From Screen to Style: Jewellery Moments That Shaped Pop Culture

Sometimes, it's not the dialogue or the dress—but the dazzle—that defines a scene. Across decades of cinema, jewellery has played a starring role, becoming more than just an accessory. From heirlooms to heartbreaks, from royalty to rebellion, the pieces worn on-screen often find their way into pop culture—and into our collections. This blog takes a cinematic tour of the most iconic jewellery moments in global film history, showcasing how each one influenced style trends, cultural moments, and our emotional connection to sparkle.

 

1. Hollywood 🇺🇸: Titanic (1997) – "Heart of the Ocean" Necklace

James Cameron's Titanic gifted the world one of cinema's most memorable jewellery pieces: the Heart of the Ocean. Worn by Rose (Kate Winslet), the oversized sapphire pendant with diamond accents became a global symbol of love, tragedy, and timeless glamour. Replicas flooded the market post-release, and blue stones saw a surge in bridal and formal jewellery trends. 

2. Bollywood 🇮🇳: Devdas (2002) – Paro's Bridal Kundan Ensemble

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s opulent vision brought back regal bridal fashion, with Paro (Aishwarya Rai) donning elaborate kundan jewellery, layered necklaces, nose rings (naths), and matha pattis. The film revived traditional Indian jewellery styles for weddings, influencing real-life bridal fashion for decades to come.

3. French Cinema 🇫🇷: Marie Antoinette (2006) – Rococo Revival

Directed by Sofia Coppola, this stylized retelling of the French queen’s life placed jewellery front and center. Baroque pearls, ribboned chokers, and ornate gem sets became the face of 18th-century excess. The film’s pastel palette and luxurious accessories sparked a modern revival of Rococo aesthetics in editorial and luxury jewellery.

4. Italian Cinema 🇮🇹: La Dolce Vita (1960) – Bold Gold & Glamour

Anita Ekberg’s iconic Trevi Fountain scene made waves—not just for its sensuality but also for the bold Italian earrings and gold accents she wore. Representing the golden age of Cinecittà, this film put Italian luxury and oversized jewellery in the global spotlight.

5. Russian Cinema 🇷🇺: Anna Karenina (2012) – Imperial Opulence

In this adaptation starring Keira Knightley, the jewellery was inspired by the grandeur of the Romanov era. Think Fabergé-inspired pieces, diamond tiaras, and intricate enamel pendants. The film helped renew interest in antique Russian jewellery and Victorian-style adornments.

6. Spanish Cinema 🇪🇸: The Skin I Live In (2011) – Minimalism with Impact

Pedro Almodóvar’s psychological thriller leaned into visual precision. Elena Anaya’s character wore simple, sharp diamond studs—making a case for minimalism that resonates with strength. The understated jewellery style emphasised narrative control, inspiring minimal chic trends across Europe.

7. Nollywood 🇳🇬: Chief Daddy (2018) – Gold Grandeur & Tradition

This Nigerian family comedy-drama highlighted the cultural importance of jewellery in ceremonies and hierarchy. Matriarchal characters wore bold gold necklaces, bangles, and traditional earrings, paired with stunning gele headwraps. This film elevated Nigerian ceremonial jewellery to global attention.

8. South African Cinema 🇿🇦: Sarafina! (1992) – Beaded Symbolism

Set during the anti-apartheid movement, Sarafina! portrayed beadwork as a form of identity and resistance. Colourful Xhosa and Zulu-style beaded necklaces and earrings reflected cultural pride. Since then, beaded jewellery has gained renewed appreciation in global fashion circles.

9. UK 🇬🇧: The Crown (Netflix) – Regal Replicas

Though a series, The Crown has influenced jewellery fashion dramatically. From Queen Elizabeth’s brooches to Princess Diana’s sapphire ring, the show's meticulously recreated royal pieces have sparked spikes in searches and sales of replica royal jewellery, especially among millennial and Gen Z buyers.

10. Japan 🇯🇵: Sailor Moon (1990s Anime) – Magical-Girl Aesthetic

This beloved anime series made cosmic tiaras, crescent moon motifs, and jewelled compacts part of pop culture. Jewellery was tied to power and femininity. The magical-girl jewellery aesthetic inspired a generation of themed pieces across both costume and fine jewellery markets.

11. South Korea 🇰🇷: Parasite (2019) – Quiet Luxury

In Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film, jewellery served as a symbol of class without overt extravagance. The mother of the wealthy Park family wore barely-there diamond pieces that spoke volumes. The film inspired the "quiet luxury" trend—minimalist pieces that whisper rather than shout.

 

12. Streaming Culture: Bridgerton, Emily in Paris, Dynasty (Reboot)

• Bridgerton: Revived interest in corset-style chokers, cameos, and hairpins.
• Emily in Paris: Sparked a wave of bold, quirky statement jewellery with Parisian flair.
• Dynasty: Modernized 80s glam with oversized earrings and layered diamonds.

 

 

The Impact: Why These Jewellery Moments Matter

These cinematic (and streamed) jewellery moments don’t just accessorise a scene—they define it. They shape trends, inspire new collections, and remain etched in pop culture memory. Whether it’s a bride inspired by Paro or a minimalist echoing Parasite, what we see on-screen often finds its way into our style.