Iconic jewellery moments in cinema that are still being copied, reissued, and pinned long after the credits roll

In the grand theatre of cinema, jewellery has always played a supporting role—but every so often, it steps into the spotlight and utterly steals the show. Whether it’s a legendary necklace sparking a love story, a royal crown worn with shaky grace, or a bridal nath (nosepin) that says everything without uttering a word, these are the pieces that became as unforgettable as the characters who wore them.

In Hollywood, it’s typically one show-stopping item—a pendant, a ring, a choker—that bears the emotional weight of a scene. In Bollywood, jewellery is practically a language of its own: layered, symbolic, sweeping, and steeped in tradition. But across cultures, one thing holds: when a piece of jewellery breaks free from the script and enters iconography, it becomes more than a prop. It becomes a legend.

Cartier’s 'Toussaint' Necklace in 'Ocean’s 8'

Cartier’s recreation of a 1931 design once made for the Maharaja of Nawanagar became the dazzling centre of Ocean’s 8—a necklace worth stealing, literally. Worn by Anne Hathaway at the film’s fictional Met Gala, it glittered with old-world decadence and modern charm. This year, Isha Ambani wore a real diamond version to the actual Met Gala, reviving a legend in true heiress fashion.

Priyanka Chopra’s nosepin(s) in 'Bajirao Mastani'

Forget the crown, the nose ring is where the authority resides. As Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani, Priyanka Chopra’s crescent-shaped Maharashtrian nath, delicately anchored by pearls, became the visual and emotional centrepiece of every frame. Teamed with opulent silks and inner resilience, it inspired bridal looks across the country. Sometimes, an ornament says everything a character can’t.

The Isadora Necklace in 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days'

“Frost yourself.” That was the film’s tongue-in-cheek tagline, but the real chill came from the 84-carat yellow diamond necklace that Kate Hudson wore in the film’s finale. Named after dancer Isadora Duncan, the necklace was on loan from Harry Winston, and it shimmered with real-life red carpet magnitude. Romance was the genre, but grandeur was the mood.

Aishwarya and Madhuri’s Jadau Sets in 'Devdas'

In Devdas, jewellery is the story. Aishwarya Rai’s delicate kundan chokers and haars, and Madhuri Dixit’s exquisite chandbalis and haathphools, become instruments in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand romantic opera. Every twirl, every tear is framed in layers of traditional jadau, turning sentiment into spectacle. Devdas isn’t simply a film; it’s a jewellery catalogue wrapped in tragedy.

Eleanor’s Emerald Ring in 'Crazy Rich Asians'

Quiet power, worn like armour. Amongst all the glitzy excess of Crazy Rich Asians, it’s Eleanor Young’s emerald ring—worn by Michelle Yeoh and drawn from her collection—that holds the most weight. It's elegant, fiercely understated, and steeped in backstory. In one sunlit moment, the emerald catches the light, and Rachel finally sees it. More than heirloom or accessory, it speaks volumes: quiet wealth, iron will, and a legacy never up for discussion.

Rekha’s Feather Earrings in 'Silsila'

Ethereal chiffons. Slow-motion longing. Feather-light earrings that caught the moonlight just so. Rekha’s look in Silsila has endured for over four decades, thanks in part to those crescent-shaped danglers that whispered romance and restraint. At a recent Umrao Jaan screening, Alia Bhatt paid homage to the look, with Rekha’s approval. A shimmering reminder that some silhouettes never slip out of style.

The Ruby Necklace in 'Pretty Woman'

One velvet box. One snap. One unforgettable laugh. Julia Roberts’ ruby and diamond necklace in Pretty Woman, created by Fred Joaillier, matched her scarlet opera gown with unapologetic 90s glamour. That moment—playful, poised, pure fairytale—turned a simple accessory into cinematic lore.

Audrey’s Pearls in 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s'

 

“Nothing very bad could happen to you there.” Those words, paired with five perfect strands of pearls and a black Givenchy dress, cemented Audrey Hepburn’s opening scene as one of cinema’s most iconic fashion moments. Minimal yet magnificent, her look at Tiffany’s redefined 20th-century elegance. All it took was pearls, a pastry, and a little mystery.

Jodhaa’s Kundan Set in 'Jodhaa Akbar'

 

Opulent doesn’t begin to cover it. Aishwarya Rai’s bridal look in Jodhaa Akbar—all weighty kundan chokers, enamelled polki, and regal borlas—was crafted over 600 days by Tanishq and remains the blueprint for cinematic royalty. Every frame shimmered like a Mughal miniature, proving that sometimes, the jewellery does the storytelling.

The Heart of the Ocean in 'Titanic'

 

Fictional, yes—but unforgettable. The Heart of the Ocean, a sapphire pendant suspended from platinum, became as famous as the ship itself. It carried not just a love story, but an entire mood: tragic, exquisite, doomed. “I’ll never let go,” Rose whispered, and she never really did. The necklace remains an icon, echoing across generations like a ghost from the deep.

Jewellery in film often begins as ornamentation, but in the right hands—and the right frames—it becomes a language of its own. In Western cinema, it’s typically a singular jewel that defines a moment. In Bollywood, it’s about maximalist storytelling, where entire sets of jewellery can evoke dynasty, devotion, or downfall.

But in both worlds, when the sparkle is right, jewellery transcends. It becomes memory, myth, and magic —long after the lights go down.

All images: IMDB

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