The Most Expensive TV and Film Props (That Were Real Gemstones): Hollywood's Bling Worth Millions!
Lights, camera, diamonds! When Hollywood wants to add some serious sparkle to the big screen, they don't settle for plastic fakes. Nope, they bring out the real deal—gemstones worth more than most of our houses. From iconic engagement rings that made us swoon to cursed necklaces that probably haunted the actors, these props weren't just eye candy—they were insured like national treasures. Let's dive into the glittering world of TV and film props that were actually real diamonds, sapphires, and other jaw-dropping jewels.
Ever wonder how much it costs to make a movie character look filthy rich? Sometimes, the answer is "more than the actor's salary." These gems didn't just play a role—they stole the show. And if you're feeling inspired to add some Hollywood-level glam to your own collection, we've got you covered with real-deal jewelry that doesn't come with a curse (probably).
The Heart of the Ocean: A Sapphire That Sank Budgets
Let's start with the big one—the "Heart of the Ocean" necklace from Titanic. While Rose's version was a replica, the original prop was a stunning blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds, valued at over $2 million. Rumor has it the cast and crew were so nervous about losing it that it had its own security detail. Talk about high stakes—literally, the ship sank, but that necklace better not!
Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe famously sang about diamonds while dripping in them. The pink diamond necklace she wore in the film was real, on loan from a high-end jeweler. Today, it'd be worth millions—enough to make even Lorelei Lee think twice about tossing it to a sailor.
The Infamous Pretty Woman Ruby Necklace
When Richard Gere snapped that jewelry box shut on Julia Roberts' fingers, audiences gasped—but not just at the romance. The ruby and diamond necklace was real, worth a cool $250,000. Fun fact: Roberts kept accidentally flinging it off during filming because, well, it was heavy. Rich people problems, am I right?
The Sex and the City Ring That Broke the Internet
Carrie Bradshaw's 5-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from Aidan? Yep, real. Estimated at $150,000, it caused such a frenzy that jewelers were flooded with requests for duplicates. Meanwhile, the rest of us were just wondering why she didn't say yes to those abs AND that rock.
The Great Gatsby Bling That Defined an Era
Baz Luhrmann didn't hold back when it came to The Great Gatsby. Daisy Buchanan's pearl necklace and Gatsby's signet ring were authentic vintage pieces, with the pearl strand alone valued at $1 million. Because nothing says "old money" like jewelry that costs more than your mansion.
How to Get the Look (Without the Hollywood Budget)
Want to channel these iconic moments without the seven-figure price tag? Check out our vintage-inspired collection or browse lab-grown diamonds for that red-carpet sparkle. Because let's be real—your life is dramatic enough without adding a cursed gemstone to the mix.