Marilyn Monroe remains an enduring symbol of glamour, and while she famously sang "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend," her actual jewelry collection was surprisingly modest. Unlike her contemporaries, such as Elizabeth Taylor, Monroe owned very few valuable pieces. However, her radiant persona made even her costume jewelry iconic, elevating its status at auctions like Christie's. Let's take a closer look at the most notable pieces from the Marilyn Monroe jewelry collection, including the history behind them and their significance today.
What kind of jewelry did Marilyn Monroe wear?
Contrary to popular belief, Monroe's jewelry collection was relatively modest, especially compared to stars like Elizabeth Taylor. While she did wear diamonds on-screen and at public events, much of what she owned was costume jewelry. Rhinestones, in particular, were her favorite, and her love for this material turned these affordable pieces into highly sought-after items at major auctions.
Many of the pieces associated with her were gifts from her husbands, and even then, the collection was small. Nevertheless, a few standout items in her collection have become legendary over the years. Here's a deeper dive into the most famous jewelry pieces associated with Marilyn Monroe.
Marilyn Monroe necklace: Mikimoto pearl necklace
One of the most cherished pieces of jewelry in Marilyn’s collection was a 16-inch choker made of 39 Akoya pearls, gifted to her by her second husband, baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, during their honeymoon in Japan in January 1954. The Akoya pearls, known for their perfect round shapes and mirror-like luster, symbolized Marilyn's timeless elegance. Despite their marriage lasting only nine months, the necklace remained a favorite of Marilyn's. She even wore it at her divorce hearing later that year, a subtle reminder of the happier times they shared.
This Mikimoto pearl necklace holds historical significance, as Mikimoto is the jewelry company founded by Kokichi Mikimoto, known as the "Pearl King" for developing the technique to cultivate pearls. Today, the necklace belongs to Mikimoto’s heritage collection and is frequently showcased in exhibitions around the world.
Marilyn Monroe’s wedding band
Another significant piece in Monroe’s collection was her platinum wedding band, also gifted by Joe DiMaggio. Set with 35 baguette-cut diamonds, this ring fetched an astonishing price of $772,500 at Christie’s auction, despite being estimated at just $30,000 to $50,000. One diamond was missing, but that did little to diminish its final value, a testament to the enduring allure of anything related to the Hollywood icon.
Marilyn Monroe’s diamond necklace: The Moon of Baroda
While Marilyn Monroe didn’t own the Moon of Baroda, she did famously wear the stunning 24-carat fancy yellow diamond necklace during the press tour for the 1953 movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." It was also the largest gem ever worn by Marilyn, and its association with her undoubtedly contributed to its skyrocketing price at a later Christie's auction. Despite not being hers, the connection between Monroe and this magnificent gemstone has made it one of the most memorable pieces ever worn by her.
The Moon of Baroda has a fascinating history that predates Monroe. This pear-shaped canary yellow diamond was once part of the royal collection of the Maharajas of Baroda, a princely state in India. The diamond, sourced from the Golconda mines, which also produced the legendary Hope Diamond, was estimated at $500,000 to $750,000 but ended up selling for over $1.3 million at auction in 2018.
Marilyn Monroe’s watch: Blancpain cocktail watch
Monroe’s third husband, Arthur Miller, gifted her a 1930s Art Deco cocktail watch by Blancpain. This exquisite platinum timepiece was set with 71 round-cut diamonds and 2 marquise-cut diamonds. In 2016, the watch was sold at Julien’s Auction for $225,000, far exceeding its original estimate of $80,000 to $120,000. It was later purchased by Blancpain, who now proudly includes it as part of their legacy collection.
What happened to Marilyn Monroe's jewelry?
After Marilyn Monroe’s tragic death in 1962, her jewelry collection was dispersed through various auctions. Pieces like her wedding band, pearls, and diamond necklaces have resurfaced over the years, fetching extraordinary prices due to their connection to the beloved icon. Today, they are either part of private collections or displayed by high-end brands like Mikimoto and Blancpain.
Conclusion: a modest collection with immense value
Marilyn Monroe may not have had a vast or extravagant jewelry collection, but the few pieces she did own, or were associated with, have achieved legendary status. Whether it was her pearl necklace from Joe DiMaggio or the iconic Moon of Baroda diamond, each piece holds a special place in history, forever tied to the actress who remains one of the most glamorous figures in Hollywood history.
