In the Kenneth Branagh-directed version of Death on the Nile, released earlier this year, Gal Gadot stars as Linnet Ridgeway, a wealthy heiress who wears an extraordinary yellow diamond necklace. Keen-eyed viewers will be quick to spot that the jewel is, in fact, a replica of the infamous Tiffany Diamond, the 128-carat fancy yellow diamond which has been hailed as one of the world’s most famous gemstones.
Unearthed in South Africa in 1877, the Tiffany Diamond originally weighed over 287 carats, but after the stone was purchased by Charles Lewis Tiffany, the founder of Tiffany & Co., in 1878, it was shipped to Paris and cut into its current cushion shape – a process which took over a year.
Considered beyond priceless, the canary-coloured gemstone is now part of the Tiffany & Co. archive and is usually housed at its Fifth Avenue flagship in New York. It has only ever been worn in public four times since its discovery: by the socialite Mrs. Mary Whitehouse, who donned it for a charity gala in 1957; by Audrey Hepburn for a publicity photoshoot for Breakfast At TIffany’s; by Lady Gaga, who wore it to the 2019 Academy Awards, and by Beyoncé, who was photographed in it for a Tiffany & Co. advertising campaign last year.
Later this year, the diamond will form part of a new exhibition of Tiffany’s archive at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
Now, Gal Gadot has secured another starring role with the storied New York jeweller, as the actress has been announced as the face of Tiffany & Co.’s 2022 Blue Book campaign, entitled Botanica.
“I am incredibly honored to be a part of the new Blue Book high jewelry campaign and feel very fortunate to be able to represent the brand’s most esteemed jewelry collection during this exciting and transformative time,” said Gadot of her appointment.
The first Blue Book collection appeared in 1845 – a pocket-sized catalogue with blue covers that was sent to clientele, proffering the house’s latest design innovations. 177 years later, it represents the pinnacle of Tiffany & Co.’s couture craftsmanship, showcasing its annual high jewellery collection.
Many of this year’s Blue Book jewels, including a Bird on a Rock brooch and Fleurage bracelet, pay homage to the trailblazing designer Jean Schlumberger, who was hired by Tiffany & Co. in 1956. Recognised as one of the 20th century’s greatest artists, Schlumberger’s fantastical, sculptural jewels – always inspired by the natural world – were collected and worn by leading ladies including Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Wallis Simpson and Audrey Hepburn.
“Gal Gadot is more than a House ambassador. She epitomizes the effortless glamour, sheer sophistication and sense of modernity that Blue Book represents,” said Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President, Product and Communication, Tiffany & Co. “We are thrilled that she is the face of the new Botanica campaign.”
Like this? Read about the new Tiffany & Co. exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery
