Women Who Inspire: Iconic Women and Their Signature Jewellery Styles

Personal style is how individuals express themselves through clothing, accessories, and choices. Jewellery, in particular, serves as a profound medium for this self-expression, allowing individuals to convey aspects of their identity, emotions, and personal narratives. Iconic women throughout history have used jewellery to make powerful style statements, leaving a lasting impact on fashion and culture.

Significance of Jewellery in Symbolizing Identity and Legacy:

Cultural Representation:

Jewellery often reflects cultural heritage, symbolising traditions and ancestral lineage. For instance, the Claddagh ring, originating from Ireland, embodies love, loyalty, and friendship, representing Irish identity.​

Personal Milestones:

Pieces such as engagement rings or graduation pendants commemorate significant life events, encapsulating personal achievements and transitions.​

Emotional Connections:

Heirloom Jewellery passed down through generations carries sentimental value, linking wearers to their family history and preserving memories.​

Symbolic Meanings:

Certain designs or gemstones are chosen for their symbolism, representing love, protection, or wisdom. Birthstone Jewellery signifies one's birth month, adding a personal touch, while custom jewellery captures unique stories and special moments.

Jewellery is more than just a pretty thing; it's a way of showing who you are and carrying personal and cultural memories. ​

Coco Chanel: Revolutionizing Jewellery with Costume Pieces

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACo5ADTnBwA

Coco Chanel revolutionised the fashion industry by introducing costume Jewellery, making luxury accessible and redefining elegance. In the 1920s, she challenged traditional norms by blending faux pearls and imitation gemstones with fine Jewellery, allowing iconic women to adorn themselves without the constraints of conventional wealth.​

Chanel's Innovations in Costume Jewellery:

Mixing Real and Faux Elements:

Chanel combined genuine gemstones with imitation pieces, blurring the lines between authentic and artificial and promoting a more playful approach to accessorising.​

Collaborations with Artisans:

She partnered with craftsmen like Robert Goossens, who incorporated materials such as glass and enamel, further elevating the status of costume Jewellery.

Chanel's iconic use of layered pearl necklaces became a hallmark of her style. They were a sign of both luxury and simplicity. Chanel thought pearls made the face look brighter and went well with relaxed and dressy clothes. 

Elizabeth Taylor: A Passion for Elegant Jewellery

Elizabeth Taylor's passion for exquisite Custom Jewellery was renowned, and her collection featured some of the world's most remarkable pieces. Among these was the Bulgari sapphire sautoir, a necklace her husband, Richard Burton, gifted on her 40th birthday. This stunning piece showcased a 52.72-carat sugarloaf cabochon sapphire set within an octagonal pendant suspended from a diamond and sapphire chain.​

Another notable gem in her collection was the Krupp Diamond, a 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring Burton gave. This diamond, later known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, became one of her most cherished possessions.

Impact on Public Persona:

Symbol of Glamour:

Taylor's Jewellery choices reinforced her image as a Hollywood icon, looking wealthy and sophisticated. Her jewellery style often reflected her glamorous persona, featuring bold, luxurious pieces that captured attention and admiration.​

Personal Expression:

 Her collection reflected her milestones and relationships, with each piece holding sentimental value.​

Cultural Influence:

Taylor's love for Jewellery set trends and inspired public fascination, cementing her status as a style influencer.​

To sum up, Elizabeth Taylor's love of valuable stones wasn't just a way to decorate herself; it was an essential part of who she was, making her more attractive and leaving an indelible mark on the history of fashion.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Timeless Elegance with Signature Pearls

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, affectionately known as Jackie O, epitomised timeless elegance, with her signature triple-strand pearl necklace emblematic of her refined style. Designed by American jeweler Kenneth Jay Lane, this necklace featured three strands of faux pearls, reflecting her preference for understated sophistication. 

Influence on 1960s Fashion:

Pillbox Hats:

Jackie's fondness for pillbox hats set a trend, leading to widespread adoption of this accessory among women seeking to emulate her style.​

A-Line Dresses:

Her preference for sleeveless A-line dresses with clean lines influenced designers and became a staple in women's fashion during the decade.​

Bouffant Hairstyles:

Her signature bouffant hairstyle, characterised by its voluminous shape, became widely popular and was emulated by many.

Princess Diana: Sentimental Pieces and Royal Glamour

Princess Diana's jewellery showed her unique mix of royal beauty and personal meaning. Foremost among these was her engagement ring—a striking 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire encircled by 14 solitaire diamonds set in 18-carat white gold. Unlike traditional custom-made royal rings, Diana selected this piece from Garrard's existing collection, reflecting her distinctive taste and setting a trend for colored gemstone engagement rings. Additionally, her preference for custom jewellery further highlighted her personal style, allowing her to make a unique statement through her adornment.

Her affinity for chokers was also notable, particularly the seven-strand pearl and sapphire choker from a brooch that Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother gifted. This piece became iconic, especially when paired with her "revenge dress" in 1994.​

Reflection of Personal Connections and Charitable Endeavors:

Sentimental Value:

Many of Diana's custom Jewellery pieces were gifts from loved ones, symbolising personal relationships and milestones.​

Charitable Associations:

She often wore Jewellery that supported charitable causes, enhancing awareness and demonstrating her commitment to philanthropy.​

María Félix: Bold Statements with Serpent Motifs

María Félix, the legendary Mexican actress, was renowned for her audacious style, epitomised by her collaboration with Cartier to create the iconic serpent necklace. In 1968, Félix commissioned Cartier to design a lifelike serpent necklace, resulting in a 57-centimeter-long piece encrusted with 2,473 diamonds. The necklace's fully articulated structure showcased exceptional craftsmanship and became emblematic of Félix's daring persona.​

Bold Jewellery Choices Reflecting a Strong Personality:

Unique Collaborations:

Félix's partnerships with renowned jewelers created distinctive custom jewellery pieces that mirrored her individuality.

Fearless Aesthetics:

Her preference for bold, animal-inspired designs, such as serpent and crocodile motifs, highlighted her fearless approach to fashion.​

The jewelry that María Félix chose was a reflection of her strong personality and will forever be remembered in the annals of fashion.

Shop Timeless Pieces That Reflect Your Style

Modern Icons: Contemporary Women and Their Signature Jewellery

In today’s fashion, Custom Jewellery is more than adornment—it tells a story. Meghan Markle embraces this with delicate gold pieces, including a signet ring featuring intertwined ‘H’ and ‘M’ initials, symbolising her bond with Prince Harry. She also wears Custom Jewellery honoring her children, with initials or birthstones reflecting her deep familial ties.

Celebrate Women's Day with Earthly Jewels: A Tribute to Strength & Elegance

We at Earthly Jewels believe that every woman's journey is a work of art filled with strength, love, and beauty. This Women’s Day, honor the incredible women in your life with Jewellery that tells their story. 

Our lab grown diamonds are more than just beautiful—they symbolise strength, sustainability, and timeless elegance, just like the women who wear them. Inspired by iconic women who have made bold style statements, our jewellery captures the essence of power and grace. Whether you choose a piece that marks a milestone, celebrates heritage, or expresses individuality, let your jewellery reflect your strength and timeless elegance.

Here’s to the women who inspire, lead, and shine—today and every day.