‘Marie Antoinette’ at 20: Why Coppola’s Film Is Fueling a Jewelry Revival

By Karen Dybis | September 30, 2026

Marie Antoinette, her life’s story, and her jewelry are trending again thanks to a new exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sofia Coppola’s film about the infamously fabulous French queen.

The Château de Versailles on September 22 debuted its exhibition at the Petit Trianon honoring Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette, which was filmed mostly at the famous castle. The exhibition, which runs through January 24, 2027, explores the movie’s aesthetic and its cultural impact.

The movie will return to theaters in late October for its anniversary. Add in a new documentary, Making Marie Antoinette, set for streaming services in November as well as a new book of the same title, and you can see why Google says searches for Marie Antoinette movie are up 125%.

Pearl stud earrings are also seeing a 9.6% rise in Google searches, while searches for pearl jewelry for weddings are up 13.2%, suggesting the classic stone is finding its way back onto jewelry wish lists, according to jewelry brand Abbott Lyon.

Abbott Lyon pearl earrings — *Abbott Lyon organic pearl drop huggie earrings ($78) in 14k gold-plated stainless steel (Photo courtesy of Abbott Lyon)*

Jewelry designer Cassandra Mamone says Marie Antoinette’s style endures because it represents the ultimate intersection of luxury, femininity, and a sense of unapologetic indulgence.

“She was the original influencer,” Mamone tells JCK. “Even centuries later, her aesthetic—soft pastels, bows, and an abundance of pearls and diamonds—remains shorthand for opulence. It’s a romantic, fantasy-driven version of luxury that people are still drawn to.”

The queen’s style of jewelry both in real life as well as in the Coppola movie—the director chose to use antique jewelry rather than costume in the film—also is coming back because people are ready for more lush accessories, Mamone says.

“We’ve gone through a period of recession dressing where everything started to look the same,” Mamone says. “Jewelry is one way to really curate your individual style. With the introduction of lab diamonds, we’ve also seen a lot of same/same designs as well as whisper-thin bands and large stones. There is an individuality with Marie Antoinette’s style.”

Jewelry then and now still holds the same power that Antoinette employed, Mamone adds.

“It was a language she used to communicate status and identity. In her time, jewelry wasn’t just decorative; it was a display of power,” Mamone says. “Her legacy solidified the idea that high jewelry is an essential accessory to a curated life, and that connection between royalty, status, and precious gems remains the foundation of how we view fine jewelry today.”

Here are some jewelry pieces that Marie Antoinette, if she were alive today, may have added to her accessories wardrobe.

emerald necklace — *MiaDonna emerald lab-grown diamond halo drop half tennis necklace ($19,700) with 19.75 ct. t.w. in lab-grown diamonds set in 14k gold.*

Katkim Baroque Pearl Ring — *Katkim Pearl Oasis Pavé Ring (price upon request) with a keshi pearl and diamond in 18k white gold.*

Back Vault pink ring — *David Webb via The Back Vault bombe cocktail ring ($58,500) with 15 ct. t.w. baguette-cut diamonds and a ruby set in platinum and 18k white gold.*

Isabel Pink Tourmaline Ring — *Isabel pink tourmaline ring ($22,000) with a 4.20 ct. hexagonal-cut pink tourmaline, 1.55 ct. t.w. in round brilliant-cut diamonds in 14k gold.*

Van den Abeele TORNADO — *Van den Abeele pink tornado necklace ($2,400) with links of pearls in pink zircon with diamonds and a central sky blue topaz.*

Bague Heart_MARIE LICHTENBERG — *Marie Lichtenberg Love ring ($27,860) set with 42 white diamonds and 20 rubies in 18k yellow gold.*

Top: Anita Ko diamond oyster and pearl necklace ($9,600) with 1.37 ct. t.w. in diamonds and a 5.25mm pearl in 18k gold. (Photo courtesy of Anita Ko)