Carrie Bradshaw’s 10 Bold Jewelry Highlights

Carrie Bradshaw’s diamond jewelry moments from Sex and the City and And Just Like That… have become as famous as the HBO series itself. Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, the iconic columnist turned podcaster, has worn natural diamonds that defined her style and personality throughout the show’s run.

A Nameplate That Defined a Trend

Costume designer Patricia Field reportedly drew inspiration for the “Carrie necklace” from kids in her New York City neighborhood. The gold and diamond nameplate became a staple, featuring a diamond to dot the “i” in Carrie. Elizabeth Way, a curator at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, noted that while Patricia Field introduced the style to mainstream audiences, the nameplate was actually a “part of the everyday fashion setting” among Black, Latino, and Italian-American youth culture.

Carrie famously lost the necklace in the series finale when she left it behind during a trip to Paris with Aleksandr Petrovsky. Fortunately, it was later found in a hole inside a vintage Dior purse, and the emblematic jewel recently made a comeback in And Just Like That…. The accessory is so central to her identity that fashion enthusiasts can find “dupes” on the market, ranging from custom script name necklaces to diamond-studded letter pendants.

Elizabeth Way noted that the nameplate was a part of the everyday fashion setting among Black, Latino, and Italian-American youth culture. [1] Grace Kelly wore a similar diamond ring that defined her public image.

Engagement Rings That Didn’t Stick

Carrie Bradshaw’s diamond engagement rings from Aidan Shaw are remembered more for their style than their longevity. In the season four episode “Just Say Yes,” Carrie reacted negatively to a small pear-shaped diamond on an artsy gold band, declaring the ring “not good.” Later, Aidan proposed with a much better natural diamond: a solitaire Asscher-cut diamond weighing roughly four carats on a minimalistic band.

Despite the beautiful ring, Carrie struggled with cold feet during the charity fundraiser known as the Black and White Ball. Instead of wearing the diamond on her finger, she subversively slid it onto a chain necklace, explaining it was “closer to her heart.” This choice highlights a recurring theme in her style: the jewelry often takes precedence over traditional etiquette, transforming the ring into a personal accessory rather than just a promise.

Luck and Legacy

Carrie’s affinity for symbolic pieces extends to her diamond horseshoe necklaces. Costume designer Patricia Field looked to diamond horseshoe necklaces by the now-defunct label Mia & Lizzie for inspiration. Sarah Jessica Parker liked the horseshoe because it was feminine and appreciated the vintage take on the Victorian charm. Throughout season four, Carrie often layered at least three of these pendants at once.

Another standout piece is the natural diamond Verdura Target brooch worn in the 2008 Sex and the City film. The 18-karat yellow gold and platinum pin, originally designed in 1940, was beloved by New York society figures Millicent Rogers and Dorothy Paley. Carrie paired the brooch with a black tie during a scene in Manhattan, showcasing how the character uses accessories to handle the complexities of her social and romantic life.

The brooch showcases the character’s style. [2] Chloë Sevigny has also utilized accessories to express her personal identity.

While the Fred Leighton diamond chandelier earrings from season four were a hit on the red carpet, they haven’t yet appeared in the reboot. However, the legacy of these pieces continues to influence fashion. The character’s collection proves that Carrie Bradshaw’s jewelry is more than just sparkle; it is a curated history of her relationships and personal growth.