How Margot Robbie’s Necklace Is Connected To Indian Colonial History

Actress Margot Robbie recently wore a striking heart-shaped necklace to the premiere of her upcoming film 'Wuthering Heights'. The piece, called Taj Mahal diamond set by Cartier, was owned by Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor. But it stood out not because it was a deeply historical Indian piece of jewellery, which was passed down by different people at different times. 

The price of the stunning piece of jewellery is $8 million (approx ₹74 Crore), according to a report by the People.

Soon, the conversation moved beyond fashion pages and into discussions about history, craftsmanship, and who gets to wear what on global stages. 

The Indian History

What many people pointed out was the necklace’sIndianinfluence. Its design echoed traditional Indian jewellery styles intricate detailing, and a sense of heritage rather than trend.

Seeing something inspired by that tradition on an international red carpet reminded many of how Indian aesthetics continue to shape the global statement pieces.

According to Khaleej Times, the diamond bears the inscription 'Nur Jahan Begum-e-Padshah, 23, 1037', showing that it belonged to Nur Jahan, the wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jehangir. The number 23 represents how long Jehangir had ruled. The date, 1037, corresponds to the Islamic calendar and translates to 1627 AD. 

According to reports, their descendant Shah Jahan presented the jewellery to his wife, Mumtaz. This explains the name, Taj Mahal Diamond.

The nearly 400-year-old jewel was later taken from India when country was colonised by the British, along with other famed jewels, like the Kohinoor. 

It was acquired by Cartier and sold to Richard Burton, who gifted it to his wife, Elizabeth Taylor. The heart-shaped diamond was later auctioned after her death in 2011.

Margot Robbie, speaking at the Wuthering Heights premiere, said the necklace “felt like it had a lot of romantic history and felt appropriate for tonight."

Similar Case: Emma Chamberlain MET Gala necklace

This discussion naturally reminded many of Emma Chamberlain’s Met Gala appearance in 2022, when she wore a historic diamond necklace associated with the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.

That moment caused backlash.Critics questioned whether jewellery with colonial and royal history should be treated as a fashion accessory. The debate wasn’t really about Emma herself, but about responsibility, and historical weight.