When Time in History Stood Still: The World’s Most Iconic Jewellery Moments

From Diana’s sapphire to the Maharaja of Patiala’s diamonds, discover the timeless ornaments that shaped beauty, power, and craftsmanship across centuries.

Jewellery has always been more than adornment — it’s a reflection of who we are and where we come from. Across dynasties and continents, queens, maharajas, and icons have told their stories through jewels — each gemstone whispering of power, love, and legacy. Some of these pieces became so iconic, they changed the way the world saw beauty itself.

Let’s revisit the The World’s Most Iconic Jewellery Moments that continue to inspire design and craftsmanship today — from the thrones of India to Hollywood’s golden age.

Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring - Iconic Jewellery Moments

When Lady Diana Spencer chose her engagement ring in 1981, she unknowingly rewrote royal tradition. The ring — a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold — was not custom-made, but selected from a Garrard catalogue.

It was unconventional, luminous, and full of quiet grace — just like Diana herself. The deep blue sapphire, often linked with loyalty and wisdom, became a symbol of honesty and modern love. Today, the same ring graces the hand of Catherine, Princess of Wales, transforming it into a living heirloom — a reminder that sentiment, not spectacle, makes a jewel timeless.

The Maharaja of Patiala’s Necklace by Cartier (1928)

If opulence could be worn, it would look like the Patiala Necklace. Commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and crafted by Cartier, this spectacular creation featured 2,930 diamonds, Burmese rubies, and the legendary 234-carat yellow De Beers diamond at its heart.

The necklace’s five cascading rows of gemstones shimmered against platinum — a perfect union of Indian grandeur and European Art Deco geometry. Worn with ceremonial robes and jewelled turbans, it became a declaration of pride, artistry, and royal confidence.

Though the original piece was lost for decades, its legend continues — a shining chapter in the story of Indian heritage craftsmanship and luxury that still inspires jewellery designers today.

Elizabeth Taylor’s La Peregrina Pearl Necklace

No one wore jewels quite like Elizabeth Taylor. Among her famed treasures, La Peregrina remains unforgettable — a 16th-century pear-shaped pearl once owned by Spanish queens and European royals. Gifted by Richard Burton, Taylor had it reset by Cartier into a choker of rubies, pearls, and diamonds — romantic, regal, and unmistakably her.

She wore it not as a relic, but as part of her identity — exuberant, glamorous, and alive. Alongside her 33-carat Krupp diamond ring, Taylor’s collection symbolised self-expression through adornment — the same emotional connection that turns fine jewellery into living memory.

Cleopatra’s Emerald and Lapis Jewels

Long before cinema or couture, Cleopatra VII of Egypt ruled not only through intellect but through imagery. Her jewellery was her power language. The queen was known for her broad gold collars inlaid with emeralds, turquoise, and lapis lazuli, and serpent-shaped armlets and diadems that echoed her divine association with Isis.

Each ornament was both spiritual and strategic — gleaming under the desert sun, reflecting divinity and command. Cleopatra’s legacy lives on in every statement choker and sculptural gold piece inspired by her — proof that power, when worn beautifully, never fades.

Why These Moments Still Matter

From Diana’s sapphire to Cleopatra’s gold, these jewels remind us why we adorn ourselves — not just for beauty, but for meaning. Each piece carried a story: of love, loyalty, lineage, or legacy. They were personal, emotional, and deliberate — qualities that still define the art of fine jewellery today.

At SONM, we see these moments as more than history — they are inspiration. Our handcrafted gold-plated jewellery, natural stones, and artisanal details pay quiet tribute to these icons of heritage. Each piece is designed to feel storied — timeless yet personal, made to be worn, remembered, and retold.

Because when history wore gold, it taught us something unforgettable: true beauty endures, one jewel at a time.