IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First StoreIt is located in Marin County, California.
EditorsNov 17, 2006
It had to be Liz
When the edit team at National Jeweler was trying to select a style icon for the cover of our 100th anniversary issue we knew that just another pretty face wouldn’t do. There were, it seemed, almost too many recognizable faces...
When the edit team at National Jeweler was trying to select a style icon for the cover of our 100th anniversary issue we knew that just another pretty face wouldn’t do.
There were, it seemed, almost too many recognizable faces who were stylish for their time, loved jewelry and still seemed hip today. How could it not be Audrey Hepburn, unforgettable in her pearls and black gown as she stared longingly into a Fifth Avenue window in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? And what about Marilyn Monroe and her sultry send up to gems in "Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend?"
In the end, we set up an online poll and asked our readers what they thought. Liz Taylor was the favorite by a landslide.
Maybe it's not surprising that jewelers have a soft spot for Dame Elizabeth Taylor, given her well-known devotion to collecting jewels. An award-winning actress—famously married seven times— she mentions the men but truly exalts their jewelry gifts in her 2002 autobiography My Love Affair with Jewelry.
I personally love her recollection of receiving the stunning 33.19-carat Krupp diamond from ex-hubby Richard Burton: "When it came up for auction in the late 1960s, I thought how perfect it would be if a nice Jewish girl like me were to own it," she writes.
What’s even more perfect is that this "nice Jewish girl" is now not only the owner of the largest private jewelry collection in the world but a jewelry designer and principal shareholder for House of Taylor. But her star status over the years has, of course, stretched far beyond Hollywood, her Academy Awards, her business ventures and her jewelry collection, to her role as crusader for AIDS fund-raising and research since the 1980s. She is, quite simply, a legend in an era where it seems like there’s a shortage of new ones emerging.
Which modern actress could step into Liz’s high heels and serve as a style icon for the ages? Would it be fashion magazine regulars like Keira Knightley or Sienna Miller? I’d say no. Sure they have style and talent, but even more seasoned, well-dressed actresses such as Nicole Kidman and Gwyneth Paltrow lack the gravitas that Taylor has held for so many years, and I’m not so sure that age has anything to do with it.
Maybe the celebrity stylists in their efforts to make today’s stars stand
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
out have done just the opposite, sending these ladies out onto red carpets in outfits that their own moms or best friends would have advised against. Or, perhaps in a fast-paced era with an inconceivable number of choices, it’s harder for even the stars to pick one signature, recognizable style to call their own.
Whatever it is, it’s clear that Liz has held court well above the crowd for decades now and we’re glad you made her your (and our) choice.
More on Editors
The Latest
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRFGifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
