Celebrity Jewelry Archives: The Most Influential Red Carpet Pieces That Actually Made Us Say 'Wow' Out Loud
Let’s be real: we don’t watch award shows for the speeches. We watch for the statement necklaces that cost more than our cars, the cocktail rings that could double as self-defense weapons, and the diamond earrings that probably have their own security detail. From Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary rock collection to Lady Gaga’s titanium tear-duct moment, celebrity red carpet jewelry has given us more drama than all the Real Housewives franchises combined. These pieces don’t just accessorize an outfit—they become cultural moments, trendsetters, and occasionally, the reason we suddenly develop a burning need for emerald everything. So grab your metaphorical popcorn (and maybe your actual affordable sparkle) as we dive into the archives of the most influential red carpet jewelry pieces that made history, broke the internet, and probably required their own insurance policy.
What makes a piece of red carpet jewelry truly iconic? It’s not just about carat weight (though let’s be honest, it doesn’t hurt). It’s about that perfect combination of celebrity, designer, moment, and sheer audacity. It’s the piece that gets talked about for decades, inspires countless replicas, and makes every one of us wonder, “How many kidneys would I actually need to sell?” These jewels tell stories of love, ambition, and occasionally, really excellent stylists who know how to make a headline.
The Tiffany Diamond: Three Women, One Legendary Necklace
When we talk about influential jewelry, we have to start with the Tiffany Diamond—a 128.54-carat fancy yellow beast that has only been worn by three women in history. Audrey Hepburn famously wore it in promotional photos for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Lady Gaga sported it to the 2019 Oscars (with matching yellow diamond earrings, because why not?), and Beyoncé wore it in a 2021 campaign, becoming the first Black woman and fourth person ever to adorn this historic stone. Each wearing created seismic shifts in jewelry trends, with searches for yellow diamonds spiking every time. The lesson? Sometimes the most influential piece isn’t new at all—it’s a legendary stone waiting for the right moment (and the right superstar) to make history again.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Mike Todd Tiara: The Ultimate “Just Because” Gift
Before celebrities were getting paid to wear jewelry, there was Elizabeth Taylor—a woman who collected historic jewels with the same enthusiasm most of us collect coffee shop loyalty cards. Her third husband, Mike Todd, once gave her a diamond tiara “just because it was Tuesday.” Let that sink in for a moment. Tuesday. Taylor wore this spectacular piece with the casual elegance only she could muster, sparking a tiara trend that continues today. While you might not have someone giving you a tiara for Tuesday, you can certainly channel your inner Liz with some statement diamond pieces that make every day feel like award night.
Grace Kelly’s Emerald-Cut Engagement Ring: The Original Royal Sparkler
Long before Meghan and Kate, there was Grace Kelly—the Hollywood star who became an actual princess and brought some serious jewelry game with her. Her engagement ring from Prince Rainier III of Monaco featured a 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by two baguette diamonds—a design so elegant and timeless that it still inspires engagement ring choices today. The emerald cut saw a massive resurgence in popularity, proving that sometimes the most influential pieces aren’t the biggest, but the most perfectly suited to their wearer. If you’re looking for that royal vibe without the actual monarchy part, check out our emerald collection for some seriously regal options.
Lady Gaga’s 2019 Oscars Glacier
Leave it to Lady Gaga to not just wear jewelry, but to become a walking jewelry installation. For the 2019 Oscars, where she won for “Shallow,” Gaga wore the already-mentioned Tiffany Diamond plus a matching necklace with over 100 carats of white diamonds—creating what essentially looked like a frozen waterfall cascading down her neck. The look was so impactful that it inspired countless designers and made tennis necklaces trend harder than they had in decades. It also proved that sometimes more is more—especially when that “more” is several million dollars worth of diamonds.
Julia Roberts’ Vintage Ruby Choker: Pretty Woman Comes to Life
At the 2001 Oscars, Julia Roberts wore a vintage 1950s black and white gown with a stunning ruby and diamond choker from Fred Leighton—and promptly made rubies the “it” gemstone of the early 2000s. The piece perfectly complemented her winning smile as she accepted her award for “Erin Brockovich,” and suddenly everyone wanted ruby jewelry. The lesson here? Sometimes the most influential piece is the one that perfectly captures a moment of triumph—and makes a strong case for always keeping some choker necklaces in your jewelry rotation.
Rihanna’s Pope-Inspired Headdress and Choker
Only Rihanna could show up to the 2018 Met Gala dressed as a bejeweled pope and make it fashion. Her custom Maison Margiela outfit included a pearl-encrusted headdress and a stunning pearl choker that sparked immediate trends in both ecclesiastical-inspired jewelry and pearl everything. The look was so influential that it basically divided jewelry into two eras: pre-Rihanna pope and post-Rihanna pope. Suddenly, pearls weren’t just for grandmothers anymore—they were for fashion rebels who understood that true style knows no boundaries.
Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring: The People’s Princess’s Jewel
When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer with a 12-carat oval blue sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds, he probably didn’t realize he was creating one of the most copied jewelry pieces in history. The ring, which now belongs to Kate Middleton, made sapphires the must-have gemstone of the 1980s and beyond. Its influence was so profound that you can still find countless replicas and inspired pieces today—proof that good design (and royal romance) never really goes out of style.
Get the Red Carpet Look Without the Royal Budget
The best part about these influential pieces? You don’t need an Oscar or a royal title to get the look. At Robinson’s Jewelers, we have countless pieces that channel these iconic moments without requiring you to mortgage your home. Love Julia Roberts’ ruby moment? Check out our ruby collection. Want to channel Grace Kelly’s elegant emerald cut? Our diamond selection has you covered. Obsessed with Rihanna’s pearl extravaganza? We’ve got pearl pieces that would make even the met gala crowd swoon.
Remember: the most influential jewelry piece is the one that makes you feel like the main character in your own life. Whether that’s a sparkling little number for everyday wear or a show-stopping ring for special occasions, the right jewelry has the power to make any moment feel red carpet-worthy. So go ahead—add some sparkle to your life. Your inner celebrity will thank you.