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The 10 Most Memorable Jewels of the Century

A dazzling journey through the most exquisite and era-defining bijoux of the last 100 years.

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The Great Gatsby window by Tiffany and Co. was a collaboration with Baz Luhrmann and Academy Award-winner Catherine Martin. The jewels featured were worn in the major motion picture, Spring, 2013. Photo by Ricky Zehavi.

For centuries, jewels have enchanted with their radiant beauty and undeniable allure. From luminous diamonds and rare gemstones to the iridescence of pearls, these precious treasures embody the pinnacle of artistry—where master jewelers transform nature’s brilliance into wearable masterpieces. Across generations, iconic creations like Cartier’s ingenious convertible citrine tiara and Temple St. Clair’s ocean-inspired ring have defined innovation and elegance. Each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and timeless fascination, cherished by collectors and admired around the world.

Maltese Cross cuffs designed by Verdura for Coco Chanel. Courtesy of Verdura.

Verdura: Maltese Cross Cuffs

Originally created by Duke Fulco di Verdura for Coco Chanel in the 1930s, these iconic cuffs remain a testament to timeless design and striking statement accessories. The piece features a wide, ivory-colored cuff adorned with bold Maltese crosses. Each cross is centered with a cushion-cut amethyst, surrounded by carefully selected gemstones including citrines, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies.

Detail of a Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl necklace with drop diamonds that dance as the wearer moves. Courtesy of Mikimoto.

Tiffany & Co.: Necklace by Angela Cummings

This sublime necklace was designed by Angela Cummings, an Austrian-born jewelry designer known for her nature-inspired pieces, and for having her clients like Elizabeth Taylor. Created in 1983, the aquamarine piece features gold and black opals inspired by butterfly wings.

In the 1920s, Cartier began incorporating semiprecious stones into its important pieces. Photo by Vincent Wulveryck, Collection Cartier © Cartier.

Cartier: Citrine Tiara

The lesser known—but equally luxurious—citrine gem takes over the design of this tiara, marrying the vibrant orange tone with cool platinum. Created by Cartier London in 1937, the headpiece stuns with a magnificent 62.35-carat emerald-cut citrine, surrounded by an arrangement of old-cut round diamonds and calibrated baguette-cut citrines. True to Cartier's dedication to versatility, the central piece detaches from the frame, transforming into a brooch.

32 floating diamonds suspended from a rare 1.6-carat oval-shaped white diamond in an 18-karat yellow-gold semi-bezel setting. Courtesy of De Beers Jewellers.

De Beers: Talisman Earrings

Defying gravity with elegance, these earrings suspend two delicate streams of diamonds beneath rare oval-cut centerpieces. Each strand showcases 16 perfectly matched diamonds, creating twin cascades that appear to float in thin air. The oval diamonds that crown each earring provide a subtle warmth that enhances the design, while keeping the illusion of weightlessness.

arrings of 18-karat gold set with rubies and emeralds in a flower-like design, 2022. Photo by: Harald Gottschalk.

Baghossian: Tulip Earrings

Naturally striking, these earrings by Boghossian blend 18-karat gold with the boldness of rubies and emeralds. The 2022 creation evokes botanical chicness, with the precious stones arranged in the form of a tulip that captures the beauty of the flower.  

pendant earrings of 18-karat white gold set with diamonds and pearls, circa 1990s. Photo by Jeffry Raposas.

Codognato: Memento Mori Earrings

The Memento Mori inspired earrings are the embodiment of the Italian jewelry house, renowned for its baroque jewels and maximalist aesthetic. Featuring pendant-style skulls crafted in 18-karat white gold adorned with diamonds and pearls, they're the perfect statement accessory.

An extremely rare pair of natural Colombian emerald cuffs. Photo by Adam Norton at Jak Jaes Ltd.

Glenn Spiro: Emerald Cuff Bracelets

These remarkable cuff bracelets designed by the private jewelry house, showcase fourteen Colombian emeralds in their natural crystal state, a rare occurrence in modern jewelry making. Crafted in lightweight titanium, the cuffs feature untreated emeralds with a combined weight of 130 carats, complemented by white diamond accents.

This Bulgari brooch is made with precious stones and diamonds. Photo by Antonio Barrella for Studio Orizzonte.

Bulgari: Brooch

In quintessential Bulgari style, this gold brooch—designed in 2014—showcases a stunning lineup of precious stones including sapphires, emeralds, mandarin garnets, pink tourmalines, and diamonds.

Band rings of different colors of gold set with a rose-cut diamond, a yellow diamond, a ruby and diamonds. Photo by Aplomb Photo Studio.

Buccellati: Rings

This trio of band rings showcase different hues of gold with carefully selected precious stones. The first ring features a rose-cut diamond, a cut that dates back to the 1500s, while the other two showcase a classic yellow diamond and a beautiful bright ruby.

the Medusa Moon Jellyfish Ring by Temple St. Clair. Photo credit: Robert Clark.

Temple St. Clair: Medusa Moon Jellyfish Ring

In her Medusa Moon Jellyfish ring, Temple St. Clair captures the beauty of marine life through an exceptional assembly of gems. The piece centers on a rare Australian Andamooka opal, coveted for its luminescence, while Lightning Ridge black opals provide a dramatic contrast. The aquatic theme continues through a selection of sapphires, tsavorites, and hauyne, with rock crystal for the finishing touch.

The World of Jewelry
The Ultimate Collection The Impossible Collection of Jewelry
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The Legends Collection Bulgari: Beyond Time
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The Legends Collection G: Glenn Spiro – The Art of a Jewel
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The Classics Collection Jewelry Guide: The Ultimate Compendium
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The Ultimate Collection Cartier: The Impossible Collection
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