Dresses in white or in powdery colours are a leit-motif, but what really captures the complexity of Daisy, the materialistic, superficial, selfish and charismatic Southern belle from the Great Gatsby, is her pearl jewellery. This has caught my imagination since I first read the novel and tells a lot about her.

The most notable pieces of jewellery made of pearls that she wears in the movie are two stunning hand ornaments, worn with a set of diamond rings and the exquisite Savoy headpiece, made of platinum and diamonds.

This is a very important scene, because it’s the first time Tom and Daisy take part into one of the famous parties thrown by Gatsby.

She’s literally dripping in diamonds (the real ones on her jewellery and the crystals on her nude pink dress). Gatsby shows off his wealth and Daisy seems to do the same; she’s a trophy wife, after all, but seems to feel comfortable in that role.



Everyone – Tom included – feels the sensual tension between the characters, who are attracted one another like opposite poles. All through the narration, Daisy embodies two contrasting elements – romantic love (or the memory of it and the effort to revive it) and the American dream, that is money and the unique charm that money can give.

It’s not a case that Nick describes her voice as “full of money”, perfectly shown by the complex set of jewellery she wears in this scene.


These bracelets, made of platinum, freshwater cultured pearls and round brilliant diamonds, are the result of the collaboration between Tiffany & Co. and Catherine Martin, costume designer and producer of the movie.

Diamonds design a daisy motif, thus echoing the name of the protagonist. What is special about these bracelets?

They’re certainly a precious show-off of Daisy’s social and economic status, but they’re also eccentric as their wearer, the careless eccentricity that only a large wealth can give. I can see an exotic vibe in them, too: they remind me of haath phools, the traditional web-like hand ornaments worn by Indian brides.



The other piece of jewellery made of pearls which appears in the film and in the novel is a 350,000 dollar pearl necklace, Tom’s wedding gift to Daisy.

This scene, presented with a flashback, is one of my favourites of the movie: one day before the wedding, Daisy receives a letter which shocks her; as a reaction, she throws away the precious gift and wants Jordan Baker (her bridesmaid) to give the pearls back to “whoever they belong to.”

Last but not least, pearls connect two apparently opposite characters of the story – Daisy and Myrtle Wilson, Tom’s mistress.

All in all, in the refined and hectic world of The Great Gatsby, pearls have the meaning that superstition gives them: they should never be worn by brides and never be given as a present because they are considered bad luck and bring tears, plenty of which Daisy and Myrtle have in common.

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