The Outrageous History Behind the Taj Mahal Necklace

When Margot Robbie sashayed down the red carpet for the premiere of Wuthering Heights — which has already drawn heat for failing to acknowledge Heathcliff’s “gipsy” and “lascar” heritage — all eyes were on one thing: a massive heart-shaped diamond pendant the actor paired with a strapless gown. “This is Elizabeth Taylor’s necklace!” Robbie exclaimed. We’re here to tell you that’s not entirely true. 

Indeed, the centuries-old pendant literally has Mughal Empress Nur Jahan’s name on it. Later, Cartier modified the pendant and the Elizabeth Taylor estate claimed it somehow “found its way” to actor Richard Burton, who gifted it to his wife. After The Juggernaut revealed the necklace’s contested backstory, thousands took to the comments to criticize Cartier, Robbie, and the Taylor estate. But the heritage jewelry’s murky chain of acquisition, which we confirmed with experts and historians, is even more outrageous than you think.