Celebrity Diamond Jewelry Looks That Made History
Diamond jewelry has always held a special place in fashion — not just for its sparkle, but for the stories and moments it represents. Nowhere is this more visible than on red carpets and high-profile events, where celebrities wear some of the most breathtaking diamond pieces ever seen. These aren't just accessories; they’re symbols of glamour, power, and personal expression. Over the years, certain celebrity diamond moments have stood out, becoming iconic in pop culture and fashion history. Let’s take a look back at some of the most unforgettable diamond jewelry looks that made headlines and turned into legends.
1. Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s Necklace
Few moments in cinema history are as iconic as Audrey Hepburn standing outside Tiffany & Co. in that black Givenchy dress, oversized sunglasses, and pearl-and-diamond necklace. Though the necklace wasn’t worn on the red carpet, it influenced generations of jewelry design and remains a style reference even today. The original necklace featured strands of pearls and a sparkling diamond brooch detail, merging simplicity with elegance.
It wasn’t the most expensive jewelry ever worn
on screen, but its cultural impact is massive. Audrey's look in Breakfast at
Tiffany’s made diamonds feel both aspirational and timeless. The entire
aesthetic screamed effortless glamour, and for many women, it became the
definition of "chic."
What made this piece special wasn’t just the
size, but the story behind it. Taylor wore it with pride and joy — from galas
to everyday errands. She believed diamonds were meant to be worn, not just
stored away, and she wore them like armor and art at once. Today, the Krupp
Diamond is often referred to as the “Elizabeth Taylor Diamond,” a testament to
how much she owned the look.
3. Lady Gaga’s Yellow Diamond at the Oscars
At the 2019 Oscars, Lady Gaga stunned the world when she stepped onto the red carpet wearing the legendary 128.54-carat Tiffany Yellow Diamond. The last time the gem had been worn in public was by Audrey Hepburn herself — making it a full-circle fashion moment.
Gaga paired the necklace with a sleek black
Alexander McQueen gown and black gloves, reminiscent of old Hollywood but with
her own edgy twist. The moment was pure glamor. Social media exploded, and
fashion insiders called it one of the best Oscar jewelry moments in history. It
wasn’t just about the diamond — it was about legacy, artistry, and spectacle.
4. Beyoncé’s Lorraine Schwartz Diamond Choker
Beyoncé has had her fair share of diamond moments, but one that stands out is the diamond choker she wore to the 2017 Grammys. Designed by Lorraine Schwartz, the piece was a statement of luxury and strength — fitting perfectly with Queen Bey’s royal image.
The necklace featured over 400 carats of
diamonds and was estimated to be worth millions. Beyoncé wore it with a red
sequin gown and minimal accessories, allowing the diamonds to speak for
themselves. The look was fierce, modern, and unapologetically glamorous — a
true Beyoncé moment.
5. Marilyn Monroe and “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”
No list would be complete without mentioning Marilyn Monroe’s famous performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The shocking pink dress, the long gloves, and most importantly — the diamond-studded necklace and bracelets — became part of pop culture history.
Even though some of the diamonds used in the
film were rhinestones, the idea of diamonds as a symbol of allure and seduction
stuck. Marilyn made diamonds look playful, powerful, and desirable. That scene
has been recreated and referenced by countless artists since, including
Madonna, Nicole Kidman, and Ariana Grande.
6. Angelina Jolie’s Emerald-Cut Diamond Earrings at the Oscars
The look was an embodiment of her evolving
style — understated but strong. Instead of flashy or overly ornate, the
diamonds enhanced her natural elegance. It showed that sometimes, less is more,
especially when it comes to diamond jewelry.
7. Rihanna’s Diamond Headpiece at the Met Gala
Rihanna has mastered the art of red carpet domination, and her 2018 Met Gala appearance was no exception. With the theme "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," she came dressed as a high-fashion Pope, complete with a diamond-encrusted miter (papal crown) and matching jewelry.
The headpiece, created by Maison Margiela and
custom-embellished with diamonds, was an audacious and unforgettable statement.
It proved that diamonds aren’t limited to necklaces and rings — they can be
worn anywhere, even on your head, and still be fabulously chic.
8. Nicole Kidman’s L’Wren Scott Diamond Necklace
At the 2008 Oscars, Nicole Kidman walked the red carpet in a simple black Balenciaga gown — but what made the look jaw-dropping was her L’Wren Scott necklace, dripping with over 7,500 diamonds.
The intricate, waterfall-style piece
reportedly took more than 6,000 hours to make and contained 1,399 carats of
diamonds. It wasn’t just a necklace — it was a sculpture in jewelry form.
Nicole wore it effortlessly, letting the diamonds cascade around her like
stardust. That moment is still considered one of the most elegant uses of high
jewelry in red carpet history.
9. Jennifer Lopez’s Diamond Engagement Rings
While most red carpet looks involve loaned diamonds, Jennifer Lopez has had a fair share of diamond engagement rings that made just as many headlines. From her pink diamond ring from Ben Affleck in the early 2000s to the 15-carat emerald-cut diamond from Alex Rodriguez, J.Lo’s jewelry game has always been strong.
Each ring came with its own spotlight and
media frenzy. More than just about relationships, these rings became symbols of
power, independence, and personal branding. J.Lo’s engagement diamonds are as
iconic as any red carpet necklace.
10. Princess Diana’s Diamond Tiara
Not all celebrity diamond looks happen in Hollywood. Princess Diana’s fashion choices also became iconic worldwide. One of her most memorable jewelry items was the Spencer Tiara, which she wore on her wedding day in 1981. The tiara featured a complex design of diamonds set in gold and silver — heirloom-worthy and truly royal.
Diana often wore the tiara for state events and formal occasions, pairing it with ball gowns and her famously soft charm. The tiara has since been passed down to other members of the royal family, continuing its legacy. Her use of diamonds wasn’t just about fashion — it was about heritage and grace.