The Top 10 Movies Starring Diamonds
Discover the very best films starring… diamonds. The movie jewelry pieces in each will take your breath away.
If you really think about it, there are countless films in which diamonds play a leading role. After all, the gems are pure screen candy, as well as symbols of love, glamour, and desire.
Whether set into a diamond engagement ring or part of the craziest diamond heist, whenever the diamond makes its way on camera, it’s basically a sure-bet that its movie is full of heat and excitement. And who doesn’t want to watch that?!
Without further ado, check out our list of the ten best films starring diamonds. While some feature “prop” diamonds, others boast millions of dollars worth of real treasures; when you tune in, try and see if you can tell which are only natural.
Lights… camera.. diamonds!
#1. Marie Antoinette (2006)
Kirsten Dunst in the title role of Marie Antoinette wearing vintage diamond jewelry from Fred Leighton.
Starring: Kirsten Dunst
Story: A young, decadent French queen faces a public downturn when the court turns against her.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: This Sofia Coppola movie features over $4-million worth of fine jewelry from the legendary New York City boutique Fred Leighton. Watch closely to see how the style of movie jewelry evolves from the story’s start to finish. Early on, pieces like a heart shaped diamond engagement ring, an 18th century moon and star pendant earrings set with 25-carats (!!!) of diamonds, and a large 19th century feather diamond brooch symbolize the sweetness and lightness of Marie Antoinette’s life. But as the court turns against her, jewelry styles sharply shift. At the film’s end, look for a dramatic pair of pendant earrings dangling with sharp dagger shapes.
#2. Ocean’s 8 (2018)
During the Met Gala scene in Ocean’s 8, Helena Bonham Carter sits with Anne Hathaway who is wearing the iconic ‘Ocean’s 8 necklace’, the Toussaint necklace by Cartier.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway
Story: A crew of criminals plan to steal a Cartier Toussaint diamond necklace at the Met Gala.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: The original Toussaint necklace was actually made by Cartier craftsmen in Paris in 1931 for the Maharajah of Nawanagar. Recreating it in natural diamonds would take years to source and the price would have been as high—if not higher—than the cost of the entire production. For these reasons, a Cartier diamond prop was used in this film. That said, the movie also features many scenes at the Cartier Mansion in New York where lots of gorgeous, authentic real diamond jewels dazzle on display.
#3. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Marilyn Monroe posed with a jewelry tray for a photo used to publicize Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Source: Alamy
Starring: Marilyn Monroe
Story: A showgirl engaged to a wealthy man is followed by a private investigator in this flawless comedic gem.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: Though leading actress Lorelei Lee did not wear real diamonds in the famous film, her passion for them comes across clearly, especially in Marilyn Monroe’s performance of the jewelry anthem, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”
#4. Titanic (1997)
Billy Zane with Kate Winslet wearing the Coeur de la Mer diamond necklace in Titanic.
Starring: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane
Story: A survivor of the epic luxury ship sinking recounts the romance she found on it prior to the tragedy.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: Inspired by the real story of the legendary Hope Diamond, this classic film’s 96-carat blue diamond necklace prop (often referred to as the “Titanic Necklace”) is dubbed the Coeur de la Mer. The movie begins with motivated treasure seekers trying to track it down in the ocean, and ends as one of the leading roles lets it slip away into the sea.
#5. High Society (1956)
In a scene from High Society, Frank Sinatra sings to Grace Kelly who is wearing her own 10.48-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring by Cartier.
Right: Grace Kelly Engagement Ring by Cartier. Source: The Guardian
Starring: Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby
Story: This musical comedy is a love triangle with a socialite in the middle.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: This film features one of the most famous diamond engagement rings in the history of Hollywood: a 10.48-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring by Cartier. It is given a Technicolor close-up when the leading role’s ex-husband remarks to her new fiancé, “Some stone George. Did you mine it yourself?”
#6. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
In Moulin Rouge! Richard Roxburgh embraces Nicole Kidman who is wearing the Satine diamond necklace by Canturi.
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Richard Roxburgh
Story: A young English poet falls in love with a cabaret star.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: Moulin Rouge! features one of the most impressive diamond jewels ever worn in a film. Custom-made by Australian jeweler Canturi and inspired by the Edwardian jewelry style, the ‘Moulin Rouge’ necklace, also known as the ‘Satine’ necklace, is set with a total of 134-carats of diamonds in white gold and valued at around $5-million.
Diamonds also saturate the movie in other ways: one of the leading characters is nicknamed ‘Sparkling Diamond,’ and the soundtrack includes a rousing remix of “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”
#7. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Audrey Hepburn wearing the Tiffany Diamond mounted in a necklace by Tiffany designer Jean Schlumberger for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s publicity still.
Source: Tiffany & Co.
Starring: Audrey Hepburn
Story: A young woman in New York City searches for a wealthy older man to marry.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: The famous Tiffany & Co. store sparkles like a diamond from the first scene of this 1961 classic. “Nothing bad could ever happen to you at Tiffany’s,” lead Holly Golightly explains. The store, where there are “diamonds to dream of,” is her refuge. Set in an elaborate diamond Ribbon necklace by Tiffany designer Jean Schlumberger, one of the world’s biggest and most important yellow diamonds, the whopping 128.54-carat canary Tiffany Diamond, received its very first closeup in the movie.
Of course, more recently, in 2019 Lady Gaga wore the celebrated yellow diamond to the Oscars. Three words: ooh la la.
#8. The Great Gatsby (2013)
Carey Mulligan wearing diamond and pearl jewelry from Tiffany & Co. in The Great Gatsby.
Image Credit: Alamy /Warner Bros
Starring: Cary Mulligan, Leonard DiCaprio
Story: A self-made millionaire pursues his dream girl in and around New York City during the Jazz Age.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: A giant Tiffany diamond engagement ring reportedly worth $3.9 million is the first thing you see from leading character Daisy Buchanan. Throughout the film, her mix of costume and authentic jewelry and accessories, created in partnership between costume designer Catherine Martin and Tiffany & Co., are a true expression of Jazz Age opulence. Custom pieces including a pearl and diamond headband, various handpieces, and other movie jewelry make the entire film completely swoon-worthy.
#9. Downton Abbey (2019)
In the final scene of Downton Abbey, Hugh Bonneville dances with Elizabeth McGovern who is wearing and Edwardian diamond tiara from Bentley & Skinner.
Starring: Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith
Story: When the king and queen of England pay a visit to an abbey in 1927, scandal, romance, and intrigue ensues.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: The big screen leap for Downtown Abbey, the beloved PBS series, was accompanied by many sparkling production upgrades—most recognizably a partnership with Bentley & Skinner, London’s official royal jeweler for antique and period jewelry. Worn to important dinners by several main characters, featured Bentley & Skinner diamond tiaras include a Victorian style adorned with elegant foliage that was designed to be worn on the forehead like an Art Deco flapper, an Edwardian queen filigree tiara worn high atop the head, and many more. The real diamond hair accessories are just about as fancy as it gets.
#10. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Jill St. John who plays Tiffany, the main Bond Girl in Diamonds Are Forever, holding up a prop gem.
Starring: Sean Connery, Charles Gray
Story: Secret agent James Bond tries to stop an evil man from buying the world’s diamond supply.
Fun Fact About Diamonds: Aside from this film’s entire plot revolving around diamonds, the production’s soundtrack features Shirley Bassey’s iconic theme song, “Diamonds Are Forever”.
