On January 28, Margot Robbie captivated audiences at the Los Angeles premiere of her film Wuthering Heights, wearing a remarkable piece of history—Elizabeth Taylor’s $8 million diamond and ruby necklace. Styled by Andrew Mukamal and dressed in Schiaparelli Haute Couture straight from the Paris runway, Robbie’s look centered around the legendary jewelry that once belonged to the legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor.
Robbie’s choice to wear this historic necklace highlighted the connection between the powerful stories behind both the film and the jewelry. The necklace, which was gifted to Taylor by her husband Richard Burton, symbolizes an enduring love story, adding a poignant layer to Robbie’s appearance at this event promoting the latest adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
The Necklace’s Storied Past and Symbolism
The exquisite heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond necklace was a gift from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor for her 40th birthday in 1972. This piece is one of the most treasured artifacts in Taylor’s extensive jewelry collection, featuring a custom gold chain adorned with jade, diamonds, and rubies. Notably, the necklace carries an inscription in Parsee that reads, Love is Everlasting, along with the name Nur Jahan, who was the first recipient of the original jewel from her husband, the Mughal Emperor Shan Jahangir.
This necklace’s origins trace back to a royal lineage: after Nur Jahan, the necklace passed down to her son Shah Jahan, who then gave it to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Following her untimely death, Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal as a monument to eternal love, inspiring the diamond’s name. Over time, Cartier acquired the necklace, where designer Alfred Durante crafted the distinctive gold and ruby chain.
In 1972, Cartier president Michael Thomas presented the necklace to Burton, who secretly purchased it as a birthday surprise for Taylor during celebrations in Budapest. The necklace later sold for $8.8 million as part of the sale of Taylor’s estate after her passing the same year.
As Burton presented the dazzling piece to Taylor, he humorously remarked,
I would have liked to buy her the Taj Mahal, but it would cost too much to transport.
—Richard Burton
Connecting the Necklace and the New Film’s Themes
Robbie’s role as Catherine in Wuthering Heights explores a complex and turbulent love story, much like the necklace’s own background steeped in romantic history. Alongside co-star Jacob Elordi, Robbie brings to life the legendary characters of Catherine and Heathcliff in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of the classic 1847 novel. The symbolism in her attire was deliberate, as the iconic necklace added a layer of emotional resonance to her appearance.
The actress wore a striking Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown featuring a fitted, strapless bodice with lace details and a red-to-black gradient skirt that evoked petals, complementing the necklace’s grandeur. She completed her look with custom 38-carat diamond earrings by Lorraine Schwartz and a 19th-century ruby and diamond ring by Fred Leighton. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo with fresh, natural makeup accented by a soft pink lip.
Intentional Fashion Choices Reflecting the Film’s Mood
Speaking during a red carpet interview, Robbie revealed that she and stylist Andrew Mukamal approached her wardrobe with careful purpose, aiming to match the tone and history of Taylor’s necklace with the spirit of Wuthering Heights. She told People they sought to be intentional with each ensemble, feeling that the necklace’s history made it an appropriate complement to the couture dress.
When describing her dress in a separate interview with Variety, Robbie explained,
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.
She also mentioned,
Our outfits are going to evolve throughout the press tour to cover some of the seats and ideas in the film,
emphasizing how her wardrobe choices would deepen the narrative experience over time.
The Dynamic Between Robbie and Co-star Jacob Elordi
Off-camera, Robbie has spoken about the intense connection she developed with Jacob Elordi during filming. In an interview with Fandango, she described becoming somewhat codependent with her co-star, noting their relationship evolved quite quickly. Elordi echoed this sentiment, saying,
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 talent, adding,
She’s just, like, an elite actor,
while acknowledging her flair for fashion and presence onscreen.
The Lasting Impression of the Necklace and Its Cultural Weight
Margot Robbie’s decision to wear Elizabeth Taylor’s historic necklace underscores the timeless allure of both the jewelry and the powerful stories it represents. By choosing this extraordinary piece, she drew attention not only to the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age but also to the emotional depth and rich history behind the film she promotes. This choice added a layer of symbolism that resonates with the themes of love, loss, and legacy woven throughout Wuthering Heights.
As the press tour continues, Robbie’s evolving wardrobe and the long-standing stories connected to the necklace promise to captivate audiences and deepen appreciation for the artistic and historical significance woven into each public appearance.
