A diamond necklace worn by actress Nicole Kidman in the film Moulin Rouge is expected to sell for up to $1 million at auction in October.
While other cancan dancers in the movie were decked out in fake jewels, Nicole’s character wore the real thing. The necklace, thought to be the most valuable item of jewellery ever designed for a film, features a web of 1308 diamonds and a 2.5 carat Sri Lankan sapphire clasp.
Sydney jeweller Stefano Canturi used 100-year-old crafting techniques to create the necklace, which took more than four months to make. A spokesperson for Christie’s, which is auctioning the bejewelled neckpiece, says the sale is a “rare treat for the worlds of art, design and jewellery.”
The Satine necklace - named after Nicole’s character in the film - was commissioned by director Baz Lurhmann when he decided that a standout piece of period jewellery was needed for the stylish musical, set in the late 19th century Parisian night club scene.
Moulin Rouge opens in the UK in October.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
