Margot Robbie Stuns In Elizabeth Taylor's Rs 74 Crore Taj Mahal Diamond Necklace, All About Its India Connect

Hollywood sensation Margot Robbie recently captivated audiences and critics alike as she graced the red carpet for the highly anticipated premiere of her latest film, Wuthering Heights, in which she stars alongside Jacob Elordi. The event, held at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday, January 28, was a dazzling affair, but it was Robbie's sartorial choice and a particular piece of jewelry that truly commanded global attention.

Stepping out in a breathtaking Schiaparelli couture gown, Robbie embodied an ethereal elegance that underscored her status as a modern style icon. The meticulously crafted ensemble, known for its dramatic flair and exquisite detailing, perfectly framed her silhouette, setting the stage for what would become the evening's most talked-about accessory.

The true showstopper of the night was undoubtedly Margot Robbie's extraordinary necklace. Far from a mere fashion statement, this unique piece carried a rich tapestry of history, romance, and unparalleled value, linking Robbie to one of Hollywood's most legendary figures.

A Glimpse into the Necklace's Storied Past

Embracing a timeless vintage charm, the 35-year-old actress donned none other than Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor's historic heart-shaped Taj Mahal diamond necklace. This magnificent gem, set within a luxurious gold and ruby Cartier chain, is an artifact steeped in lore. Valued at an astonishing $8 million (approximately 74 Crore), its provenance traces back centuries, making it a priceless treasure.

Robbie's thoughtful selection was a poignant tribute to the golden age of Hollywood, celebrated for its epic romances and grand gestures. The necklace was originally a gift to Elizabeth Taylor from her fifth husband, the revered actor Richard Burton, 54 years ago on her 40th birthday. Their tumultuous yet passionate love story, born on the sets of the 1962 film Cleopatra in Rome while both were married to others, became the stuff of legend, frequently dominating headlines worldwide.

Speaking on the red carpet, Robbie articulated her choice, stating the necklace “felt like it had a lot of romantic history and felt appropriate for tonight.” Her words underscored the deep narrative resonance between the jewel and the themes of timeless love and fervent passion explored in Wuthering Heights.

The Royal Origins of the Diamond

The heart-shaped, table-cut diamond is more than just beautiful; it bears a Parsi inscription reading “Love is Everlasting,” with the name of Nur Jahan, a powerful Mughal empress, also etched into its surface. It is widely believed that this precious gem was originally bestowed by Nur Jahan's husband, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahangir, and subsequently passed down to their son, Shah Jahan. Jewellery experts and historians assert that Shah Jahan later presented this magnificent piece to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the empress for whom the iconic Taj Mahal was built. Due to its profound connection with the Mughal dynasty and its association with one of history's greatest love monuments, the necklace is famously known as the Taj Mahal Diamond.

Cartier's Masterful Craftsmanship and a Fabled Presentation

The journey of the Taj Mahal Diamond continued into the modern era when, in 1971, the esteemed French luxury brand Cartier acquired it. The original setting featured the diamond accented with red gemstones and smaller table-cut diamonds, mounted in jade and suspended from a traditional Indian silk cord. Recognizing its immense historical and aesthetic value, Cartier's renowned in-house designer, Alfred Durante, envisioned and created a new, complementary setting. He fashioned an exquisite woven gold and ruby necklace that elegantly mirrored the shape and intricate detailing of the original silk cord. This intricate chain is punctuated with delicate rondelles, featuring a clever slide mechanism that allows for adjustable length, while opulent tassels at the back add an extra dose of grandeur and versatility to the piece.

The tale of its acquisition by Taylor is as romantic as its origins. In 1972, Cartier president Michael Thomas personally presented the necklace to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor during a layover at Kennedy Airport's International Hotel. The jet-setting couple was taking a brief pause from their demanding schedules, and Burton had requested to view gift ideas for either Valentine's Day or Taylor's upcoming 40th birthday on February 27. Thomas later recounted Taylor's immediate and effusive reaction, exclaiming, "I love this—tell me more about it!"

Despite her evident enthusiasm, Burton, ever the romantic, held off on the immediate purchase. Instead, he surprised her with the magnificent necklace as the crowning jewel of her lavish 40th birthday celebration during a memorable weekend in Budapest, where he was filming Bluebeard. Event photographs from that joyous occasion captured guests eagerly examining the sparkling diamond as Taylor proudly lifted it for all to admire.

Tonight, Margot Robbie echoed that iconic vibe, wearing the historic piece as a choker with the signature tassel gracefully draping down her back, fielding questions from adoring admirers. Her choice not only honored the necklace’s illustrious past but also wove fresh connections into its legendary romantic narrative, profoundly enriching its place in the annals of jewelry lore. As anticipation builds, Wuthering Heights is set to release in theatres on February 13, promising a cinematic experience as compelling as the stories behind the jewels on its star's neck.