On January 28, Margot Robbie captivated audiences at the Los Angeles premiere of her new film Wuthering Heights, drawing attention not only for her performance but also for wearing a remarkable piece of jewelry: Elizabeth Taylor’s $8 million diamond and ruby necklace. This iconic Cartier necklace, once owned by Taylor, added a rich layer of history to Robbie’s striking look, connecting the glamour of Hollywood with a legendary love story.
A Jewel with a Legendary Past
The highlight of Robbie’s ensemble was the heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond necklace, a spectacular piece originally gifted to Elizabeth Taylor by her husband Richard Burton in 1972 to celebrate her 40th birthday. Known as an emblem of enduring love, this necklace features jade mounting and a custom gold, ruby, and diamond chain. Notably, an inscription in Parsee on the necklace reads Love is Everlasting and refers to Nur Jahan, the first recipient of the original jewel from her husband, the Mughal Emperor Shan Jahangir.
This necklace traces its origins back to a deeply moving story. Nur Jahan’s husband, Shan Jahangir, passed the jewel to their son Shah Jahan, who later gave it to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Following Mumtaz’s death, Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal as a tribute to her memory, inspiring the necklace’s name. Over time, Cartier acquired the necklace, and their designer Alfred Durante fashioned the distinctive gold and ruby chain adorned with rondelles and tassels.
In 1972, after Richard Burton sought Valentine’s Day and birthday gift ideas for Taylor, Cartier’s president Michael Thomas presented him with this extraordinary piece. Burton secretly purchased the necklace and surprised Taylor during her birthday celebration in Budapest. The necklace later sold for $8.8 million along with other items from Taylor’s estate after her passing that same year.
Reflecting on the gift, Burton famously joked,
I would have liked to buy her the Taj Mahal, but it would cost too much to transport.
—Richard Burton
Margot Robbie’s Fashion Statement at the Premiere
At the premiere, Robbie paired this historic necklace with a stunning Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown, recently showcased on the Paris runway. Styled by Andrew Mukamal, the dress featured a form-fitting strapless bodice with delicate lace and a striking red and black gradient skirt that mimicked flower petals. Complementing her look were custom 38-carat diamond earrings by Lorraine Schwartz and a 19th-century ruby and diamond ring from Fred Leighton.
Robbie wore her blonde hair in an elegant updo and opted for natural makeup with a subtle pink lip, allowing the bold necklace and dress to command attention. Alongside co-star Jacob Elordi, she brought to life the intense passion of the classic love story at the heart of Wuthering Heights.
Embracing History Through Fashion
During a red carpet interview, Robbie explained her and Mukamal’s careful approach to styling, emphasizing intentionality in each outfit. She felt the necklace’s history resonated perfectly with the themes of the film and the dress. Speaking to Variety about her look, Robbie said,
This is Wuthering Heights. If we were to make Wuthering Heights into a dress, what would it look like? The idea of it soaking up the ground…and seeping up into the dress. The dark lace and the dark sort of decay.
—Margot Robbie
She also shared,
Our outfits are going to evolve throughout the press tour to cover some of the seats and ideas in the film,
indicating that her wardrobe will continue reflecting the story’s mood as promotions progress.
On-Screen Chemistry and Behind-the-Scenes Bonds
Robbie spoke to Fandango about her dynamic with co-star Jacob Elordi while filming, describing their relationship as quickly becoming codependent. Elordi echoed the sentiment, explaining the mutual fascination they developed on set.
If you have the opportunity to share a film set with Margot Robbie, you’re going to make sure you’re within five to 10 meters at all times, watching how she drinks tea, how she eats her food.
He praised her as an
elite actor
who also excels at bringing fashion to life.
The Enduring Symbolism of the Necklace and the Film
Much like the complex love story depicted in Wuthering Heights, Elizabeth Taylor’s necklace carries a narrative of intense passion and enduring devotion. By wearing this historic piece, Margot Robbie connects the past and present, underscoring themes of love, loss, and legacy. The choice adds gravity to the film’s promotion and sets a tone of emotional depth for upcoming appearances in the press tour.
As Robbie’s journey with Wuthering Heights unfolds, her evolving style choices and on-screen performance will undoubtedly continue to command attention, inviting audiences to explore the rich layers of both the story and the iconography surrounding it.
