Iconic Moments in Movies and TV That Sparkle with Elegance
Pearls have long been a symbol of timeless beauty and sophistication. Their natural glow and classic appeal have made them a favourite choice for filmmakers and costume designers alike. From silver screen legends to beloved TV characters, pearls add depth, style, and symbolism to countless stories. Let’s dive into some of the most unforgettable pearl moments in both movies and television.
Pearls in Movies: Classic and Contemporary Glamour
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
No discussion of pearls in film is complete without Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly. Her multi-strand pearl necklace paired with the iconic little black dress created a look that defines elegance to this day. The pearls symbolise Holly’s blend of sophistication and vulnerability, making this scene legendary.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
This film’s lavish depiction of the Jazz Age features pearls everywhere—from Daisy Buchanan’s layered pearl necklaces to exquisite pearl and diamond bracelets. Pearls here represent wealth, glamour, and the excess of the Roaring Twenties.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Anne Hathaway’s character Andy undergoes a stylish transformation marked by her embrace of pearl jewellery. Her long, layered pearl necklaces mixed with modern accessories highlight her journey from novice to fashion insider.
Rear Window (1954)
Grace Kelly’s character, Lisa Fremont, epitomises classic Hollywood glamour in Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense masterpiece. Her elegant pearl necklace, worn with a chic black dress, adds sophistication and subtle drama to her look. The pearls accentuate Lisa’s poise and style, making her one of cinema’s most memorable fashion icons.
Elizabeth (1998)
Cate Blanchett’s transformation into Queen Elizabeth I is marked by her increasingly elaborate wardrobe, heavily featuring pearls. From delicate pearl strands to dramatic pearl-encrusted gowns and headdresses, pearls symbolise the queen’s authority, purity, and the divine right of monarchs. The film’s visual storytelling uses pearls to trace Elizabeth’s rise to power and her enduring legacy.
The Favourite (2018)
In this Oscar-winning period drama, pearls are a key element of the film’s sumptuous costume design. Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) and her courtiers are frequently adorned with extravagant pearl necklaces, earrings, and hair accessories. The pearls not only evoke the opulence of the early 18th-century English court but also highlight the power dynamics and status within the royal household.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Costume designer Eiko Ishioka’s visionary work in Bram Stoker’s Dracula features pearls as a striking element of Victorian and Gothic fashion. Lucy Westenra, portrayed as a tragic vampire bride, wears an exquisite multi-strand pearl choker with her wedding dress, symbolising innocence corrupted and the haunting beauty of the film’s dark romance. Pearls here blend Victorian elegance with eerie, otherworldly allure, enhancing the film’s rich visual tapestry.
The Three Musketeers (various adaptations)
Pearls frequently appear in adaptations of The Three Musketeers, symbolising nobility, romance, and intrigue in the 17th-century French court. Female characters often wear pearl necklaces and earrings that highlight their aristocratic status and add authenticity to the period costumes. These pearls underscore the themes of loyalty, love, and power woven throughout the swashbuckling tales.
Pearls on Television: Regal Style and Modern Flair
Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
This beloved British drama showcases pearls as a staple of aristocratic fashion. Characters often wear delicate pearl necklaces and earrings, highlighting their social status and the era’s refined style.
The Crown (2016–2023)
Pearls are a signature element of Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe, as portrayed by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman. The show’s meticulous costume design features iconic pearl strands and brooches, reinforcing the queen’s dignified and timeless image.
Sex and the City (1998–2004)
Carrie Bradshaw’s long, draped pearl rope necklace became a defining accessory of the series. Her eclectic and fashion-forward use of pearls helped popularise pearls as versatile, modern jewellery beyond traditional settings.
Why Pearls on Screen Shine Bright
Pearls carry rich symbolism—purity, wealth, wisdom, and femininity—that filmmakers and costume designers use to deepen characters and narratives. Their natural shimmer enhances lighting and cinematography, making them perfect for both period dramas and contemporary stories. Whether worn by royalty, rebels, or romantics, having pearls on screen adds elegance and meaning.
From the classic elegance of Audrey Hepburn to the regal poise of The Favourite and Elizabeth, the timeless glamour of Grace Kelly in Rear Window, and the aristocratic flair in The Three Musketeers, pearls have dazzled audiences on both the big and small screens. Their enduring appeal and symbolic power make them a favourite choice for storytellers and style icons alike. Pearls on screen are more than just jewellery—they are storytelling gems that continue to captivate and inspire.
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