At the premiere of her latest film, Wuthering Heights, actress Margot Robbie wore an eye-catching heart-shaped necklace that sparked interest beyond its striking appearance. Known as the Taj Mahal diamond set by Cartier, this jewel once belonged to Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor and carries a rich history linked to India’s Mughal era. The necklace, valued at approximately $8 million (around ₹74 Crore), captivated attention not only for its price but for its deep cultural and historical roots.
Tracing the Necklace’s Mughal Origins
The Taj Mahal diamond necklace bears a distinct Indian influence in its design, featuring intricate craftsmanship reflective of traditional styles rather than modern fashion trends. This heritage aspect reminded many viewers of how Indian artistry has long shaped global jewelry aesthetics.
Engraved on the diamond is the inscription “Nur Jahan Begum-e-Padshah, 23, 1037,” confirming its connection to Nur Jahan, the influential wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jehangir. The number 23 marks the duration of Jehangir’s reign, while the year 1037 refers to the Islamic calendar, correlating to 1627 AD. Further historical accounts note that their descendant, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, gave this beloved piece to his wife Mumtaz, which explains the jewel’s association with the Taj Mahal.
After nearly 400 years in India, the necklace was removed during British colonial rule, alongside other renowned jewels such as the Kohinoor diamond. Eventually, Cartier acquired the necklace and sold it to actor Richard Burton, who gifted it to Elizabeth Taylor. Following Taylor’s passing in 2011, the necklace was auctioned, continuing its journey across continents and generations.
Margot Robbie captured the aura of the piece while attending the premiere, remarking that the necklace
felt like it had a lot of romantic history and felt appropriate for tonight.
—Margot Robbie
Reflections on Jewelry with Colonial Histories in Modern Fashion
This unveiling naturally brought comparisons to Emma Chamberlain’s 2022 Met Gala appearance, where she wore a hallowed diamond necklace once owned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. The intense debate following that event centered on whether jewels steeped in colonial and royal legacies should be considered mere fashion accessories.
The controversy did not target Chamberlain personally but rather questioned the responsibilities and implications of wearing items tied to complex historical narratives. These discussions underscore ongoing conversations about cultural heritage and the legacy of colonialism in contemporary settings.
The Broader Impact of Historical Jewelry on Today’s Cultural Conversation
The resurgence of this historic Indian jewel through Margot Robbie’s choice shines a light on the enduring influence of Mughal artistry and opens dialogue about the origins of many treasures seen on global platforms. As these narratives unfold, they challenge audiences to consider how history, culture, and fashion intersect, urging sensitivity toward the provenance of such artifacts.
With the fascination surrounding the Taj Mahal diamond necklace renewed, future discourse may further explore the significance of these cultural symbols and the stories they carry amid changing perspectives on ownership and heritage.
