In Guillermo del Toro’s reimagining of Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece Frankenstein, Tiffany & Co. brings its nearly two-century legacy of exceptional craft and inventiveness to the new Netflix film. Striking archival creations, including storied Tiffany High Jewelry pieces, famed diamond necklaces and rare objects, paired with contemporary and newly imagined designs bring the story to life with authenticity and intrigue. Like Shelley’s tale, Tiffany & Co. jewelry represents bold experimentation, a love of nature and visionary creativity.
The film features 27 jewels and objects from Tiffany & Co., including necklaces, rings, earrings, brooches, sterling silver objects and a pocket watch. Of these items, ten are historical pieces from the Tiffany archives, six are vintage silverware, another six are contemporary creations, and five were designed specifically for del Toro’s film production. The film’s costume designer Kate Hawley “meticulously curated the jewels, ensuring that each piece worn in the film helped express each character’s inner world”. Nearly all of the Tiffany & Co. jewelry is worn by Mia Goth, who plays Elizabeth Lavenza.
Let's dive in to all the details of a few of the rare vintage masterworks featured!
THE WADE NECKLACE
The Wade necklace was created in 1900 by Tiffany & Co. designer Paulding Farnham and is adorned with 40.45 carats of European-cut natural diamonds set in 18k gold and platinum. Its intricate setting reveals an exhilarating expression of artistry, and is an exquisite complement to the character of Elizabeth Lavenza, played in the film by Mia Goth. Originally commissioned by financier and heir to the Western Union fortune Jeptha Homer Wade II for his wife Elizabeth Garretson Wade, this elaborate necklace is a perfect example of Tiffany Belle Epoque garland style jewelry with floral and swag motifs.
THE BEETLE NECKLACE
The Scarab necklace was designed by Tiffany designer, Meta Overbeck, in 1914. She was one of the few women jewelry makers working for a major company at the time. Featuring iridescent Favrile glass beetle motifs set in gold, this striking design captures the beauty of the natural world, blurring the line between art and jewelry. Louis Comfort Tiffany's personal collection of Egyptian jewelry containing necklaces made from dried Egyptian scarab beetles inspired Meta Overbeck when designing this collar.
(Photos via Tiffany & Co. and Netflix)