The Role of Jewelry in Pop Culture: Iconic Pieces from Film, Music, and Literature

Jewelry pieces quickly become iconic when they're prominently worn by a popular character, featured in a film, by a musician, or showcased in literature. Film, music, and literature set trends, and their influence can make jewelry sought after. In this blog, we'll check out some iconic pieces of jewelry in pop culture.

Jewelry in Film

Take a minute and think about movies that focused on pieces of diamond jewelry or that helped make a character's iconic look. Remember the "Heart of the Ocean" necklace from the movie Titanic? It sparked a trend for blue gemstone necklaces. Another iconic piece of jewelry is the pearl necklace worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It became a symbol of timeless elegance. While it didn't spark a trend in gold rings, the One Ring from the movie series The Lord of the Rings was a central theme of the movie.

Similarly, TV shows like Sex and the City and Gossip Girl have influenced jewelry trends by showcasing fashionable and aspirational pieces worn by their characters. Celebrities are trendsetters both on and off the screen.

Jewelry in Music

Music celebrities also play an important role in setting jewelry trends. Madonna set jewelry and fashion trends in her career. She popularized layering and stacking multiple diamond necklaces and bracelets, often mixing different styles and materials to create a bold and eclectic look. Throughout her career, Madonna has worn crucifix necklaces in videos and live performances. One of the most famous instances of Madonna wearing a crucifix necklace was during her "Like a Prayer" era in the late 1980s. In the music video for the song "Like a Prayer," Madonna wore an oversized crucifix necklace that became closely associated with the imagery of the video.

Another celebrity with a trend-setting impact - is Beyoncé. In the video "Hold Up," Beyoncé wears a flowing yellow dress by Roberto Cavalli paired with statement jewelry, including a large floral headdress and chunky bracelets. The outfit complements the video's theme of feminine strength and resilience.

There are plenty of songs that mention jewelry, such as Rihanna's hit "Diamonds." Hip-hop culture also impacts jewelry. Hip-hop has had a significant impact on jewelry, particularly in terms of style, symbolism, and trends. In the early days of hip-hop, artists used jewelry as a way to express their personal style and status, often wearing large, flashy pieces that made a statement. This style became known as "bling" or "ice," and it became synonymous with the hip-hop lifestyle.

Jewelry in Literature

Think about jewelry examples you can recall from literature. In Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Heathcliff is haunted by a heart-shaped locket containing a lock of hair from his lost love, Catherine Earnshaw. The locket symbolizes Heathcliff's undying love for Catherine and inability to let go of the past.

Another literature example - is the pearl necklace in The Great Gatsby. The pearl necklace symbolizes wealth, luxury, and social status. The necklace belongs to Tom Buchanan's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, who wears it as a sign of her desire to elevate her social standing. The pearl necklace also represents the emptiness and superficiality of the wealthy characters' lives, as it is ultimately a material possession that does not bring happiness or fulfillment. It becomes a tragic symbol in the novel, representing the characters' pursuit of wealth and status at the expense of true happiness and morality.

Initial necklaces are popular today, but they're also part of historical fiction. Anne Boleyn's "B" necklace is a famous piece of jewelry associated with the Tudor queen. The necklace features a gold letter "B" pendant, which is believed to have been worn by Anne as a symbol of her identity and status. The necklace is often depicted in portraits of Anne, including one by the artist Hans Holbein the Younger.

The "B" necklace is significant because it represents Anne's rise to power as the second wife of King Henry VIII of England. Anne's relationship with Henry led to the English Reformation and the eventual break between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church, as Henry sought to annul his marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, to marry Anne.

In each of these examples, the pieces of jewelry carry more profound meanings and integral themes to the story. They're much more than a simple accessory.

Cross-Media Influences

When jewelry pieces get showcased in media, whether it's literature, film, or music, it typically results in consumers seeking them out. Some companies merchandise replica jewelry that is similar to the pieces from the film that consumers can buy. If the jewelry is more classic, like a blue sapphire pendant necklace, initial necklace, or pear necklace, then the demand for these types of pieces could increase based on the popularity of that movie, show, or book. You can check out the With Clarity website and find jewelry exactly like your favorite celebrity or novel character.

Closing Thoughts

The jewelry highlighted in film, music, and literature often becomes sought-after earrings, bracelets, fashion rings, gemstone rings, and necklaces. The sales of blue sapphire gemstone necklaces increased after the Titanic showcased a gorgeous diamond and sapphire necklace. Initial necklaces are a historical nod to Anne Boleyn's "B" necklace, Queen Consort of England. Think about jewelry trends you've adopted based on films, music, literature, or other influences.