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One of the most fascinating jewels in jewellery history is the Cartier Toussaint Necklace, famed for its breathtaking centrepiece: the 136.25-carat Queen of Holland diamond. Originally created in 1931 by Cartier for Maharaja Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja of Nawanagar, this piece is remembered as a pinnacle of luxury design and gem-setting artistry.
The Maharaja, known both for his cricketing legacy and regal tastes, commissioned Jacques Cartier to craft a necklace that reflected his stature and flair. The result was a cascading opulence of coloured diamonds, with the spectacular blue-white Queen of Holland stone at its heart — then one of the largest diamonds in the world.
From Royalty to Hollywood Fame
While the original Toussaint necklace no longer exists in its initial form — as it was dismantled in the mid-20th century — its legacy found new life in popular culture. Cartier’s archives provided the design blueprints for a replica created for the 2018 film Ocean’s 8, where a stylised version of the jewel became the focal point of a glamorous Met Gala heist sequence.
For Ocean’s 8, the high jewellery house recreated the piece with zirconium oxide and white gold instead of natural diamonds, scaling it down to fit Anne Hathaway’s character for the film. The cinematic necklace helped bridge the gap between historical jewellery lore and modern entertainment.
The Queen of Holland Diamond: A Rare Gem
The striking centre stone — the Queen of Holland diamond — was named after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands but originally surfaced on the European gem market in the early 20th century. Its slightly bluish hue and flawless clarity captured global attention.
After the dismantling of the original necklace, the diamond was sold and later re-cut slightly, now weighing around 135.92 carats, and has passed through several private collections over the decades.
Modern Renaissance: Necklace Echoes at the Met Gala
The all-time allure of the Toussaint necklace reached new heights in 2025 when Isha Ambani — daughter of Indian business magnate Nita Ambani — appeared at the Met Gala wearing a spectacular diamond necklace that evoked the historic Cartier creation. Observers noted striking parallels between Ambani’s piece and the famed Toussaint design that inspired the Ocean’s 8 prop.
While Ambani’s necklace is a distinct creation, the resonance with Cartier’s legendary design underscored how jewellery with roots in royal India continues to influence global fashion narratives today — connecting past grandeur with contemporary red-carpet glamour.
A Legacy More Than a Necklace
The story of the Toussaint necklace — from an Indian maharaja’s vision to a Hollywood plot device and modern fashion milestone — highlights how extraordinary jewels can become enduring symbols of art, power, and cultural exchange. Its combination of craftsmanship, history, and cinematic mythology has ensured this creation remains one of the most captivating stories in the world of high jewellery.
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