The Dazzling History Of The Priceless Tiffany Diamond

Beyoncé? Flawless.

Her new bling? Priceless.

On Monday, the superstar practically broke the internet when she revealed her new campaign with Tiffany & Co., posing alongside husband Jay-Z while donning a dazzling diamond necklace. Of course, this is Beyoncé, so it's not just any diamond necklace - she's wearing the iconic Tiffany Diamond, officially becoming the fourth person, and first Black woman, ever to do so.

As for what's so special about this glamorous gem?

For starters, it's one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world. Originally weighing in at 287.42 carats, the stone was discovered in a South African mine way back in 1877, and acquired the next year by Charles Lewis Tiffany himself (for just $18,000, might we add). It was then brought to Paris where it was cut into a cushion shape, enhancing its rare, natural color. At over an inch wide, the jewel today weighs 128.54 carats and features what Tiffany's calls "an unprecedented" 82 facets.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Tiffany Diamond made the rounds at special exhibitions as well as the 1939–40 World’s Fair in New York City. However, it wasn't officially worn until 1957, when socialite Mrs. E. Sheldon Whitehouse donned it at the Tiffany Ball in Newport. 

The next woman to wear it was, of course, the actress who became synonymous with Tiffany's: Audrey Hepburn.

In 1961, Hepburn wore the stone set in Jean Schlumberger’s Ribbon Rosette necklace in promotional photos for (duh) the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. While she doesn't wear the diamond on-screen, it does make a brief appearance in a display case during one famous scene.

It wasn't until 2019 when it was worn again by none other than Lady Gaga to the 91st annual Academy Awards, where she was fittingly nominated for her role in A Star Is Born.

And now, behold, Beyoncé.

The new campaign, which coincides with an upcoming short film featuring the singer's rendition of "Moon River," is the first-ever to feature the legendary diamond.

Beyoncé Golightly certainly has a ring to it.

[Photos via @beyonce/Tiffany & Co.]