The top 5 most famous jewels in the world

Sol Rivero
November 10, 2014

Jewelry and accessories have been here for a long time, and one look at a history book will tell you that during many times they were considered much more than complements to someone’s outfits. Jewels were a sign of social status, and they showed others how much power a family or person had.

On the anniversary of Harry Winston’s donation of the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian, we take a look at the top 5 most famous jewels in the world, and we tell you a little bit about their origins and where they are now. Check it out!

Most famous jewel in the world #5: The Heart of the Ocean

Originally a fictitious jewel, the Heart of the Ocean was the necklace featured in the 1997 movie Titanic. It was supposedly a blue diamond first owned by king Louis XVI, and bought later on by one of the characters for his fiancée, played by Kate Winslet. However, the jewel didn’t exist at all, that is until the movie became a worldwide sensation.

The jewelers who created the original prop created two reproductions with real sapphires and diamonds, and they were worn by singer Celine Dion and actress Gloria Stuart during the Academy Awards ceremony. As of now, neither of them are available for the public.

Most famous jewel in the world #4: The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond

Once known as the Krupp Diamond, this piece of jewelry was given as a present to actress Elizabeth Taylor by her then husband, Richard Burton, in 1968. Originally, the diamond belonged to Vera Krupp, yet soon became one of the most famous jewels worn by a celebrity.

The actress wore the diamond as a ring almost all the time, and considered it her favorite. After she passed away, it was renamed as The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, and in 2011 it was auctioned for more than 8 million dollars.

Most famous jewel in the world #3: The Hope Diamond

Initially named Le Bijou du Roi, or the King’s Jewel, and Le bleu de France, or the Blue of France; this famous gem was first found in India, from where it was mined and taken to France, where it became part of the Crown Jewels. After the French Revolution the jewel was stolen, and made it to the United States at the beginning of the 20^th century, where it was owned by Pierre Cartier and, later on, Harry Winston.

The latter donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1958, and since then it has become part of their exhibition of jewels.

Most famous jewel in the world #2: The Tiffany Yellow Diamond

Featuring the largest yellow diamond ever mined, the Tiffany Yellow Diamond was discovered in South Africa and purchased by Charles Tiffany, from Tiffany & Co. This incredible gemstone has only been worn twice: the first time in 1957 by Mrs. Sheldon Whitehouse, and the second time, by actress Audrey Hepburn in 1961 for publicity photos for Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The diamond has been exhibited at the Smithsonian and at the Somerset House in London.

Most famous jewel in the world #1: Crown jewels

Although many countries has their own, the crown jewels from the United Kingdom are arguably the most famous jewels in the world, and they include a wide variety of pieces which are usually worn during important ceremonies, such as coronations. The Great Star of Africa, St. Edward’s Crown, The Imperial State Crown, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond, are amongst the most famous pieces owned by the Royal Family.

Many of these jewels come from countries conquered by Britain in past years, and they have been worn by most of the rulers of this nation, thus giving it a profound historical importance.

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