Jewelry in cinema has long served as more than just an accessory; it often symbolizes deeper themes, connects characters, and becomes iconic in its own right. These pieces, ranging from necklaces and rings to crowns and watches, have captivated audiences, enriching stories with layers of meaning. Here, we explore ten of the most significant pieces of jewelry in cinema, dissecting their importance and the symbolism they carry.
The Evenstar – The Lord of the Rings
The Evenstar, a delicate pendant gifted by Arwen to Aragorn, is a potent symbol of love, sacrifice, and hope in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Shaped like a star and glittering with ethereal light, it represents Arwen’s immortality and her choice to forsake it for a mortal life with Aragorn. The Evenstar’s beauty is a constant reminder of their bond, underscoring the theme of enduring love despite overwhelming odds. Beyond its romantic significance, it serves as a beacon of hope, urging Aragorn to embrace his destiny as the rightful king.
The Crown – The Princess Bride
In The Princess Bride, the crown worn by Buttercup embodies themes of love, power, and reluctant duty. As she ascends to the position of a princess and later a queen, the crown becomes a visual marker of her journey. However, it also reflects her inner conflict; her heart belongs to Westley, not the royal obligations thrust upon her. The crown’s significance is heightened by its juxtaposition with Buttercup’s genuine love story, contrasting the grandeur of royalty with the simplicity of true love.
Rose’s Necklace – Titanic
The “Heart of the Ocean” necklace in Titanic is one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry in cinematic history. A brilliant blue diamond set in an intricate design, it serves as a symbol of wealth, desire, and lost dreams. Gifted to Rose by her fiancé Cal, the necklace is initially a token of control and materialism. However, as Rose grows and liberates herself from societal constraints, the necklace transforms into a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Its eventual fate, being cast into the ocean, is a poignant gesture of closure and letting go of the past.
Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem is a central artifact in the Harry Potter series, symbolizing knowledge, ambition, and the corruption of power. As one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes, the diadem is tainted by dark magic, turning a relic of wisdom into an instrument of evil. Its destruction signifies the triumph of good over malevolence and underscores the series’ broader themes of resisting the temptation of power. The diadem’s intricate design and association with one of Hogwarts’ founders add layers of mystique, making it an unforgettable piece of cinematic jewelry.
The One Ring – The Lord of the Rings
Few pieces of jewelry in film are as iconic or laden with meaning as the One Ring. Forged by Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom, the ring symbolizes absolute power, corruption, and obsession. Its deceptively simple appearance belies its immense power to control and destroy. The ring’s influence drives much of the narrative, showcasing how even the purest hearts can succumb to its allure. Frodo’s journey to destroy the ring is not just a physical quest but a metaphorical struggle against the darker aspects of human nature.
The Watch – The Last of Us
In The Last of Us, Joel’s broken wristwatch is a subtle yet powerful piece of symbolism. A gift from his daughter, Sarah, the watch represents love, loss, and the enduring pain of tragedy. Its cracked face mirrors Joel’s fractured heart, serving as a constant reminder of the life he lost. Despite its damage, Joel continues to wear it, symbolizing his inability to let go of the past. Over time, the watch also becomes a metaphor for healing, as Joel gradually opens himself up to new relationships and hope.
Holly Golightly’s Necklace – Breakfast at Tiffany’s
While not a single, defined piece of jewelry, the association of Holly Golightly with the jewelry at Tiffany’s is central to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The elegant simplicity of her pearls and the diamond-laden displays at Tiffany’s represent Holly’s longing for security, sophistication, and a better life. Jewelry becomes a metaphor for her dreams, as well as the façade she presents to the world. Ultimately, the film’s message reminds viewers that true happiness lies not in material wealth but in authentic connections.
The Crown – Tangled
The crown in Disney’s Tangled is more than just a royal accessory; it’s a symbol of identity, heritage, and freedom. Stolen from Rapunzel as a baby, the crown represents her rightful place in the world and the family she was separated from. Its recovery and return coincide with Rapunzel’s self-discovery and the reclaiming of her agency. The crown’s luminous design and central role in the plot highlight its importance as a visual and thematic anchor in the story.
Schindler’s Ring – Schindler’s List
The ring given to Oskar Schindler by the Jewish workers he saved during the Holocaust is a profound symbol of gratitude, humanity, and the impact of individual actions. Inscribed with the Talmudic phrase, “Whoever saves one life saves the world entire,” the ring encapsulates the film’s central message. It’s a simple yet deeply meaningful piece of jewelry, representing the countless lives Schindler’s efforts preserved. Its emotional weight resonates as a reminder of the power of compassion and courage in the face of unimaginable horrors.
The Watch – Interstellar
In Interstellar, the watch exchanged between Cooper and his daughter, Murphy, is a powerful symbol of love, connection, and the passage of time. The watch becomes a literal and figurative bridge between them, as Cooper uses it to communicate crucial information across dimensions. Its ticking becomes a poignant reminder of time’s relentless march and the sacrifices made for love. By the film’s end, the watch embodies the enduring bond between a father and daughter, transcending space and time.
Thematic Threads Across Cinema’s Iconic Jewelry
These ten pieces of jewelry span genres and eras, yet they share common threads that make them unforgettable. Many serve as symbols of love—whether romantic, familial, or selfless. They often represent deeper conflicts, such as the struggle between freedom and obligation, the allure and danger of power, or the tension between past and future. You can read here for more on the symbolism of jewelry in film.
Moreover, these objects frequently act as catalysts for character growth and narrative resolution. From the Evenstar inspiring Aragorn to accept his destiny to Schindler’s ring encapsulating a life-changing journey, these items carry profound emotional and thematic weight.
Jewelry in cinema reminds us that the smallest objects can hold the greatest meaning. Whether glittering with diamonds or marked by time’s wear, these pieces enrich storytelling, leaving indelible impressions on audiences and underscoring the timeless power of symbolic objects.
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Wow, this is such an amazing post!!! Really loved it.