The Golden Age Era was not only an era of beautiful cinema, but it was also an era of the leading ladies of Hollywood, stunning costumes and glitzy jewels.
Many of the jewels from those golden days glittered with many colourful treasures. In an era when the brightest young things rubbed shoulders with royalty, with dazzling debutantes and with presidents, spectacular gems were the order of the day on the big screen and the red carpet alike. Many of the era’s most famous faces were also jewellery connoisseurs who amassed extraordinary collections. Here are our favourites:
Grace Kelly
Why We Love Her
Grace Kelly was everything elegant and beautiful. With a brief acting career that lasted just six years, she starred in High Society, Dial M for Murder and High Noon. Her acting career was brought to an early end by her fairy-tale wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco. As a princess, she became heavily involved in philanthropy, becoming a patron of the Red Cross of Monaco and an honorary member of La Leche League, a worldwide non-profit organisation focussing on mothering on breastfeeding.
Her Style
Grace Kelly’s style was the epitome of elegance. She famously wore a pair of chandelier gold and Pearl drop earrings in High Society, created by Joseff of Hollywood. After she became a princess, Grace had access to an extraordinary array of glittering goodies.
Diamond Earrings
Zircon Ring
Josephine Baker
Why We Love Her
Josephine Baker was a woman who’s style stole the show with her flashy jewellery and showy stage outfits. She made history by being the first black woman to appear in a major motion picture, a 1927 silent French film called Siren of the Tropics. Not only was she known for being an extremely talented world-famous entertainer, but she was also recognised for aiding the French Resistance during WW2 and her contribution to the civil rights movement.
Her Style
Josephine Baker had an iconic style and was all about making a big statement. With her slicked-down hair and chunky jewellery, she had a daring style for the time, from being draped in nothing but Pearls to large earrings.
Sapphire Earrings
Blue Diamond Necklace
Elizabeth Taylor
Why We Love Her
Best known for her title role in Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor is also remembered for her roles in National Velvet, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Although she garnered huge media attention due to her marriages, she was one of the first celebrities to participate in AIDS/HIV activism, founding numerous foundations to raise money and awareness.
Her Style
Elizabeth Taylor could make anything look classy, and she was known for her love of exquisite jewellery, with a collection of jewels featuring Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires and more. Most of the famous pieces in Elizabeth Taylor’s collection were gifts from her 5th (and 6th) husband, Richard Burton.
Emerald Necklace
Emerald Ring
Marlene Dietrich
Why We Love Her
Marlene Dietrich was a glamorous actress with style to match, with a career that spanned decades. She appeared in Morocco, a film where she received an Academy Award nomination, and was featured in many other notable films. Dietrich was also known for housing German and French exiles and helping them financially.
Her Style
Dietrich dared to push boundaries for the era she was in by wearing a top hat, tuxedo and white bow tie for her iconic role in Morocco. This would be her signature look throughout her career. She is also known for her glamorous jewellery collection, including her Ruby and Diamond-encrusted cuff.
Ruby Pendant
Ruby Ring
Audrey Hepburn
Why We Love Her
One of the most elegant women of Hollywood’s Golden Age was the stunning Audrey Hepburn. Best remembered for her iconic roles in My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, she was always exquisitely turned out and has subsequently been voted the most beautiful woman of all time. Later in her life, Audrey was highly devoted to UNICEF, for which she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Her Style
Hepburn didn’t often wear watches or necklaces but opted for earrings, often Pearls. She is mostly remembered for the jewellery she wore in her films. In My Fair Lady, she wore an extraordinary Diamond necklace created by Joseff of Hollywood. However, she is best remembered for her iconic ensemble in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, pairing a Givenchy Little Black Dress with a Pearl and Diamond necklace.
Midas Earrings
Pearl Earrings
