Margot Robbie's appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of "Wuthering Heights" on January 28, 2026, has ignited a social media firestorm. While Robbie donned a Schiaparelli couture gown, it was the opulent necklace adorning her neck that truly captured attention: the Taj Mahal Diamond necklace, valued at approximately Rs 73 crore ($8.8 million). The necklace, once part of Elizabeth Taylor's iconic jewelry collection, has a rich history connected to India's Mughal emperors.
The heart-shaped diamond, mounted in jade and suspended from a gold, ruby, and diamond chain, boasts a Persian inscription that reads "Love is Everlasting," along with the name of Nur Jahan. History suggests that Mughal Emperor Jahangir gifted the diamond to his wife, Nur Jahan. It was later passed down to their son, Shah Jahan, who then gifted it to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in whose memory he commissioned the Taj Mahal. The monument inspired the naming of the diamond.
Over the centuries, the diamond found its way to Cartier, who redesigned it, adding the gold and ruby chain. In 1972, Cartier president Michael Thomas presented the necklace to Elizabeth Taylor as a gift from Richard Burton for her 40th birthday. The jewel became one of the most iconic pieces in Hollywood history, symbolizing their tempestuous romance.
Robbie's decision to wear the necklace was intended as an homage to Old Hollywood and its epic love affairs. "It felt like it had a lot of romantic history and felt appropriate for tonight," she stated. Robbie and her stylist, Andrew Mukamal, reached out to the Elizabeth Taylor Estate, who were thrilled to offer the Taj Mahal Diamond for Robbie to wear to the premiere. Tim Mendelson, a Trustee of the Elizabeth Taylor Estate, said that “Elizabeth cherished the symbolism of jewelry, and no other piece in her legendary collection is more connected to epic, undeniable, and tempestuous love that transcends time and even death than the Taj Mahal Diamond".
However, Robbie's choice has been met with significant backlash online. Many social media users are criticizing the perceived insensitivity of a white actress wearing a jewel with such strong ties to Indian history and culture. Some have described the necklace as a "stolen neckpiece" and called for the repatriation of such artifacts. Others have pointed out Cartier's role in the acquisition of such jewels, labeling them as "thieves" and symbols of "colonialism and revisionism".
The controversy highlights the complex and sensitive issues surrounding the ownership and display of historical artifacts, particularly those with colonial provenance. The Taj Mahal Diamond necklace, with its intricate history and cultural significance, has become the focal point of a debate about cultural appropriation and the ethics of wearing historically significant jewels.
The necklace was sold as part of Taylor's estate in December 2011 for $8.8 million, setting a record for Indian jewellery at the time. However, the buyer later raised doubts about its authenticity, leading to legal disputes. Ultimately, the necklace remains with the Elizabeth Taylor Estate.
