Big Screen Bling
February 28th 2008 19:33
Whether it’s the dazzling star of the show or giving a glittering supporting performance, one thing is for sure – bling has character all of its own.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: One of the most iconic film images ever would have to be of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly – the impish waif with the up-do, cigarette holder between gloved fingers, sparkling brilliantly with diamonds.
Titanic: The Heart of the Ocean diamond worn by Kate Winslet in the 1997 film was actually a 170 carat sapphire surrounded by 65 diamonds, which later sold for $2.2 million. The idea was based both on the cursed Hope Diamond, and on the Klinger and Selpin film Titanic, where a blue diamond was also central to a love affair aboard the doomed ship. Jeweller Harry Winston created his own version of The Heart of the Ocean, worth $20 million.
Lord of the Rings: The One Ring aka “My Precious”, is one powerful piece of jewellery, with an inscription to set mere mortals (and hobbits, and elves, etc) to quaking. Now, I’m not one for ditching bling, but this particular band of gold seemed more trouble than it was worth.
Girl with a Pearl Earring: The most simple, understated piece of jewellery vital not only to a great painting, but to a novel and film of seething sexual tension. An exquisite drop pearl suspended from the delicate, previously unpierced flesh of Griet’s (Scarlett Johansson) ear lobe.
Devdas: Who can match Bollywood for bling? This most recent film adaptation of the novel caused a stir with its ornamental bounty. The budget for the Indian film was an unprecedented $US 13 million – an untold amount of which was worn by Aishwarya Rai and co.
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days: Kate Hudson seriously ‘frosts herself’ in this romantic comedy, wearing an 84 carat Harry Winston diamond necklace, and a dress especially designed to show it off.
Blood Diamond: A polished film about rough diamonds, mined under inhumane conditions and transported and sold illegally to fund horrific insurgent activities. I learned a lot about the Western consumer’s impact on third world conflict, and also – diamonds really start off quite ugly.
The Devil Wears Prada: The costume budget for this film, set in the fashion industry, was only about $100, 000, but with Patricia Field at the helm, and the help of her many designer friends, the total value of costumes used was about ten times that amount. One necklace alone, designed by Fred Leighton and worn by Meryl Streep, was worth the entire primary budget. Chanel requested that they dress Anne Hathaway, and provided much of her jewellery.
Mr T: Since Rocky III, the once bling-strung bad man turned born-again Christian has starred in various films and shows as himself. Swathed in gold chains and trinkets, Mr T ensured he had a trademark image that couldn’t be missed. It is said that he has been known to wear up to $300, 000 worth of bling at any one time.
The Wizard of Oz: Nothing like a bit of shoe bling, and with these funky red numbers, Dorothy is set for whatever the yellow brick road throws at her.
Casino: Ginger just loves her jewels. Sharon Stone stars as coked out mob wife to Sam (Robert de Niro), in this Scorsese film which is all about finance and ‘the family’. Booze, boyfriends and baubles are about all Ginger cares for, as she worries about her diamonds more than her daughter.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age: Well, if you are going to be a queen, you would expect some right royal get-up – and Cate Blanchett gets it. It’s not all hair pulling and corset cinching, she also wears some mighty fine charms by Erickson Beamon of Belgravia.
Bring on the bling.
Michaelie Clark
Image courtesy of lovefromme.co.uk
Image courtesy of cherabella.com
Titanic: The Heart of the Ocean diamond worn by Kate Winslet in the 1997 film was actually a 170 carat sapphire surrounded by 65 diamonds, which later sold for $2.2 million. The idea was based both on the cursed Hope Diamond, and on the Klinger and Selpin film Titanic, where a blue diamond was also central to a love affair aboard the doomed ship. Jeweller Harry Winston created his own version of The Heart of the Ocean, worth $20 million.
Image courtesy of abcnews.com
Image courtesy of cinema.bg
Girl with a Pearl Earring: The most simple, understated piece of jewellery vital not only to a great painting, but to a novel and film of seething sexual tension. An exquisite drop pearl suspended from the delicate, previously unpierced flesh of Griet’s (Scarlett Johansson) ear lobe.
Image courtesy of maximstyles.com
Devdas: Who can match Bollywood for bling? This most recent film adaptation of the novel caused a stir with its ornamental bounty. The budget for the Indian film was an unprecedented $US 13 million – an untold amount of which was worn by Aishwarya Rai and co.
Image courtesy of cnn.com
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days: Kate Hudson seriously ‘frosts herself’ in this romantic comedy, wearing an 84 carat Harry Winston diamond necklace, and a dress especially designed to show it off.
Image courtesy of europe.org.uk
Blood Diamond: A polished film about rough diamonds, mined under inhumane conditions and transported and sold illegally to fund horrific insurgent activities. I learned a lot about the Western consumer’s impact on third world conflict, and also – diamonds really start off quite ugly.
Image courtesy of azcentral.com
The Devil Wears Prada: The costume budget for this film, set in the fashion industry, was only about $100, 000, but with Patricia Field at the helm, and the help of her many designer friends, the total value of costumes used was about ten times that amount. One necklace alone, designed by Fred Leighton and worn by Meryl Streep, was worth the entire primary budget. Chanel requested that they dress Anne Hathaway, and provided much of her jewellery.
Image courtesy of cardsquad.com
Mr T: Since Rocky III, the once bling-strung bad man turned born-again Christian has starred in various films and shows as himself. Swathed in gold chains and trinkets, Mr T ensured he had a trademark image that couldn’t be missed. It is said that he has been known to wear up to $300, 000 worth of bling at any one time.
Image courtesy of warnerbros.com
The Wizard of Oz: Nothing like a bit of shoe bling, and with these funky red numbers, Dorothy is set for whatever the yellow brick road throws at her.
Image courtesy of ferdyonfilms.com
Casino: Ginger just loves her jewels. Sharon Stone stars as coked out mob wife to Sam (Robert de Niro), in this Scorsese film which is all about finance and ‘the family’. Booze, boyfriends and baubles are about all Ginger cares for, as she worries about her diamonds more than her daughter.
Image courtesy of guardian.co.uk
Elizabeth: The Golden Age: Well, if you are going to be a queen, you would expect some right royal get-up – and Cate Blanchett gets it. It’s not all hair pulling and corset cinching, she also wears some mighty fine charms by Erickson Beamon of Belgravia.
Bring on the bling.
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by Ann 1
Bloganymity
It's hard to go past Audrey for beauty, but Elizabeth out-blinged her as Cleopatra.
Lovely post.
Ann.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
MS Paint Art
Supremely well done post, Michaelie, better than SEX, have the week off work, did we?
No, I know, just an all-nighter.
Comment by JoH
However, I must add Pretty Woman to the list. Although I detest the film, the bling is definitely worth a mention!
Oh, and I would definitely lose ANY guy in ten days if I got to wear Kate Hudon's bling for just one night!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Damn! Missed that one! Great addition - I should have known Liz would have to be in there somewhere! Especially after what she named her book...
Thank you
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
You are just about right on every count! Except I'm working like a madwoman this week.
Thanks for the compliment
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I actually thought of Pretty Woman, but then thought I had enough chick flicks in there for anyone to handle!
I LOVE that Harry Winston sparkler. I would definitely choose it over Matthew McConaughey!
Mich
Comment by Louie
Climate Forum
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
oops sorry, couldnt help myself, its FRIDAY
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I would never have thought of this. NEATO post!
Mis
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
What a brilliant idea for a post. Now I'm going to be looking films with this in mind. I always assumed the jewellery and costumes were fake and not worth much. Well, I was definitely wrong.
I can't believe this:
The Heart of the Ocean diamond worn by Kate Winslet in the 1997 film was actually a 170 carat sapphire surrounded by 65 diamonds, which later sold for $2.2 million.
Woweee!!!
Fantastic post,
Tracy
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Heart of the Ocean - I know! And would have loved to have had a look-see at the Harry Winston creation too...
I'm sure there is plenty of paste about on the movie sets. After all, where would we get the term 'costume jewellery'? Lol. Not that the fake stuff isn't fun - but am totally blown away when it's the real deal!
Thanks again
Mich
Comment by Aimzster
Health and Beauty
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
Entertaining post - good read! I'm not much of a bling bling person but if I had to choose out of all of these, I would choose the yellow 'frost me' diamond necklace worn by Kate Hudson. Love, love, love it. Also love the Heart of the Ocean, simply for the colour, but am totally distracted by the fact it's connected to Titanic (and also because Celine Dion wore it to the Oscars!)
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I would have to go with the yellow diamond too, though I love Audrey's trinkets. And I do have a hankering for some sparkly, time/space warping red shoes! Imagine all the time saved waiting for taxis if you could just click your heels together? Brilliant!
Mich
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Yep, they're hard to beat! Audrey looks like she's spent breakfast, lunch and dinner at Tiffany's!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I wish this post was worth it's weight in bling. Though, despite the ginormous diamonds, it's completely lightweight. Alas...
Thank you!
Michaelie
Comment by Krystal
feelings
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I take it Mr T won't be on your list of potential suitors.
Thank you.
Michaelie
Comment by Anonymous
I know you're talking about movies but what about some of the TV shows like Dallas and Dynasty? They had plenty of bling and it was week after week after weak?
Great post.
Pamela
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thank you!
Michaelie
Comment by Theresa
Today's World
Borderless World
Penny Smart
This post has some serious sparkle
I know it's just for fun, but I can't turn away...
Theresa
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Sparkle, yes - but nothing serious.
Thank ya!
Michaelie
Comment by Holly Go Lightly
Movie Mage
Signing off now.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thank you for the comment and compliment.
Michaelie