Margot Robbie captivated audiences with her breathtaking appearance at the premiere of Wuthering Heights, but it was her exquisite jewelry that stole the spotlight and sparked a significant controversy online. The Internet, particularly Indian netizens, became fixated on her iconic Taj Mahal diamond necklace, leading to a heated discussion about its historical roots and proper acknowledgment.
The Necklace's Glamorous Presentation and Omitted History
Margot Robbie revealed that the stunning necklace—a beetle-leaf-shaped golden pendant adorned with a table-cut diamond and rubies, suspended on a golden chain with Farsi inscriptions—was once owned by the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. She mentioned that Cartier generously loaned it to her for the prestigious event. However, while her statement held some truth, Margot inadvertently omitted a crucial piece of information: the necklace's deep and rich origins in India.
A Mughal Heirloom with Royal Provenance
Valued at an astonishing $8.8 million (approximately ₹74 crore), this iconic piece is far more than a mere accessory; it is a Mughal heirloom with a storied past. According to reports from The Juggernaut, the Taj Mahal necklace was originally a royal gift from Emperor Jehangir to his beloved wife, Empress Nur Jahan. It was later passed down through generations, eventually reaching their son, Shah Jahan, who presented it to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The world-renowned Taj Mahal monument stands as a timeless tribute to Mumtaz Mahal's memory, adding profound historical significance to this jewel.
The necklace itself bears an inscription that includes Nur Jahan's name, her esteemed title “Lady of the Padshah,” and the regnal year 23, which corresponds to around 1627–28 AD. The Juggernaut has clarified that online speculation claiming the Farsi inscription reads “Love is Everlasting” is inaccurate, though the exact meaning remains undisclosed.
Journey from India to Global Fame
This precious artifact eventually made its way from India to the United States, where it was purchased by Richard Burton as a lavish 40th birthday gift for Elizabeth Taylor. More recently, Cartier acquired the necklace at an auction for the staggering sum of $8.8 million, cementing its status as a coveted piece of history.
Indian Netizens Express Fury Over Historical Oversight
The lack of acknowledgment regarding the necklace's Indian heritage has ignited a firestorm of reactions from Indian social media users. Many expressed outrage over what they perceive as a deliberate omission, with some drawing parallels to other instances of cultural appropriation, such as Cartier not providing Maharaja Patiala's necklace to Diljit Dosanjh for his Met Gala debut.
One user passionately stated, “Give us our jewels back. Go make and display and museumify your own. Is all I have to say.” Another criticized the vague language used to describe the necklace's journey, remarking, “‘Found its way’ is the definition of euphemism.” A third user added, “Maybe actually specify how it was looted and not gloss it over with ‘it found its way’ as though jewellery has legs and a passport.”
Speculation about motives also arose, with one netizen questioning, “Why do I feel like they do it on purpose to get people talking about them and their Movie and go watch it?” Others called for broader restitution, with comments like, “Tell them to also give back the jewels they plucked off of palace walls.” A more reflective user highlighted, “I was just speaking about connecting the Mughal-Margot dots with this piece. Jewelry is history and referencing origin is so important with all of these cases of ‘amnesia’ going around.”
About Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi alongside Shazad Latif, Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Charlotte Mellington, and Owen Cooper, is co-produced by Margot's LuckyChap Entertainment—the same production company behind hits like Barbie and Saltburn. The cast immersed themselves in the atmospheric English Moors during filming, even playing Kate Bush's iconic song to capture the essence of Brontë's classic tale. The film is eagerly anticipated and scheduled for release in theatres on February 13.
