In the world of music, extravagance reigns supreme. From the catchy tunes to the electrifying performances, music royalty strives to leave a lasting impression. And what better way to do that than to adorn themselves with dazzling jewels? Diamonds, with their brilliance and timeless appeal, have long been a favorite among music’s elite.
This article explores how music’s biggest stars have adorned themselves with these precious stones.
A History of Dazzle: Music Legends and Their Jewels
Elvis Presley, Madonna, and Michael Jackson are iconic musicians whose extravagant jewelry collections have left a lasting impact on fashion and culture.
According to WWD, Elvis Presley’s flamboyant taste, evident in his sequined jumpsuits and pink Cadillacs, extended to his jewelry collection. Presley amassed many rings, bracelets, and medallions crafted with precious metals and gemstones.
One of his most iconic pieces was the TCB (Taking Care of Business) ring, a symbol of his inner circle. Presley himself designed the ring, featuring 14 karats of yellow gold and nearly 10 carats of diamonds. This ostentatious piece, valued at much more today than its original price, became synonymous with Presley’s larger-than-life image.
Pop icon Madonna further solidified the connection between diamonds and music royalty in her legendary 1991 Oscar appearance. Drenched in a collection of diamonds valued at over $20 million, the singer wasn’t just flaunting wealth.
The cascading diamond necklace perfectly complemented her Bob Mackie-designed gown, known for its flamboyant embellishments that mirrored Madonna’s bold persona. This wasn’t just about the sparkle. It was a carefully crafted statement that cemented the singer’s place in pop culture history.
Michael Jackson, the king of pop, took a slightly different approach. While Jackson wasn’t always adorned in head-to-toe diamonds, his famed single-sequined glove became a cultural phenomenon.
This seemingly simple accessory, custom-designed by Bill Whitten, transcended its function to become a symbol of Jackson’s electrifying stage presence. The glove’s multiple auction appearances, fetching over $100,000 each time, solidify its place in music memorabilia history.
These are just a few examples of music legends using diamonds to create a lasting impression. Their love for these precious stones reflects their taste and influences fashion trends and popular culture.
Modern Music Icons and Their Diamond Collections
The tradition of music icons adorning themselves with diamonds continues to thrive in the modern era. These contemporary stars, just like their predecessors, use diamonds to showcase their success and to cultivate unique and powerful personas. Some of the most famous stars and their favorite jewels include:
Beyoncé
Queen Bey herself is another shining example of a music icon with a diamond-encrusted legacy. A frequent collaborator with celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, Beyoncé’s love for diamonds is undeniable.
According to Grazia, her most famous piece might be the 24-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring Jay-Z used to pop the question. Designed by Schwartz, this ring is rumored to have cost a cool $5 million due to the diamond’s exceptional rarity and flawless clarity.
It’s a true showstopper, perfectly capturing Beyoncé’s regal persona and setting the standard for extravagant celebrity engagement rings.
Rihanna
The Barbadian pop star and fashion icon brings a fresh perspective to the world of diamonds. While appreciating their brilliance, she isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
Unlike traditional diamond showcases, Rihanna has embraced unique pieces. During her pregnancy in 2022, she redefined maternity fashion. Staying true to her edgy and glamorous style, Rihanna sported a diamond belly chain at a Fenty Beauty event.
This wasn’t just an accessory. It was, as Messika described, “an ode to femininity and motherhood,” a bold statement that showcased Rihanna’s ability to wear diamonds in unconventional ways.
Kanye West
The ever-evolving artist takes a unique approach to diamonds. Unlike some who favor classic elegance, Kanye leans towards custom pieces that reflect his individuality. He’s known for his statement-making diamond chains, often featuring intricate designs or religious iconography.
The rapper has also pushed boundaries with diamond grills, replacing his entire bottom row of teeth with sparkling diamonds. This wasn’t just a flashy move. It blurred the line between jewelry and self-expression, showcasing Kanye’s willingness to challenge conventions. His love for custom diamond pieces reflects his desire to stand out and create a visual language that’s entirely his own.
Lady Gaga
At the 2019 Oscars, Lady Gaga achieved a history-making double whammy. Not only did she win an Oscar for her work in “A Star is Born,” but she also stole the show on the red carpet.
Adorned with a jaw-dropping necklace, Gaga became the first person to wear the legendary 128.5-carat yellow diamond in over half a century. Previously only worn by Audrey Hepburn during promotion for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” this priceless piece was surrounded by a cascade of white diamonds.
This was a well-calculated homage to Hollywood glamor, linking Gaga to the legacy of iconic actresses and solidifying her place in the spotlight.
The Rise of Colored Diamonds
In recent years, colored diamonds have become a growing trend in the music scene. These rare gems symbolize rarity, luxury, and even rebellion, resonating deeply with certain music genres and artists who seek to stand out.
Purple diamonds, in particular, carry a unique symbolism. Their rarity and luxurious appeal make them perfect for music royalty who want to exude opulence and exclusivity. Additionally, the unconventional color can symbolize rebellion and individuality, aligning with the personas of many artists who challenge norms.
One notable instance of music royalty donning purple diamonds is pop icon Katy Perry. Known for her bold and eclectic style, Perry holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive grill of all time.
In her music video for “Dark Horse,” she sported a grill encrusted with diamonds and purple gemstones, featuring intricate flower patterns that spread across her teeth. In the video, Perry portrays Katy Pätra, a Cleopatra-like figure ruling over Memphis, Egypt, who is courted by pharaohs bearing extravagant gifts. This historic music video showcased the grandeur of purple diamonds, cementing their place in popular culture.
Looking ahead, Leibish’s 2024 final sale, a renowned purveyor of colored diamonds, is highly anticipated. Experts predict a surge in interest in purple diamonds, particularly among celebrities and music icons.
This growing fascination with colored diamonds signifies a shift in the way artists use jewelry to tell their stories and cultivate their images. The purple diamond, with its unique blend of rarity and luxury, is poised to become a coveted symbol in the ever-evolving world of music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What jewelry did Michael Jackson give Elizabeth Taylor?
Michael Jackson gifted Elizabeth Taylor a stunning diamond bracelet and a matching necklace, both featuring exquisite diamonds. These pieces were emblematic of their close friendship and mutual admiration for luxury and elegance.
Who wears the most expensive jewelry?
Cate Blanchett, Oscars 2014. Madonna, Oscars 1991. Gloria Stuart, 1998 Oscars. Jackie Kennedy Engagement Ring. Lady Gaga, 2019 Academy Awards. These celebrities have worn some of the most expensive jewelry, with pieces that have become iconic in fashion and history.
What is more expensive than diamonds?
Certain rare gemstones, such as pink diamonds, red diamonds, and blue diamonds, can be more expensive per carat than traditional white diamonds. Additionally, some metals like platinum and certain high-quality colored gemstones can also surpass diamonds in terms of price.
Diamonds and music have long been intertwined, with these dazzling stones serving as a way for music royalty to showcase their success and individuality. From classic white diamonds to captivating purple diamonds, musicians continually find innovative ways to incorporate these precious gems into their image.
As the music scene evolves, so too will the way artists utilize diamonds. We can expect to see even more creativity and experimentation, solidifying diamonds’ place as integral parts of a musician’s artistic expression.
