Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
Since Uncut Gems, one of the most iconic movies about gems, was filmed on our block in the NYC Diamond District(!) , we thought we’d do a quick retrospective on some of our favorite films featuring jewelry.
Nominees for Best Supporting Jewelry in Movies
1. How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
As they say: *Frost Yourself*. This is Matthew McConaughey’s pitch as an advertising executive trying to win a high-profile diamond account. Long story short, Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey fall in love despite trying not to. Classic rom com! Hudson and McConaughey are fantastic, but they’re outshined (pun very much intended) by the iconic 84 carat diamond necklace that Hudson wears in a scene late in the movie. Worth $5 million dollars, the Isadora necklace is one of the most famous pieces of jewelry ever made for a film (the title was formerly held by a necklace worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge). Also, the movie is responsible for the following line: "a woman in lust wants chocolates...a woman in love wants diamonds." Bit problematic but iconic nonetheless.
2. Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
Few movies about jewelry are as literal as this trilogy about one ring to rule them all. This one is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a movie about a big, bad, powerful ring that everyone wants really badly? I think? Tbh, I have only seen The Hobbit on a first date in high school, and the only thing I remember is that boy put his arm around me and I leaned back so hard that his arm fell asleep. Anyway...yeah! Gollum's obsession with the ring solidifies it as one of the most iconic (and cursed) pieces of jewelry in movie history. Also, the ring looks a loooooot like our Domed Profile. Plus we can do custom engravings, so...One does not simply walk into Mordor, but one can simply go on our website! Maybe my precious can become your precious. Ok, I’ll stop.
3. Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)
This one is maybe a stretch, because it’s the jewelry store that plays such an iconic role in this Audrey Hepburn film, not the jewels themselves. Still, the number of Halloween costumes inspired by Holly Golightly’s brunch outfit indicates that her pearl and diamond necklace is just as iconic as any other piece of jewelry in movies. But, it’s really the film’s promotional photos that have earned it our jewelry nomination, where Hepburn wore the famed Tiffany Diamond.
When the yellow diamond was discovered, its rough weight was a whopping 287.42 carats. Once cut, the diamond weighed in at 128.54 carats with 82 facets (24 more than the traditional round brilliant cut). The Tiffany Diamond has only been worn by three women in its lifetime: Mrs. E. Sheldon Whitehouse at the 1957 Tiffany Ball, Audrey Hepburn iin promotional photos, and Lady Gaga at the 2019 Oscars (when she was nominated for A Star Is Born). Hepburn once said of the diamond, “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
4. Titanic (1997)
There are lots of conspiracy theories about whether Rose and Jack both could have fit on that door at the end of the movie, but most people probably forget about the 56 carat diamond Rose had in her jacket pocket. If she had thrown that thing out of her pocket (and hadn’t waited until like...50 years later), maybe she would have had room for Jack, and they would have lived happily ever after! In her defense, she didn’t know it was in there - props to old man Cal for sabotaging their love story all the way to the bitter end.
Back to the diamond: called the “Heart of the Ocean,” the necklace used for filming was made of a blue Tanzanite stone surrounded by cubic zirconias set in white gold. After Titanic became one of the highest grossing movies about jewelry and romance, a luxury version of the necklace was commissioned. Created by Asprey & Garrard using a Ceylon sapphire nestled within 103 diamonds, it raised $1.4 million at a charity auction. Before it was officially taken into a private collection, it was worn by Celine Dion at the 1998 Oscars.
5. The Pink Panther (1963-2009)
The pink diamond featured in this film is imperfect: its flaw resembles a leaping panther (hence the name Pink Panther). It’s a part of an 11 movie series, and the only one I’ve seen stars Steve Martin and Beyoncé who couldn't save it from a 21% on Rotten Tomatoes (its follow-up, sans Beyoncé, received an 11%). Still, the pink diamond earns its place as one of the most playful pieces of famous jewelry in movies.
6. Oceans’ 8 (2018)
The premise of this film revolves around a necklace heist! It centers around a Met Gala theft performed by a badass team of criminals led by Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock. Also, Rihanna is in this movie. Need we say more? All of the Met Gala jewelry in the movie was designed by Cartier, with the most important piece being The Jeanne Toussaint necklace, named after Cartier's former creative director and worn by Anne Hathaway. The necklace was originally designed by Jacques Cartier in 1931 and featured a 136.25 carat diamond which Cartier called "a really superb realization of a connoisseur's dream."
Though the original diamond was sold and the necklace lost, Cartier recreated it using historic photographs and sketches, spending eight weeks and over 4,200 hours with a team of 1015 craftspeople. Instead of diamonds (expensive!), they used zirconium oxide to recreate the look. The necklace was also scaled down 15-20% to fit Anne Hathaway’s neck, since the original 1931 necklace was originally designed for a male wearer. Turns out a necklace designed for a man can look pretty good on a woman, and a film franchise built around a male cast can work as well for a female cast. BOOM.
7. Uncut Gems (2019)
In this movie, Adam Sandler's character Howard Ratner becomes obsessed with a rare black opal mined in Ethiopia. Black opals are extremely rare and valuable, and without spoiling it, Howard is heavily invested in an uncut black opal (hence the name Uncut Gems). Sandler famously joked about his campaign to win an Oscar for the role as Howard Ratner: "If I don't get it, I'm going to f***ing come back and do one again that is so bad on purpose just to make you all pay.” Sandler was ultimately snubbed for an Oscar nomination, so I guess we should stay tuned for what he does next!
8. Pretty Woman (1990)
One of the most iconic scenes of this romcom classic is when Gere, king of the Sexy Smirk, gives Roberts, queen of the Dazzling Grin, a necklace to wear to the opera (yes, it’s no big deal that he whisks her via private jet to San Francisco to see the opera). The necklace, feauring 23 pear cut rubies surrounded by diamond hearts, was designed by Fred Joaillier. When Gere reveals the necklace and Roberts reaches out to touch the $1.35 million stunner, he snaps the box shut on Roberts’ fingers, causing Roberts to shriek and burst into laughter. It turns out that Gere snapping the box was improvised, so Roberts’ glorious, movie star laugh is her genuine reaction! My heart!
9. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Ok, this one is tricky because technically, it’s Marilyn’s dress that caused the stir, not the jewels. But she's literally singing about how diamonds are her best friend, so it definitely earns a spot on our list. Marilyn Monroe’s iconic song “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” went on to inspire Madonna’s “Material Girls” as well as the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend song “Math of Love Triangles” (a must watch). The American Film Institute lists it as the 12th most influential film song of all time–a true gem in the world of jewelry movies.
10. The Ring (2002)
My best friend from sixth grade was so terrified after watching this movie that she had to sleep in her parents' bed for a year, so I am not even going to look up the movie's plot or what this "ring" is. But it's literally called The Ring so it gets an automatic spot on this list.
And the Winner Is...
Uncut Gems! Because it was filmed on our block and it makes us feel like movie stars. Yes, this was a very biased voting process! No, we are not sorry!
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQs
1. What are the most iconic pieces of jewelry in movies?
Some of the most famous jewelry in movies include the Heart of the Ocean necklace from Titanic, the Isadora diamond in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and the pink diamond in The Pink Panther. These pieces have become legendary in pop culture for their beauty, symbolism, and dramatic impact.
2. Why is jewelry often featured so prominently in films?
Jewelry plays a powerful symbolic role in film, all of which represents love, wealth, power, or mystery. From proposal-worthy rings to priceless diamonds, jewelry in movies often serves as a plot device that drives action or defines a character’s personality.
3. Are there any movies entirely focused on jewelry?
Yes! Films like Uncut Gems and Ocean’s 8 are centered around the world of high-value gems and jewelry. These movies about gems explore the tension, obsession, and allure that jewelry can bring—on screen and off.
4. What’s the most expensive piece of jewelry ever featured in a movie?
The 84-carat yellow diamond necklace worn by Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days known as the Isadora Diamond is considered one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry in film, valued at $5 million.
5. Which classic movies highlight jewelry in unforgettable ways?
Classic movies about jewelry include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Pretty Woman. These films don't just feature stunning gems, they helped shape jewelry trends for decades to come.
6. Is Uncut Gems based on a real gem or event?
While the black opal in Uncut Gems is fictionalized, it draws inspiration from real gemstone markets and the chaos of New York’s Diamond District—where the movie was actually filmed (right near Holden’s office!).
7. Can I buy jewelry like what’s seen in these movies?
Absolutely! Many jewelers (including Holden!) offer designs inspired by film. While we don’t stock 84-carat diamonds, you can shop minimalist, customizable pieces that let your story shine—without a Hollywood budget.
About Holden
Choosing a ring is more than checking a box—it’s a way to express who you are and what matters to you. At Holden, our engagement rings and wedding rings are made-to-order with your story in mind. Explore minimalist Classic bands, radiant Gemstone designs, and fluid Curved styles that feel effortless and meaningful.