Marilyn Monroe's Personal Jewelry Collection Is Actually Pretty Surprising
Though Marilyn Monroe has long been associated with glittering gemstones and a glamorous facade, she owned very few pieces of fine jewelry.
Born Norma Jeane Mortensen (she later also used her mother's maiden name, Baker) in Los Angeles in 1926, Marilyn Monroe is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable and mysterious stars of the 20th century. Her status as a sex symbol, her love affairs and multiple marriages, and her untimely death at 36 years old, all continue to fascinate and intrigue, even today.
She rose from being a photographer's model to become one of the most famous actresses of her time, and despite her successful career and fame, she had a surprisingly small collection of personal jewelry. Her three husbands gifted her only a few pieces between them, and she didn't purchase many notable pieces for herself. Even though she was associated with dazzling jewelry and embodied a sparkling exterior, most of what she wore was costume jewelry—rhinestones were said to be her favorite material. True to the idea that she was a more simple person than her 'Marilyn persona' portrayed, the starlet had a few treasured pieces that she wore throughout her life.
Here, Marilyn Monroe's jewelry collection—including some surprising (and iconic) pieces.
Rachael Burrow is the Style Director at VERANDA, covering the latest design and market trends, from jewelry to fashion, tabletop to furnishings, and everything in between.
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