly, Monroe had very little expensive jewelry of her own. The only items of real value from her jewelry collection would have to be her diamond wedding band from Joe DiMaggio and a strand of Mikimoto pearls gifted to her from the Emperor of Japan.
The star also regularly wore a necklace consisting of emerald-toned beads.
Get the look: Blue Nile Freshwater Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace
Wallis Simpson
During her lifetime, The Duchess of Windsor wore a wide selection of lavish jewelry, ranging from her ruby and sapphire brooch to her famous diamond panther Cartier bracelet.
Much of Wallis’s jewelry contained gemstones with regal origins. Her engagement ring, for instance, was cut from a stone once worn by a Mughal emperor. It was purchased from Cartier in 1936 for £10,000.
Get the look: Tiffany Blue Tourmaline and Diamond Drop Earrings
Charlize Theron
I’ve seen Charlize rocking a Bvlgari watch a few times, but that’s not her only go-to luxury jewelry brand.
The actress has also been spotted out and about wearing necklaces by Ariel Gordon, Foundrae, and the more affordable brand, Dalla Nonna. And I’ve more than once see her sporting a pair of gold spike earrings by Anita Ko.
In her day-to-day life, Charlize Theron generally keeps things low-key. Still, she now and again shows off a bit of sparkle when she’s off-duty.
Get the look: Foundrae Small Belcher Resilience Necklace
About The Author
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.
