5 Iconic Jewelry Pieces That Changed Fashion History
Jewelry has always been more than just decoration, it tells stories, marks milestones, and at times, defines entire eras of style. Some pieces are so iconic that they’ve influenced not just trends, but the way we view jewelry itself.
At Teresa and Sons, we celebrate the craftsmanship, history, and legacy behind timeless designs. Here are six legendary jewelry pieces that didn’t just make a statement, they changed fashion history.
1. Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond
Few pieces better capture the glamour of 20th-century celebrity than the Krupp Diamond, gifted to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton in 1968. The 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond, originally owned by German heiress Vera Krupp, was later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond and became one of her most treasured possessions.
Taylor wore it often at dinners, on red carpets, even casually, which changed public perception of large diamonds. It wasn’t locked in a vault; it was personal, wearable, and expressive. When it sold for over $8.8 million at auction in 2011, it cemented not just its financial value, but its place in jewelry history.
2. The Hope Diamond
More than a gem, the Hope Diamond is one of the most famous stones in the world. Its rare deep blue color, exceptional 45.52-carat weight, and storied past, spanning royal courts, private collectors, and public institutions, have made it a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond its mystique, the Hope Diamond shifted perceptions around colored stones in fine jewelry. It helped pave the way for sapphires, emeralds, and other richly hued gems to be seen not just as alternatives to diamonds, but as center pieces in their own right.
3. Cartier’s Tutti Frutti Bracelet
In the 1920s, Cartier debuted a style unlike anything seen before: the Tutti Frutti bracelet. A vibrant mix of carved emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds arranged in a freeform, asymmetrical design, it fused Indian craftsmanship with Parisian elegance.
The piece broke with the formal, symmetrical styles of its time and introduced color, texture, and cultural fusion into high jewelry. Nearly a century later, Tutti Frutti designs remain among the most coveted and copied in the world.
4. Audrey Hepburn’s Pearls in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Audrey Hepburn’s iconic portrayal of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s gave us one of fashion’s most enduring images: a black dress, an elegant updo, and a multi-strand pearl necklace.
That scene didn’t just cement pearls as a staple of modern elegance, it redefined them. No longer reserved for formal or conservative settings, pearls became the emblem of sophisticated, effortless style. Their versatility endures, from everyday wear to red-carpet statements.
5. Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring
When Princess Diana chose a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by diamonds from a jeweler’s catalog rather than a bespoke design, it caused a stir but also sparked a movement. Her ring challenged traditional expectations and made colored engagement stones aspirational.
Years later, the same ring became the engagement ring of Catherine, Princess of Wales, giving it new life and continuing its influence on bridal trends. Today, sapphire engagement rings are a sophisticated alternative embraced by collectors and modern brides alike.
6. The Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring
Launched in 1886, the Tiffany setting introduced a radical idea: lift the diamond above the band to allow more light to enter the stone, maximizing its brilliance. This six-prong design became the blueprint for the modern engagement ring.
Its clean, architectural elegance helped popularize the solitaire style and remains a symbol of classic, understated luxury. The Tiffany setting didn’t just shape a product, it shaped a tradition.
Timeless Pieces, Lasting Influence
These pieces didn’t just reflect the times, they helped define them. They expanded the boundaries of what jewelry could look like, who could wear it, and what it could represent.
At Teresa and Sons, we believe in jewelry with meaning, pieces that reflect personal stories, individual style, and impeccable craftsmanship. Whether you're inspired by the great icons of history or envisioning something entirely your own, we offer custom fine jewelry tailored to your vision.
Have an idea for a one-of-a-kind piece?
Contact us to begin your custom design consultation. We’d be honored to help you create something truly timeless.
