Jennifer Lopez vs Elizabeth Taylor: Diamonds for Days
Vogue’s December 2022 cover star, Jennifer Lopez, has always been an icon. In relation to her jewels, the 53-year-old is on par with Elizabeth Taylor, especially when it comes to her engagement rings.
For starters, there is J.Lo’s pink Harry Winston diamond, gifted by her now-husband Ben Affleck. Valued at $1 million, the 6.10 carat stone started a trend for colored diamond engagement rings.
Elizabeth Taylor also possessed an expansive jewelry collection, boasting 10 spectacular engagement rings over the years including Mike Todd’s twenty-nine-and-a-half carat engagement ring in 1956, followed by an array of other diamond dazzlers.
Additionally, she has worn some breathtaking jewels in various films, including those famous emerald Bulgari earrings in The V.I.P.s. I can’t even count how many gigantic diamond necklaces I’ve seen her pictured in over the years, many of them gifted to her by Richard Burton.
J.Lo’s wedding and engagement jewelry has definitely been the most impressive of her collection. On her wedding day, Lopez walked down the aisle wearing a pair of Mikimoto South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings, worth $53,000, which she paired with a diamond floral ring by the brand with a value of $39,000.
In Elizabeth Taylor’s day, it was more common to see women with celebrity status wearing show-stopping diamond jewels, whether it be a necklace, bracelet, ring, or all. Accessorizing your outfit with the most stunning jewelry, particularly diamonds, was a way of showing status.
Today, things have become a little more casual with celebrities wearing everything from the most extravagant Cartier necklaces at awards ceremonies to more affordable and accessible pieces while out and about.
J.Lo, for instance, began her career rocking velour sweatsuits and leopard print paired with big gold hoops. Over the years, her style has evolved immensely, and the star is now considered an American style icon. Likewise, Elizabeth Taylor’s style evolution changed quite a lot over the years, too. She started off embracing the 1950s New Look silhouette which was then replaced by a perma-tan and natty shift dresses in the 60s. It wasn’t until the 80s that she mesmerized her fans in bold-shouldered taffeta gowns and huge diamond jewels.
Shop the Looks
Here are some pieces I’ve picked out that are inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jennifer Lopez’s most famous jewels.
Harry Winston Candy Pink Sapphire Ring
A sensational piece featuring a pink sapphire center stone surrounded by 16 round pink sapphires, 8 oval-shaped and 8 round rubies, and 40 round brilliant and pear-shaped diamonds. It’s fun, vibrant, and very sweet.
Cartier Emerald Earrings
Set in white gold, these elegant earrings are each set with an emerald-cut emerald and paved with brilliant-cut diamonds. Like Liz Taylor, you’ll feel and look like a star glimmering in these stunners.
Tiffany & Co. Pearl Earrings
Similar to J.Lo’s ceremony jewels, these gorgeous earrings are set with South Sea cultured pearls and round brilliant diamonds.
Tiffany & Co. Cushion-Cut Diamond Ring
Reminiscent of Taylor’s very first engagement ring, this beauty sparkles with a double halo of brilliant diamonds and a cushion-cut center stone.
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.
