As I step into the world of Hollywood’s Golden Age, I find myself enveloped in the allure of Mae West’s iconic diamond jewelry. Imagine my excitement when I was offered the rare opportunity to try on pieces once worn by this legendary figure.

Who Was Mae West?

For those unfamiliar with early film stars, Mary Jane “Mae” West was a multifaceted talent—a renowned actress, singer, and the original “blonde bombshell” of cinema. Though often typecast as a sex symbol, Mae’s impeccable delivery of double entendres and her unique, breathy voice propelled her beyond mere labels, leading to a remarkably successful seven-decade career in the industry.

Mae West and Cary Grant in SHE DONE HIM WRONG (1933)

Born to Bavarian immigrants in 1893 Brooklyn, Mae initially made waves on Broadway and Vaudeville stages, introducing a bold mix of sensuality and scandal with her signature dance move, “The Shimmy.” Not content with just performing, she also ventured into playwriting, albeit controversially, which eventually landed her in legal trouble on moral charges. In 1932, Mae signed with Paramount Pictures, swiftly becoming a powerhouse at the box office. Notably, she was pivotal in launching Cary Grant’s career when she handpicked him as her romantic lead in “She Done Him Wrong.”

Mae’s impact on cinema is enduring. The American Film Institute rightfully recognizes her as the 15th greatest female star of classic American cinema, a testament to her lasting influence on the silver screen.

Mae West’s Jewels

 “Goodness, what beautiful diamonds.” West replied, “Goodness had nothing to do with it, dearie.” – Night After Night 

By the mid-1930s, Mae West had become one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, all while nurturing a deep love for jewelry. Throughout her illustrious career, she curated an impressive collection spanning from the opulent Grand Victorian Age to the sleek lines of Art Deco.

When World War II erupted, Mae wasted no time rallying behind the war effort. Demonstrating her commitment, she parted with a significant portion of her cherished jewels, branding the initiative as “Jewels for Defense.” In a remarkable gesture, she even repurposed some of her pieces, extracting the largest diamonds for use as drill bits in factories. Rumor has it that the proceeds from these sales predominantly supported the British Royal Air Force, who, in a nod to her generosity, affectionately dubbed their life vests “Mae Wests.”

Mae displayed her famous jewelry collection before her donation.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Since their initial donation in the early 1940s, these remarkable pieces have traversed the market, passing from collectors to auction houses and even finding homes in celebrity private collections. In 2016, during my tenure at an antique jewelry store, an extraordinary shipment arrived one day, containing the three pieces depicted in the photograph above: the striking middle necklace, a monogrammed watch, and an exquisite Art Deco bracelet. Notably, the three sizable diamonds adorning the necklace had been part of Mae West’s original donation but were eventually replaced with glass replicas.

Assigned to showcase these historic treasures, I was thrust into the spotlight to model the items for an Instagram video. Donning my favorite Stop Staring Million Dollar Baby dress, I nonchalantly adorned myself with roughly $500,000 worth of diamonds. Initially apprehensive, I gradually felt the spirit of Mae West infusing into my being, prompting me to shed my inhibitions. Before long, I fully embraced the role, even channeling Mae’s iconic shimmy with a newfound confidence.

It was an unforgettable experience that I’ll always hold dear. As a devoted fan of classic Hollywood cinema, the opportunity to interact with an item steeped in such rich history was nothing short of exhilarating. However, as all good things must come to an end, the piece eventually made its way from our store to its next destination.

“I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.” – Mae West