Famous Vintage Jewelry Worn by Hollywood Stars

Vintage jewelry has long been synonymous with glamour and elegance, often seen as the epitome of style on the silver screen and red carpet. Hollywood stars have always had a love affair with these timeless pieces, choosing vintage designs that add a touch of history, craftsmanship, and iconic beauty to their looks. From stunning diamond necklaces to bold cocktail rings, vintage jewelry continues to capture the public’s imagination when paired with the most famous faces in the world.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most famous vintage jewelry pieces worn by Hollywood stars, tracing their stories and why they’ve become legendary in both fashion and film history.

1. Elizabeth Taylor’s 33.19-Carat Krupp Diamond

Star: Elizabeth Taylor
Designer: Harry Winston
Occasion: Personal collection, often worn to premieres and events
Elizabeth Taylor’s love for jewelry is almost as famous as her acting career. One of her most iconic pieces is the Krupp Diamond, a 33.19-carat diamond ring given to her by Richard Burton in 1968. Set in a simple platinum band by Harry Winston, this enormous diamond is known for its flawless clarity and size. Taylor wore this ring regularly, turning it into a symbol of her unique, unapologetic style. Today, this piece remains one of the most famous vintage jewels ever worn by a Hollywood star.

2. Audrey Hepburn’s Diamond and Pearl Necklace in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Star: Audrey Hepburn
Designer: Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Occasion: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
In one of the most iconic movie moments of all time, Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly stares into the window of Tiffany’s, wearing a stunning multi-strand pearl necklace. The diamond and pearl necklace, designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., became a symbol of timeless elegance and sophistication. Though a costume for the film, the necklace perfectly embodies the glamour associated with both Hepburn and the Tiffany brand, making it an unforgettable piece of cinematic jewelry history.

3. Grace Kelly’s Engagement Ring

Star: Grace Kelly
Designer: Cartier
Occasion: Personal, worn in High Society (1956)
When Grace Kelly became engaged to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, she received a 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from Cartier. The ring’s timeless Art Deco design and classic elegance perfectly suited the princess-to-be, and she famously wore it in the film High Society. The engagement ring became not only a symbol of Kelly’s transition from Hollywood star to royalty but also an enduring icon in the world of vintage jewelry.

4. Marilyn Monroe’s Moon of Baroda Necklace

Star: Marilyn Monroe
Designer: Maharaja of Baroda’s Collection
Occasion: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) Premiere
Marilyn Monroe, the epitome of Hollywood glamour, wore the Moon of Baroda, a 24-carat yellow diamond necklace, to the premiere of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The necklace, which had belonged to the Maharaja of Baroda, is steeped in history and lore. The Moon of Baroda was the perfect complement to Monroe’s iconic persona and her rendition of the famous song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”

5. Sophia Loren’s Diamond Tiara at the 1957 Oscars

Star: Sophia Loren
Designer: Bulgari
Occasion: 1957 Academy Awards
At the 1957 Oscars, Italian screen siren Sophia Loren wore a stunning Bulgari diamond tiara that captivated audiences and cemented her status as a global style icon. The tiara, featuring a mixture of diamonds in floral and leaf motifs, reflected the opulence of mid-century Italian design. Loren’s beauty, combined with this dazzling piece, created one of the most memorable red carpet moments in Academy Awards history.

6. Nicole Kidman’s 1,399-Carat L’Wren Scott Necklace

Star: Nicole Kidman
Designer: L’Wren Scott
Occasion: 2008 Academy Awards
Nicole Kidman made headlines at the 2008 Oscars when she wore an extravagant necklace featuring over 7,600 diamonds, totaling 1,399 carats. Designed by L’Wren Scott, the necklace was a modern tribute to the vintage glamour of old Hollywood, evoking the opulent, show-stopping pieces worn by stars of the Golden Age. The necklace added a dramatic flair to Kidman’s otherwise simple dress, making it a standout look.

7. Cate Blanchett’s Art Deco Cuff at the 2014 Oscars

Star: Cate Blanchett
Designer: Chopard
Occasion: 2014 Academy Awards
At the 2014 Oscars, where Cate Blanchett won Best Actress for her role in Blue Jasmine, she wore a stunning Chopard Art Deco-inspired cuff bracelet. The bracelet, adorned with diamonds and featuring intricate geometric patterns, was the perfect example of how vintage jewelry can elevate a modern red carpet look. Blanchett’s love for vintage-inspired jewelry made this piece a memorable part of her ensemble.

8. Keira Knightley’s Antique Necklace in Atonement

Star: Keira Knightley
Designer: Chanel
Occasion: Atonement (2007)
In the critically acclaimed film Atonement, Keira Knightley’s character wears a beautiful, long antique diamond necklace. The vintage necklace became an integral part of her character’s ethereal, 1930s-inspired look. Designed by Chanel, the necklace symbolized the opulence and tragedy of the era, perfectly complementing the film’s visual and emotional impact. It remains a favorite among film fashion enthusiasts.

9. Angelina Jolie’s Emerald Earrings at the 2009 Oscars

Star: Angelina Jolie
Designer: Lorraine Schwartz
Occasion: 2009 Academy Awards
While not technically vintage, the style of Angelina Jolie’s 115-carat emerald drop earrings at the 2009 Oscars was a nod to the bold, statement jewelry of the 1960s and 1970s. Designed by Lorraine Schwartz, the earrings added a pop of color to Jolie’s black gown, making them one of the most talked-about jewelry pieces of the night. The oversized, glamorous design evoked the spirit of vintage fashion, proving that timeless jewelry styles never go out of vogue.

10. Lady Gaga’s Tiffany Diamond Necklace

Star: Lady Gaga
Designer: Tiffany & Co.
Occasion: 2019 Academy Awards
Lady Gaga stunned the world at the 2019 Oscars when she wore the famous 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world. Last worn by Audrey Hepburn in 1961 for Breakfast at Tiffany’s publicity photos, the necklace was paired with Gaga’s black Alexander McQueen gown, evoking a sense of old Hollywood glamour. The diamond’s return to the spotlight, after decades in Tiffany’s vault, marked a historic moment in the world of vintage jewelry.

Conclusion

From the silver screen to the red carpet, vintage jewelry continues to play a starring role in Hollywood’s most glamorous moments. Whether worn in iconic films or to major awards ceremonies, these vintage pieces capture the magic and allure of a bygone era. For collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and fans of old Hollywood, these jewels are more than just accessories—they are a testament to the timeless appeal of classic design and the enduring power of star-studded style.

Whether it’s Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond or Audrey Hepburn’s pearls, these vintage jewelry pieces remind us that elegance and glamour never go out of fashion.