The Baz Luhrmann production of F. Scott-Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was everything they promised and more. It popped, it dazzled, it intoxicated. The modern rendition of this Great American Novel revived the Jazz Age with an enticing combination of Art Deco fashion and contemporary music scores.

All things considered, this cinematic masterpiece wouldn’t have been anywhere near as thrilling without the genuine jewelry provided by the one and only Tiffany & Co. The jewelry giant used genuine designs dating back to 1920s in producing unique pieces for the movie, which definitely got the attention of vintage Tiffany jewelry enthusiasts.

Let’s take a look at how this collaboration came about and what it produced.

Tiffany & Co. and the decadence of The Great Gatsby

For many connoisseurs of literature and jewelry, the collaboration between Tiffany & Co. and the producers of The Great Gatsby was the only logical one. For starters, Scott Fitzgerald was a Tiffany customer, leading to the conclusion that he would choose this jewelry brand to depict the lavishness and luxury of his fictional world.

More specifically, it’s natural to assume that a character like Tom Buchanan, an old-money husband of the leading female character Daisy Buchanan, would shop at Tiffany’s for his wife’s engagement ring. Not to mention shower her with other extravagant jewelry to cover up for the series of betrayals.

What’s more, Tiffany jewelry befitted a person of Daisy’s background, wealth and personality. It was lavish and decadent on the one hand, and subtle and sophisticated on the other.

However, it wasn’t only the female characters, like Daisy and her golf-club swinging friend Jordan Baker, who merited these valuable pieces. The leading character, Jay Gatsby, suitably portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, was a mysterious figure of magnificent wealth. Stunning jewelry and other accessories would have been an essential part of his outfit.

Combining modern designs with archive drawings

Since Tiffany & Co. was felt to bring the much-needed authenticity to the production, the designers got to work. They browsed through the wealth of original designs from the Art Deco period and managed to recreate them with all the pomposity and elegance. But they didn’t stop at that. There is a touch of modernity that pervaded the movie itself, so The Great Gatsby jewelry collection featured pieces with motifs created specifically for the movie, such as the daisy motif signet ring that Jay Gatsby wears.

Daisy Buchanan’s engagement ring

One of the most enchanting pieces was the cushion cut halo ring worn by Daisy Buchanan. This captivating ring features a cushion cut center diamond encircled with smaller diamonds. The whole length of the band is encrusted with small diamonds as well. The combination of the engagement ring and the matching wedding band only emphasizes the overall style.

The choice of the cushion cut diamond wasn’t an unusual one. This shape is a perfect mix of the classic and contemporary styles, and it’s therefore suitable for an Art Deco engagement ring. The wealth and social position of the lady wearing the ring was further emphasized by the continuous sparkle of the many small diamonds around the center stone and along the band.

Vintage Tiffany jewelry in San Diego

Tiffany & Co. has certainly produced some of the most extraordinary pieces of jewelry. During the many years of the brand’s existence, many pieces have become collectible. These are pieces of great value, both financially and emotionally. There are also a lot of vintage Tiffany pieces available at great prices, saving you a lot off the original retail price. When you buy them from a top-notch jewelry store like Leo Hamel’s, you can be assured that they are in like-new condition, and no one but you will know that you didn’t buy them new.

If you are shopping for exquisite and unique jewelry, vintage jewelry is always a great choice. Visit Leo Hamel’s in our luxurious San Diego Avenue store and browse through our collection of vintage Tiffany jewelry – you’re sure to find a piece that will match your unique taste and style.