At award shows, now more than ever before, fans expect to see massive amounts of glittery diamonds on the ears, necks and wrists of their favorite female stars. However, stars showcasing diamonds is not a new idea. Years before, diamond publicity was established in motion pictures. In addition, motion picture companies lavished their stars with diamonds for gifts and for promotion.
The habit of stars wearing glamorous jewels for the benefit of fans and publicity began in the opera and theater community with stars like Sarah Bernhardt. Fan magazines showcased star’s jewels and Sarah Bernhardt became known for her art nouveau jewelry. In Hollywood, for the production of “Queen Elizabeth,” she wore a diamond and pearl studded brocade gown, strands of pearls and beads, and wigs that were adorned with pearls. The pearl business took on a surge with the display of Sarah Bernhardt’s pearls.
Then there was the great actress Gloria Swanson. Although Gloria spent a sizable fortune on rented jewelry, in the 1950’s she graced Sunset Boulevard with huge diamond jewelry from her own collection.
Soon the studios got in on the act and really took care of their stars. Actresses like Jean Harlow came on the scene. Her movie studio set her up with a mansion, a lavish wardrobe and plenty of expensive diamond and other jewelry.
It is during this time that the high end diamond business really took on a surge. Many jewelry companies began to cater only to the movie studios. They made their mark with some impressive displays. For example, the actress Claudette Colbert wore a diamond and ruby necklace known as “jigsaw” jewelry. It could be transformed into a bracelet a tiara or a brooch.
Sophisticated diamond jewelry came to the forefront in the 1940’s. As a tribute to America, it was typical to see red, white and blue jewelry accented with lots of diamonds. Audrey Hepburn received attention with her sophisticated diamond ringed pearl button earrings. Turquoise became popular when Doris Day wore a diamond and turquoise necklace and earrings set in the movie “Pillow Talk.”
Marilyn Monroe was the actress who really put the “D” in diamond. “A kiss on the hand may be quite Continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” was one of Monroe’s famous lines. The diamond industry received a massive amount of attention with Marilyn’s movies “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “How to Marry a Millionaire.” The singer Madonna did her own tribute to Marilyn Monroe and her diamonds in her song “Material Girl.”
The blonde and diamonds theme continued with Grace Kelley who wore beautiful diamonds in the movie “To Catch a Thief,” where Gary Grant plays a jewel thief. The way the diamonds looked on Grace was yet another successful promotional move for the diamond industry.
Finally, one of the biggest tributes to diamonds was Elizabeth Taylor. Mike Todd gave her a 29 carat diamond ring, but in 1969, Richard Burton gave her a 69.42 carat pear shaped diamond - one of the most famous diamonds in the world.
Today, diamonds showcased in movies does not have the same affect as days gone by, however there have been moments. In the movie “Titanic” Kate Winslet wore a fabulous blue diamond. The prop was made into the real thing and was worn by the singer Celine Dion. It was then auctioned off for more than two million dollars.
