At the world premiere of her much-anticipated adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights', actress Margot Robbie captivated onlookers by wearing Elizabeth Taylor's historic Cartier Taj Mahal necklace. This magnificent diamond piece, a testament to enduring affection, was a 40th birthday gift to Taylor from her then-husband, Richard Burton, in 1972, during a trip to Budapest.
Robbie revealed that she chose the necklace to draw a parallel between the passionate and often turbulent relationship of Burton and Taylor and the intense dynamic of Cathy and Heathcliff, the central characters in 'Wuthering Heights'. She described the experience of wearing the necklace as extraordinary, recalling her stylist's comment that it was the real-life equivalent of the 'Heart of the Ocean' from 'Titanic'. The necklace's rich history is as captivating as its sparkle, bearing an inscription in Parsee meaning 'Love is Everlasting'. It was originally a gift from Mughal Emperor Shah Jahangir to his wife Nur Jahan, later passed to their son, Shah Jahan, who then gifted it to his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, inspiring the creation of the iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum. This deep-rooted symbolism positions the necklace as one of the most significant pieces in Elizabeth Taylor's illustrious jewelry collection.
Robbie's ensemble was further enhanced by exquisite 38-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond earrings, fashioned from vintage stones set in blackened bronze and gold, a Fred Leighton ring, and a custom-designed, form-fitting Schiaparelli gown. Emerald Fennell, the director of the new 'Wuthering Heights', clarified that her film is not a literal adaptation of Emily Brontë's gothic novel but rather her personal interpretation, aiming to evoke the same emotional depth the book inspired in her. The movie, which reimagines the tragic romance of Catherine and Heathcliff against the backdrop of the wild West Yorkshire moors, is set to be released on Valentine's Day, February 14th.
The convergence of cinematic artistry, legendary jewelry, and a timeless narrative creates a moment that celebrates enduring love stories and the power of artistic interpretation. Such events remind us of the profound connections between past and present, inspiring awe and contemplation about the narratives that shape our cultural landscape. Embracing both tradition and innovation enriches our understanding and appreciation of human emotion and creativity.
