Iconic Pieces: Marilyn Monroe’s Personal Jewellery Collection
Marilyn Monroe’s relationship with jewellery transcended mere adornment; it was an extension of her carefully crafted persona and a reflection of her complex inner world. Unlike many stars who relied solely on studio loaners, Marilyn actively acquired pieces that resonated with her, creating a personal collection as multifaceted as her image. Among the most cherished was a luminous strand of Mikimoto Pearls, gifted by her second husband, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, during their 1954 honeymoon in Japan. These perfectly matched akoya pearls symbolized purity and timeless elegance, qualities Marilyn embraced despite her bombshell status. She wore them repeatedly off-screen, notably paired with simple black dresses, proving her innate understanding of understated sophistication.
Equally significant were her diamond essentials. Marilyn favored diamond earrings – often studs or delicate drops – for their versatility and sparkle under studio lights. These weren’t extravagant historical pieces, but expertly cut modern diamonds that caught the camera’s eye and accentuated her features. Her fondness for diamonds wasn’t just aesthetic; she famously sang “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, blurring the line between character and personal belief. This association cemented diamonds as a core element of her legacy. Beyond pearls and diamonds, her collection included sentimental gold bracelets, charm pieces, and costume jewellery worn with playful flair, revealing a woman who appreciated both priceless gems and accessible glamour. Exploring the details of Marilyn Monroe’s jewellery reveals a strategic curation: pieces chosen for their symbolism, emotional weight, and ability to amplify her unique blend of vulnerability and power on and off the red carpet.
Her Blancpain watch, a less flashy but equally telling accessory, further demonstrates this duality. Received as a gift in 1957, this elegant, diamond-accented timepiece from the prestigious Swiss manufacturer was notably understated compared to her other jewels. She wore it during pivotal moments, including her civil marriage ceremony to playwright Arthur Miller. Its presence signified a desire for sophistication, permanence, and perhaps a connection to European refinement – a counterpoint to her Hollywood sparkle. This carefully assembled collection, blending iconic pearls, radiant diamonds, meaningful charms, and a touch of Swiss precision, functioned as both armour and expression, integral to understanding the real woman behind the legend.
The Moon of Baroda Diamond: A Gem Steeped in History and Hollywood Glamour
Few jewels worn by Marilyn Monroe possess the storied past of the Moon of Baroda Diamond. This captivating 24.04-carat canary diamond, famed for its rare pale yellow hue and exceptional clarity, originated in India’s Golconda mines centuries ago. Its history is steeped in royalty, having adorned the turbans of Gaekwad Maharajas of Baroda. Legends suggest it traveled to Europe with Marie Antoinette before returning to India, later being acquired by the Nizam of Hyderabad. Its journey took a cinematic turn in the 20th century when it crossed paths with Hollywood’s brightest star.
Marilyn didn’t own the Moon of Baroda; it was a remarkable loan from Meyer Jewelry Company for the 1953 musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Tasked with portraying the diamond-obsessed showgirl Lorelei Lee, Marilyn needed jewels that screamed opulence and history. The Moon of Baroda was the undisputed star of the “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” sequence. Suspended from a delicate chain, it rested mesmerizingly on her décolletage as she performed in that iconic hot pink satin gown, bathed in spotlight. The diamond’s legendary past and undeniable visual impact perfectly served the film’s narrative of allure and ambition.
The stone’s association with Marilyn catapulted it to new fame, forever linking its ancient heritage with 20th-century pop culture. Its distinctive colour and size made it instantly recognizable. After the film, the diamond continued its journey through private collections, its value amplified significantly by its Hollywood provenance. When auctioned decades later, descriptions invariably highlighted its role draped around Monroe’s neck, cementing its status not just as a geological wonder, but as a pivotal piece of cinematic and fashion history. The Moon of Baroda exemplifies how a single gem can embody centuries of intrigue, royal splendour, and ultimately, the dazzling glamour of Hollywood’s golden age through its brief encounter with Marilyn.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Fashion, Jewellery, and the Birth of an Icon
Howard Hawks’ 1953 musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes wasn’t just a hit film; it was the crucible where Marilyn Monroe’s platinum bombshell image fused indelibly with high fashion and extraordinary jewels, forever shaping her legacy and popular culture. Costume designer Travilla created looks that balanced exaggerated femininity with a sharp, knowing wit. The now-legendary hot pink satin gown, with its strapless neckline, figure-hugging bodice, and voluminous skirt, became Marilyn’s visual signature. But it was the strategic deployment of jewellery that truly elevated these costumes from glamorous to iconic.
The film’s plot, revolving around showgirls Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw seeking wealthy husbands, placed jewels at its narrative core. Marilyn, as Lorelei, delivered the career-defining performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” This sequence is a masterclass in using fashion and jewellery to build character. The hot pink gown provided a bold, uncluttered canvas. Against this, the jewels took centre stage: a blinding array of diamond necklaces, bracelets, and rings, culminating in the focal point – the historic Moon of Baroda Diamond pendant. The simplicity of the gown ensured the diamonds were the undisputed stars, visually reinforcing Lorelei’s (and by extension, Marilyn’s character’s) single-minded pursuit. The choreography, with Marilyn flanked by tuxedo-clad admirers, turned the song into a glittering manifesto.
Beyond the pink gown, the film showcased Marilyn’s ability to wear diverse styles with unparalleled charisma. From shimmering gold lamé showgirl costumes dripping with rhinestones to sophisticated black cocktail dresses accessorized with ropes of faux pearls and sparkling diamond earrings, each look contributed to the persona. The jewellery, whether authentic treasures like the Moon of Baroda or exquisite costume pieces, was never mere decoration; it was narrative shorthand for aspiration, allure, and feminine power. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes crystallized the image of Marilyn Monroe as the ultimate jewel-loving blonde, an association so powerful it continues to influence fashion, music videos, and perceptions of glamour over seventy years later. The film remains a vital reference point for understanding how Marilyn Monroe fashion and jewellery became inseparable elements of her enduring myth.
Karachi-born, Doha-based climate-policy nerd who writes about desalination tech, Arabic calligraphy fonts, and the sociology of esports fandoms. She kickboxes at dawn, volunteers for beach cleanups, and brews cardamom cold brew for the office.