Most Iconic Jewelry Pieces in History & Where to Get the Look

Jewelry has always been more than mere adornment—it tells stories of power, love, innovation, and cultural identity. From ancient civilizations to modern red carpets, certain pieces have transcended their status as accessories to become legendary symbols recognized worldwide. In this exploration of history's most iconic jewelry, we'll journey through time to discover the pieces that changed the way we perceive adornment, influenced design for generations, and continue to captivate our imagination. Better yet, we'll show you how to incorporate these timeless styles into your own collection with contemporary pieces that capture their essence without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents

Royal Jewelry That Defined Eras

Royal jewelry doesn't just symbolize wealth—it represents power, diplomacy, and historical continuity. These pieces have influenced jewelry design for centuries and continue to inspire modern collections.

Princess Diana's Sapphire Engagement Ring

When Lady Diana Spencer revealed her engagement ring in 1981, it instantly became one of the most recognized pieces of jewelry in the world. The 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in 18-karat white gold broke royal tradition by being selected from a catalog rather than custom-made. This accessibility, combined with Diana's immense popularity, made sapphire engagement rings a massive trend throughout the 1980s.

The ring's legacy continued when Prince William presented it to Kate Middleton in 2010, sparking a renewed interest in sapphire engagement rings and colored gemstones generally. The deep blue stone against the brilliant diamonds creates a contrast that remains timelessly elegant.

Jewelry Tip: Colored Stone Statement When wearing a colored gemstone ring in the style of Diana's sapphire, let it be the focal point of your jewelry ensemble. Keep other pieces minimal and in complementary metal tones. For everyday wear, this style works beautifully as a right-hand ring even if you're not engaged.

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The Cartier Panther Bracelet

First created in 1914 for Jeanne Toussaint, Cartier's creative director who was nicknamed "La Panthère," the Cartier Panther became a signature of the house. However, it was when the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, commissioned a three-dimensional panther bracelet in 1952 that the design achieved iconic status. The fully articulated big cat, adorned with sapphires and diamonds on a flexible yellow gold bracelet, showcased both technical mastery and artistic vision.

The panther represented a departure from traditional floral and geometric motifs in fine jewelry, introducing a bold, figurative element that felt both powerful and elegant. Its connection to royal personalities with controversial reputations only added to its allure and mystery.

Jewelry Tip: Animal Magnetism Animal-inspired jewelry makes a confident statement. Pair a statement animal bracelet or brooch with simple, elegant clothing rather than busy patterns. The juxtaposition of a fierce animal motif with feminine attire creates a compelling style tension.

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Queen Elizabeth's Three-Strand Pearl Necklace

Few jewelry items have been as consistently associated with a public figure as Queen Elizabeth II's three-strand pearl necklace. Received as a gift from her father, King George VI, the pearls became her signature piece, worn to countless state functions, in official portraits, and even during casual engagements.

The necklace exemplifies how pearls can be simultaneously formal and understated, regal yet appropriate for daytime. The Queen's dedication to this style helped maintain pearls' position as a symbol of refined taste throughout changing fashion eras.

Jewelry Tip: Pearl Perfection A multi-strand pearl necklace works best when worn against solid colors that provide contrast. The classic pearl necklace isn't limited to formal attire—it can add polish to a simple white shirt and jeans or elevate a work outfit. The key is selecting the right length for your neckline.

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Hollywood's Most Memorable Gems

Hollywood has long been a showcase for extraordinary jewelry, with certain pieces becoming inextricably linked to the stars who wore them and the films that featured them.

Elizabeth Taylor's Taylor-Burton Diamond

Elizabeth Taylor's passion for jewelry was legendary, but perhaps no piece in her collection garnered more attention than the 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond purchased by Richard Burton in 1969. Initially set as a ring, Taylor found it too unwieldy and had Cartier reset it as a necklace, which she famously wore to the 1970 Academy Awards.

Beyond its extraordinary size, the diamond became a symbol of Burton and Taylor's famously tempestuous relationship. The stone's journey—from being purchased for over $1 million (an unprecedented sum at the time) to being auctioned after their divorce—paralleled their highly public love story.

Jewelry Tip: Statement Pendants When wearing a statement pendant, especially one with significant sparkle, consider your neckline carefully. V-necks and open collars provide the perfect frame, while high necks can compete with the piece. For maximum impact, keep earrings minimal when featuring a dramatic necklace.

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Audrey Hepburn's Pearl Ensemble in Breakfast at Tiffany's

When Audrey Hepburn stepped out of a taxi on Fifth Avenue in the opening scene of 1961's "Breakfast at Tiffany's," her multi-strand pearl necklace paired with a little black dress created one of cinema's most enduring fashion moments. Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, with jewelry likely from Roger Scemama, the ensemble embodied elegance that was simultaneously sophisticated and accessible.

What made this look so influential was how it democratized luxury—suggesting that with the right pearls and a simple dress, any woman could channel high society glamour. The pearls weren't just an accessory but a character-defining element, highlighting Holly Golightly's aspiration to refinement despite her complicated circumstances.

Jewelry Tip: Pearl Layering For a modern take on Hepburn's iconic look, try mixing pearl lengths and sizes. Contemporary styling allows for combining pearl strands with gold chains or pendants for an updated approach. The little black dress remains the perfect canvas, but pearls now also complement casual pieces like white t-shirts and denim.

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Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds: "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend"

When Marilyn Monroe performed "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" in the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," she created an enduring association between herself and diamonds that transcended the screen. Dripping in diamonds including a stunning necklace and statement bracelets, Monroe crafted a persona of glamorous materialism that was both satirical and aspirational.

While the jewelry in the film was mostly costume pieces, the impact was no less significant. The performance influenced everything from Madonna's "Material Girl" video to Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge, establishing a visual shorthand for feminine allure combined with material desire.

Jewelry Tip: Diamond Drama Channel Monroe's confident glamour by wearing diamond or crystal statement pieces with conviction. While her look was maximalist, you can capture the essence with a single spectacular piece. Diamond tennis bracelets or chandelier earrings worn with modern simplicity create an updated homage to Marilyn's iconic style.

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Ancient Treasures That Revolutionized Jewelry

Many of today's jewelry designs have roots in ancient civilizations, where jewelry served religious, protective, and status-signaling functions. These historical pieces continue to influence contemporary design.

Egyptian Scarab Jewelry

In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle symbolized rebirth and regeneration, making it one of the most significant motifs in Egyptian jewelry. Carved from various stones and often set in gold, scarab amulets were worn by the living and buried with the dead as protective talismans.

The scarab's enduring influence emerged during the 19th century archaeological explorations of Egypt, which sparked a revival in Egyptian-inspired jewelry. Most notably, Cartier and other Art Deco designers incorporated the scarab into their collections, recognizing its powerful symbolism and striking aesthetic value.

Jewelry Tip: Ancient Symbolism Scarab and other ancient Egyptian motifs work best when treated as a focal point. A scarab pendant or brooch pairs beautifully with gold chains or simple hoops. These pieces add interest and conversation value to minimalist outfits, particularly in earth tones that complement their historical origins.

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Byzantine Cross Pendants

The Byzantine Empire (330-1453 CE) elevated religious jewelry to new artistic heights, with cross pendants becoming symbols of both faith and artistic mastery. Byzantine crosses featured intricate metalwork, often incorporating gems, enamels, and religious iconography. These pieces served dual purposes: religious devotion and display of status.

The influence of Byzantine crosses extends well beyond religious jewelry. Their ornate, symmetrical designs informed Gothic revival jewelry and continue to inspire designers drawn to their rich history and elaborate beauty. Modern interpretations often maintain the distinctive equal-armed Greek cross shape while updating materials and production techniques.

Jewelry Tip: Sacred Geometry Byzantine-inspired cross jewelry benefits from simple backgrounds. A statement Byzantine cross can elevate a simple black dress or add unexpected dimension to casual wear. These pieces pair beautifully with other ancient-inspired elements like coin necklaces or filigree work.

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Roman Cameo Brooches

Roman cameos, with their contrasting layers of relief carving, represent some of antiquity's most sophisticated jewelry. Typically carved from stones with layers of different colors (often sardonyx or agate), these miniature sculptural works featured portraits, mythological scenes, and symbolic imagery.

Cameos experienced several major revivals, most notably during the Renaissance and the Neoclassical period of the late 18th century. The Grand Tour tradition brought many European elites into contact with ancient cameos, sparking demand for both authentic ancient pieces and contemporary interpretations.

Jewelry Tip: Cameo Confidence Cameos possess an inherent formality that can be interestingly subverted. While traditionally worn as brooches on high necklines, modern styling places them on leather cords, incorporates them into casual layered necklaces, or positions them unexpectedly as hair accessories or even on handbags.

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Design Icons That Changed Jewelry Forever

Certain jewelry designs have been so revolutionary that they've fundamentally altered how we think about adornment. These pieces transcend fashion to become permanent fixtures in the jewelry landscape.

The Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring

When Charles Lewis Tiffany introduced the six-prong solitaire diamond setting in 1886, he transformed engagement ring design forever. Prior to the Tiffany Setting, diamonds were typically set flush against the metal in bezels or closed settings. The innovation of raising the diamond above the band using six prongs allowed unprecedented light to enter the stone, maximizing its brilliance.

The Tiffany Setting didn't just change how diamonds were presented—it changed what engagement rings symbolized. The elevated, prominent display of a single diamond became the archetypal expression of romantic commitment, influencing virtually every engagement ring design that followed.

Jewelry Tip: Solitaire Sophistication The beauty of the Tiffany Setting lies in its simplicity and focus on the diamond. When wearing this style, allow it to be the star by keeping other hand jewelry minimal. For stacking, consider simple bands that sit flush against the setting rather than competing designs.

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Cartier Love Bracelet

Designed by Aldo Cipullo for Cartier in 1969, the Love bracelet revolutionized luxury jewelry by introducing a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic with a compelling conceptual hook: the bracelet is secured with small screws that can only be removed with a special screwdriver, symbolizing committed love. Originally, Cartier had a policy that couples had to purchase the bracelets together, with each keeping the other's screwdriver.

The Love bracelet's enduring appeal lies in its blend of sentimentality and modernist design. Its unisex styling, clean lines, and subtle branding made it an early example of understated luxury, influencing countless designer pieces that followed.

Jewelry Tip: Modern Minimalism Hardware-inspired jewelry like the Love bracelet works best when allowed to make its subtle statement. These pieces complement clean, architectural clothing and pair beautifully with watches and other modernist designs. For maximum impact, consider stacking multiple bracelets of the same design rather than mixing disparate styles.

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Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection

When Van Cleef & Arpels introduced the Alhambra long necklace in 1968, featuring clover-shaped motifs strung along a gold chain, they created what would become one of the most recognizable jewelry designs in the world. Inspired by the quatrefoil patterns found in Moorish architecture, the Alhambra combined playful charm with sophisticated craftsmanship.

The Alhambra's genius lies in its versatility and modularity. The long necklace could be worn in multiple ways, wrapped double or triple for different lengths, and the collection expanded to include bracelets, earrings, and rings. The design has become a status symbol that communicates understated luxury and timeless taste.

Jewelry Tip: Recognizable Motifs Jewelry with signature motifs like the Alhambra clover works beautifully when allowed to be the focal point. Let these pieces shine against simple clothing in solid colors. While authentic Van Cleef pieces are investment items, their influence can be seen in many contemporary designs that offer similar aesthetic appeal.

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Pieces of Cultural Significance

Some of the world's most fascinating jewelry pieces are deeply embedded in cultural traditions, carrying meanings and histories that transcend their materials or monetary value.

Indian Mangalsutra

The Mangalsutra is much more than a piece of jewelry—it's a sacred symbol of marriage in Hindu tradition. Typically featuring black beads strung on gold with a distinctive pendant, the Mangalsutra is tied around the bride's neck during the wedding ceremony, symbolizing the union of the couple in body, mind, and soul.

While traditional designs vary by region, modern interpretations have evolved to include sleeker, more contemporary styles that maintain the symbolic black and gold elements while incorporating innovative design sensibilities. Designers like Tanishq have created collections that honor tradition while appealing to younger generations seeking wearable everyday versions.

Jewelry Tip: Cultural Appreciation When drawing inspiration from culturally significant jewelry like the Mangalsutra, approach with respect and understanding. Contemporary interpretations can incorporate the aesthetic elements—like the contrast of black beads with gold—while creating pieces suitable for everyday wear across cultures.

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Chinese Jade Bangles

In Chinese culture, jade is more precious than gold or diamonds, believed to connect heaven and earth and embody virtues like purity, beauty, and longevity. The jade bangle, a continuous circle without beginning or end, symbolizes eternity and is traditionally passed down through generations from mother to daughter.

Beyond its cultural significance, the jade bangle has influenced jewelry design through its celebration of a single, natural material and its emphasis on subtle beauty rather than flash or ostentation. The translucent glow of fine jade, particularly the highly prized imperial jade with its vivid emerald green, creates a distinctive presence that has captivated designers worldwide.

Jewelry Tip: Jade Elegance Jade pieces have an understated dignity that pairs beautifully with both traditional Asian-inspired clothing and contemporary minimalist designs. The natural variations in jade color and pattern make each piece unique, so consider it a personal talisman rather than merely a fashion accessory.

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African Maasai Beadwork

The intricate beadwork of the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania represents one of the world's most distinctive jewelry traditions. Using tiny glass beads in vibrant colors—particularly red, blue, green, and white—Maasai women create elaborate collars, cuffs, and headpieces that communicate age, social status, and family connections.

Maasai beadwork has influenced contemporary jewelry through its bold use of color, geometric patterns, and the celebration of handcraftsmanship. Designers from luxury houses to independent artisans have drawn inspiration from these traditions, often collaborating with Maasai artisans to create pieces that honor the authentic techniques while finding new expressions.

Jewelry Tip: Statement Color Maasai-inspired beadwork makes a powerful statement through color and pattern. When wearing pieces influenced by this tradition, keep other elements simple—solid colors that complement rather than compete with the jewelry's palette work best. These pieces add vibrant energy to neutral outfits and create compelling contrast with minimalist styling.

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Contemporary Classics

Some jewelry designs have emerged more recently but have quickly established themselves as modern icons that will likely endure for generations.

The Tennis Bracelet

The "tennis bracelet"—a continuous line of diamonds set in precious metal—earned its name in 1987 when tennis star Chris Evert stopped play during the U.S. Open when her diamond bracelet broke and fell onto the court. The incident inadvertently created one of jewelry's most successful rebranding stories, as what was previously known simply as a line or eternity bracelet suddenly became associated with both athletic prowess and elegance.

The tennis bracelet's appeal lies in its versatility—substantial enough to make a statement yet understated enough for everyday wear. Its clean, continuous design embodies modern luxury: impressive without being showy, valuable yet functional.

Jewelry Tip: Everyday Luxury The beauty of the tennis bracelet is its adaptability. Wear it with casual attire for an elegant contrast, or pair it with formal wear for classic sophistication. For contemporary styling, consider mixing it with other bracelets in complementary metals, or wear it alongside a watch for a balanced wrist ensemble.

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David Yurman Cable Bracelet

When sculptor David Yurman created his first Cable bracelet in 1983, he established what would become one of America's most recognizable jewelry designs. The twisted helix of sterling silver or gold, capped with gemstone finials, merged Yurman's background in sculpture with wearable luxury, creating a signature look that defined the brand.

The Cable bracelet's innovation was in treating jewelry as sculpture for the body, with the twisted cable motif providing both visual interest and structural integrity. The design's versatility—available in various metals, widths, and with different gemstone combinations—allowed for personalization while maintaining the recognizable Yurman aesthetic.

Jewelry Tip: Textural Interest Cable-inspired designs add texture and dimension to your jewelry collection. These pieces work beautifully when stacked with simpler bangles or cuffs, creating visual interest through contrast. The combination of metal and colored gemstones offers versatile styling options that complement both casual and more formal outfits.

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Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Heart Tag

What began in 1969 as a functional key ring with the inscription "Please Return to Tiffany & Co. New York" evolved into one of the most successful jewelry collections of all time. The Return to Tiffany heart tag bracelet, introduced in 1997, became an instant sensation, particularly among younger consumers who found its combination of sentiment, branding, and accessibility irresistible.

The design's importance lies in how it democratized luxury jewelry for a new generation. The silver heart tag bracelet offered an entry point to an aspirational brand and created a visual signature instantly recognized worldwide. It also pioneered the concept of jewelry as an accessible luxury good with strong brand identification.

Jewelry Tip: Sentimental Branding Heart motifs and tag jewelry work best when their sentiment resonates personally. These pieces can be dressed up or down with equal success. For contemporary styling, consider unexpected combinations—like pairing a heart tag bracelet with more angular, geometric pieces for interesting contrast.

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Styling Tips for Iconic-Inspired Jewelry

Incorporating pieces inspired by iconic jewelry into your personal collection requires thoughtful styling to honor their heritage while making them work for contemporary life.

Creating Balance

When wearing pieces inspired by famous designs, consider the visual weight of the item. Statement pieces with historical significance often have a commanding presence and work best when they're allowed to be the focal point of your look. Pair bold pieces with simpler clothing and minimal competing accessories.

Mixing Old and New

One of the most effective ways to style historically-inspired jewelry is to create intentional contrast. Pair vintage-inspired pieces with modern, minimalist clothing, or combine traditional motifs with contemporary silhouettes. This juxtaposition highlights the timeless nature of iconic designs while keeping them relevant.

Consider Context

Be mindful of the original context and significance of the jewelry that inspires your collection. Pieces with strong cultural or religious significance should be worn with respect for their origins. When in doubt, focus on design elements rather than exact replicas of ceremonial or highly symbolic pieces.

Personal Connection

The most successful jewelry styling comes from personal connection. Choose pieces inspired by icons that resonate with your own aesthetic, values, or interests. Authentic enthusiasm for a design's history or significance will naturally inform how you integrate it into your style.

Jewelry Tip: The Rule of Three When styling multiple pieces of historically-inspired jewelry, consider the "rule of three"—limit yourself to three focal points to avoid overwhelming your look. This might mean earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet, or perhaps focusing on multiple rings but keeping other areas minimal.

The Enduring Appeal of Iconic Jewelry

What transforms a piece of jewelry from merely beautiful to truly iconic is a combination of factors: innovative design, cultural impact, association with notable figures, technical excellence, and that indefinable quality that resonates across generations. The pieces we've explored have transcended their original contexts to become part of our collective visual language.

The most fascinating aspect of iconic jewelry is how it continues to evolve. Modern interpretations of historical designs keep traditions alive while making them relevant to contemporary life. Meanwhile, designers create new classics that may someday join the pantheon of iconic jewelry.

As you build your own jewelry collection, consider incorporating pieces inspired by these icons. Whether you invest in authentic vintage items, select contemporary designer interpretations, or choose affordable homages, these connections to jewelry history add depth and meaning to personal adornment. After all, when you wear a design inspired by an iconic piece, you're not just accessorizing an outfit—you're participating in a continuing conversation about beauty, status, identity, and self-expression that has been ongoing for thousands of years.

The true power of iconic jewelry lies not just in its beauty or value, but in how it connects us—to history, to culture, and to the enduring human desire to create and wear objects of significance. In a world of fast fashion and passing trends, these enduring designs remind us that some things truly do stand the test of time.

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