Throughout history, jewelry has been much more than a simple adornment: it has reflected power, status and aesthetic sensibility, becoming a tangible testimony of the evolution of societies. Each gem, each design, encloses centuries of tradition, technique and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on culture and art. For those who wish to delve into this fascinating universe, at Setdart we have carefully selected films, series, documentaries and books that celebrate the history, craftsmanship and magic of jewelry.
Films
Jewelry not only adorns: it tells stories, reveals desires and moves plots. This selection invites you to travel through films where jewelry is not an accessory, but a central character.
Great cinema classics
Hollywood glamour has always been accompanied by stories that dazzle almost as much as its jewels. These films combine intrigue, romance and humor, and each gem serves as a reflection of the era and the character of its protagonists.
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell embark on a journey filled with music, romance and entanglements as they seek fortune and adventure. Diamonds and glitter not only accompany their wit and charisma, but reflect the aspirations and fun of an era that celebrated glamour with humor and mischief.
- To Catch a Thief – In this Hitchcock gem, gemstones are almost characters: they drive mystery, define relationships and materialize secret desires. Every diamond has a secret… and a pending crime.
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Audrey Hepburn is Holly Golightly, a charming young woman who navigates between parties, romance and dreams of wealth in New York. The iconic coffee scene in front of Tiffany & Co. is not only iconic in cinema, but also turned some of the jewelry featured in the film into true cult objects, famous all over the world.
The visual and aesthetic enjoyment of the elegance of jewelry
From art deco to baroque, these films explore how jewelry transforms characters, era and style, making each piece a silent protagonist.
- The Great Gatsby – A visual spectacle where necklaces, headdresses and bracelets sparkle with the opulence of the 1920’s. Each piece is a micro-story of wealth, desire and excess.
- Marie Antoinette – Sofia Coppola transports us to the French court of the 18th century with a modern look: Kirsten Dunst as the queen moves among dazzling luxuries, fashion and historical jewels, while facing the pressure of politics, protocols and the whims of the aristocracy.
- House of Gucci – Based on true events, the film follows the Gucci family amidst ambition, betrayal and murder in the world of Italian fashion. More than ornaments, jewels are symbols of influence and strategy: necklaces and rings mark alliances, ambitions and family secrets.
Glitter and mystery
When jewelry ceases to be mere ornaments, risk and obsession take center stage. These films combine suspense, crime and drama.
- Uncut Gems – Adam Sandler plays a New York jeweler caught between debt, dangerous gambling and a dangerous obsession: a rare Ethiopian opal.
- Ocean’s 8 – A group of daring women plan the heist of the century at the Met Gala. Amidst couture gowns and dazzling jewelry, the story combines wit, humor and sophistication.
- The Affair of the Necklace – Based on true events in 18th century France, this film shows how an extraordinary necklace unleashes deceit, intrigue and chaos at court.
Series
Luxury jewelry and accessories shine not only in film, but also on television. In these series, diamonds, necklaces and crowns not only complement the costumes, but also help tell stories of power, ambition and style.
- Halston – Biographical miniseries about the iconic designer Roy Halston. Beyond fashion, luxury accessories and jewelry reflect the glamour of the 70’s, becoming protagonists that immerse us in the sophistication of high fashion and design culture.
- The Crown – The life of Elizabeth II and the British royal family is told with exquisite attention to historical detail. The royal crowns and jewels are not mere ornaments: they are symbols of power, tradition and the burden of royalty that inspires every scene.
- The Gilded Age – Set in late 19th century American high society, the series uses necklaces and jewelry to narrate wealth, ambition and social hierarchies, showing how luxury is intertwined with politics and personal aspirations.
- Rough Diamonds – A contemporary look at jewelry as a symbol of courage, heritage and aspiration. Each gem reflects personal stories of ambition, love and family legacy.
- Bridgerton – In this romantic period drama, jewels highlight the status and passions of the characters, illuminating the social intrigues and ambitions that bring London high society to life.
Documentaries
For lovers of luxury and fine jewelry, these documentaries offer a behind-the-scenes journey, showcasing the creativity, talent and passion that give life to the world’s most iconic pieces.
- Bvlgari: Inside the Dream (2022) – This documentary takes us into the heart of the historic Roman maison. From sketches to the creation of its fine jewelry pieces, it reveals the art, technique and vision that have made Bvlgari a symbol of global luxury and elegance.
- Masters of Dreams (2013/2018) – A fascinating journey through the work of 13 of the world’s most legendary jewelers, including Bulgari, Buccellati, Damiani, Boucheron, Chaumet, Chopard and Graff Diamonds. Each episode offers an intimate look at the creative process, heritage and passion that transform dreams into exceptional gems.
- Dior and I – This documentary opens the doors to Dior’s haute couture atelier, showing how creativity and technique combine to design not only costumes, but also the accessories and jewelry that complete each collection. A fascinating look at luxury as an art form.
- Cartier: The Art of Jewelry – An immersion into the history and design of Cartier, one of the world’s most prestigious jewelry houses. From sketches to iconic pieces, the documentary reveals how each piece of jewelry reflects innovation, style and legacy, becoming a true symbol of timeless elegance.
- Crazy About Tiffany’s (Tiffany & Co.): A documentary that explores the history, design and cultural impact of the famous American jeweler, from the creation of the “Tiffany Setting” engagement ring to handcrafted production.
Recommended reading
For lovers of jewelry, luxury and design, our selection of books combines history, mystery and aesthetics, taking the reader on a journey through iconic gems, legendary jewelry houses and stories that intertwine desire, power and beauty. This carefully curated selection invites you to look at each piece of jewelry as a testament to history, art and passion.
- The Duchess and the Jeweller – A short story by Virginia Woolf that examines greed, status and the symbolic value of pearls. An elegant story that reveals how jewelry reflects human aspirations and relationships.
- Stoned – Written by Aja Raden, this essay traces human history through eight gems that changed the course of the world. More than gemstones, Stoned shows how desire and ambition have shaped our relationship with the most precious objects, with humor, historical rigor, and cultural insight.
- Jewelry Guide: The Ultimate Compendium – A must-have table book for collectors and hobbyists, bringing together references, photographs and technical details on historical and contemporary jewelry, combining aesthetics and expert knowledge in one visually stunning volume.
- If Jewels Could Talk: Seven Secret Histories – Carol Woolton tells the story of seven pieces of jewelry, each with a fascinating tale that crosses cultures and eras. An invitation to discover how jewelry becomes a silent witness to history, intrigue and power.
- Jewels of the Renaissance – A journey through the most iconic pieces of the Renaissance, showing how jewelry reflected not only wealth, but also art, politics and style in an era where luxury was a universal language.
Discover Setdart Jewelry auctions
At Setdart we hold specific jewelry auctions every month. We select fine jewelry pieces from maisons such as Cartier, Hermès, Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels, Puig Doria or Masriera, renowned for their jewelry quality and craftsmanship. You can also find antique Art Deco and Belle Époque jewelry, as well as a wide selection of precious jewelry with diamonds and multiple gemstones. We invite you to explore the catalog and discover (literally) cinematic jewelry.
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