Some of the brightest stars in Hollywood will step onto the red carpet donning their most showstopping jewelry for the 85th Academy Awards. From Natalie Wood to Natalie Portman, movie stars have captivated audiences with their bling during awards season for decades. As we anticipate this Sunday’s glamour, join us for a look back at noteworthy jewelry pieces in Oscar history:
The 300-year-old Spanish Inquisition Necklace in the collection of the Smithsonian National Natural History Museum has 15 emerald beads and more than 360 diamonds. © Chip Clark, Smithsonian Institution.
1947: Katharine Hepburn, Spanish Inquisition Necklace.
Katherine Hepburn wore the Spanish Inquisition Necklace, borrowed from famed jeweler Harry Winston, for the 1947 Academy Awards. Winston purchased the necklace, comprised of 374 diamonds mined in India and 15 Colombian emeralds, from the son of the Maharaja of Indore and named it the Inquisition Necklace because he believed it had once been owned by Spanish royalty.
“In the 16h century Spanish explorers in what is now Colombia plundered emeralds, which had been used in jewelry and for religious ceremonies for hundreds of years. It’s certainly a possibility that this particular piece was once owned by Spanish aristocracy,” said Dona Dirlam, director of GIA’s Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center. The necklace is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
1957: Elizabeth Taylor, The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara
Elizabeth Taylor, then queen of the silver screen, wore an antique (1880) tiara to the 1957 Academy Awards. A gift from her husband, theater and film producer Mike Todd, the tiara featured old Mine cut diamonds mounted in platinum and gold. “Antique cut diamonds can enhance the beauty of an elegant setting. The old Mine cut is generally a cushion shape, with the facet arrangement of the typical brilliant. The lower half facets are much shorter than modern cuts, and there is often a fairly large culet,” said Al Gilbertson, GIA research associate and diamond cut expert.
The tiara was auctioned by Christie’s in December 2011, and realized over $4.2 million. “When the jewels of a celebrity like Elizabeth Taylor come up for auction, the world clamors for a piece of their fame, with resulting prices that often far exceed their gem value. Miss Taylor’s diamond tiara was valued between $60,000 and $80,000, but sold for much more because collectors around the world furiously competed for this galmorous part of cinematic history,” said Russell Shor, GIA’s senior industry analyst.
Elizabeth Taylor, The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara (C) Getty Images
1999: Whoopi Goldberg, Elizabethian Jewels.
Whoopi Goldberg wore a record-breaking $41 million worth of Elizabethan-style jewels for her opening skit at the 1999 Oscars, the most value ever worn by one person. Goldberg crowned herself “the African Queen” as a nod to the two actresses nominated for their portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I: Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth and Judi Dench in Shakespeare in Love.
“During Queen Elizabeth’s reign (1558-1603), women often wore multiple necklaces, several rings and the carcanet – a wide collar-like necklace or headband. Valuable metals and gems were often reserved for the upper class and nobility… Whoopi’s jewelry during the 1999 Academy Awards would certainly have received a nod from Elizabeth herself,” said Dona Dirlam, director of GIA’s gemological library and information center.
Whoopi Goldberg, Elizabethian Jewels. (c) Getty Images
Are you looking forward to seeing more spectacular jewelry at this year’s Oscars? Sound off in the comments!
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