Jewellery can easily become iconic, there are certain pieces that jump to mind whenever we think of the most famous pieces of all time. Jewellery can be a reflection of power, fame, and wealth and celebrities, royalty and well known people use jewellery to showcase their status. Jewellery can also be used to highlight a person's sense of style and pieces can be used as the perfect finishing touch to an outfit. Events, award ceremonies and public outings are all closely monitored mainly for the outfits of choice, yet the jewels worn and their cost is a big area of speculation and interest.
'La Peregrina'
The pearl and diamond necklace was a gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor in 1969. Elizabeth was one of the most beautiful women on earth and she was closely monitored by the media and the public for her every move including her clothes and fashion sense. She had one of the most breath taking jewellery collections and after her death many pieces were sold at auction.
The La Peregrina is the most famous pearl in the world and was previously owned by King Phillip II of Spain. Richard Burton acquired the pearl and asked Cartier to add it to a diamond and rub necklace he had designed for his love Elizabeth Taylor. The necklace sold for $11 million at auction, the most expensive price ever recorded at an auction house.
Heart of the Ocean
The Blue Sapphire pendant was the focal point of the Titanic film. The story is based around a necklace that was give between passengers of the real Titanic, the legend claims that a passenger gave the necklace to his love and he later perished when the ship sank.
There have been many re-creations of the necklace as the whereabouts of the original are unclear. The most iconic version of the necklace was created by Harry Winston one of the world's most famous jewellers, his interpretation cost a staggering $20 million and was lent to the elderly Titanic actress during her appearance at the Oscars. This became the most expensive piece of jewellery ever worn to an award ceremony.
Diana's Sapphire Ring
The £40,000 ring was given to Diana from Prince Charles upon their engagement. This is one of the most famous pieces of jewellery as most members of royalty opted for diamonds and rubies in their engagement rings. The sapphire is set within 14 solitaire diamonds and an 18 carat gold setting. After Diana's death, her sons William and Harry were gifted with the ring and her watch as mementos. The ring now belongs to the future Queen after Diana's eldest son William gifted it to her also on their engagement.
There have been a wide variety of recreations of the ring more so since the most recent Royal engagement.
Wallis Simpson Panther Bracelet
Wallis Simpson is best known for her relationship with Edward VIII, who abdicated from the throne to allow the relationship to continue. The American Wallis Simpson owned a stunning onyx and diamond bracelet designed in the shape of a panther. It was sold at for a staggering £4.5 million at Sotheby's auction house and was the most expensive bracelet ever sold at auction. Although the identity of the buyer has never been formally confirmed, there are rumours that it was in fact fellow American Madonna.
We aren't all able to spend millions of some of the most iconic jewellery pieces but we are able to create our own items that are iconic and meaningful to us. Jewellery is down to personal interpretation and individual style and the ability to reflect our personality through items like a bracelet or a necklace makes jewellery so spectacular. Using different tools and materials from crafting paces such a Home Crafts means we are able to create the pieces that we want to wear and add our own items to the pieces of iconic jewellery, which we adore.