Emeralds have long been symbols of luxury, wealth, and elegance, captivating the hearts of royals, Hollywood stars, and fashion icons alike. Their vivid green hue, often associated with nature, renewal, and love, has made emerald jewelry a favorite choice for some of the most glamorous figures in history. Let’s take a closer look at the most iconic emerald jewelry pieces ever worn by celebrities, highlighting their significance and the stars who brought them to life.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Legendary Bulgari Emerald Necklace
One cannot discuss emerald jewelry without mentioning Elizabeth Taylor. Known for her lavish collection of jewels, Taylor owned one of the most famous emerald necklaces in history. A gift from her then-husband, Richard Burton, the stunning Bulgari emerald and diamond necklace became a central piece of her jewelry collection. Featuring large, deeply green emeralds surrounded by diamonds, this necklace epitomizes old Hollywood glamour.
Taylor often paired the necklace with matching emerald earrings, a brooch, and a ring, all from Bulgari. She famously wore the necklace during the filming of Cleopatra in Rome, where she and Burton’s love affair blossomed. The necklace later sold at auction in 2011 for a staggering $6.1 million, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic pieces of emerald jewelry in history.
Angelina Jolie’s Oscar Emerald Earrings
At the 2009 Academy Awards, Angelina Jolie turned heads with her bold yet simple jewelry choice. She paired her black Elie Saab gown with massive emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz. The 115-carat Colombian emeralds were elegantly set in 18-karat gold, and their intense color provided a striking contrast to her dark dress, making them the focal point of her entire look.
These earrings not only showcased Jolie’s timeless elegance but also sparked a renewed interest in emerald jewelry on the red carpet. Many fashion critics hailed her look as one of the best of that year, cementing these earrings as one of the most iconic red carpet jewelry moments.
Jackie Kennedy’s Emerald Engagement Ring
Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring, given to her by John F. Kennedy in 1953, is one of the most unique and iconic engagement rings in history. The ring features a 2.84-carat emerald set next to a 2.88-carat diamond, with baguette diamonds lining the sides. Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, the ring was a perfect reflection of Kennedy’s sophisticated style and taste.
Jackie’s emerald and diamond ring set a trend for non-traditional engagement rings, with many brides opting for colored gemstones over classic diamonds. To this day, her ring is considered one of the most iconic pieces of emerald jewelry ever worn.
Princess Diana’s Emerald Choker
Princess Diana’s fashion choices have inspired generations, and her love for emeralds was evident throughout her life. One of her most famous pieces was the Art Deco emerald choker, a gift from Queen Elizabeth II. This stunning piece featured an intricate design of diamonds and emeralds set in platinum.
Diana famously wore the choker as a headband during an event in 1985, creating an iconic and unforgettable fashion moment. Her decision to wear such a luxurious piece in such a unique way solidified her status as a style icon. The emerald choker remains one of the most memorable pieces from her extensive jewelry collection.
Beyoncé’s Emerald and Diamond Lorraine Schwartz Earrings
Beyoncé has worn numerous stunning jewels over the years, but one of her most iconic emerald moments came at the 2017 Grammy Awards. She wore a custom set of emerald and diamond jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz, including 400-carat emerald earrings. These bold earrings featured oversized emerald stones surrounded by diamonds, perfectly complementing her golden gown and pregnant glow.
Beyoncé’s daring yet sophisticated choice helped bring emerald jewelry back into the spotlight, particularly for red carpet events, where statement jewelry often takes center stage.
Emerald jewelry has long been associated with royalty, luxury, and elegance. From Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary Bulgari necklace to Angelina Jolie’s simple yet bold emerald earrings, these iconic pieces have left a lasting impression on fashion history. Celebrities continue to embrace emeralds, not just for their beauty, but for their ability to make a powerful statement. Whether it’s a necklace, ring, or earrings, emerald jewelry remains one of the most sought-after and timeless accessories in the world of high fashion.