This absolutely beautiful “Winged” diamond necklace has been seen in several films, each time altered slightly to give it a different look. It was first designed in 1938 by Paramount's on staff jeweler. Paramount was one of the only studios to have a jeweler on staff, while other studios tended to rent from outside vendors such as Joseff of Hollywood. Paramount was also interesting in the fact that it rented out its jewelry to other studios as well, and would continue to be until 2006 when their costume department closed and remaining pieces were put into the Paramount Production Archives.
In 1941 the necklace was seen on on actress Barbara Stanwyck as Jean in The Lady Eve. Several years later in 1950 it was seen on Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in the famous film Sunset Boulevard, where the “Crown” pendant seems to have been removed. In 1966 the necklace was seen a third time on Zsa Zsa Gabor as Jessica Shelley in the film Picture Mommy Dead. This time the entire center portion of the necklace seems to have been replaced, though the main wings still remain.
This necklace will be going up for auction at the end of September with Profiles in History. You can learn more here. |
