I recently rewatched the 2012 film Anna Karenina — and the jewelry stopped me in my tracks all over again. I originally wrote about this when the film came out, and years later, every piece still holds up as a masterclass in fine jewelry design. Here's why.

Lights, Camera, Jewelry!

The minute Keira Knightley appeared on screen as Anna Karenina, I knew I was in for a treat. For the next two hours and ten minutes, I was transported into a world of imagination, decadence, drama — and yes, extraordinary jewelry.

If you love fine jewelry, this film is a must-see. The only thing more beautiful than the cast is the magnificent jewelry created for it. As I watched, I found myself analyzing every piece: Was it true period jewelry? New creations? My mind immediately went to Harry Winston, Graff, Mikimoto, and my personal favorite for pearls, Mastoloni.

The answer, as I later discovered through an interview with costume designer Jacqueline Durran in The Fashion Spot, was Chanel. And it was a revelation.

What Made the Anna Karenina Jewelry So Extraordinary?

The jewelry in Anna Karenina wasn't just costume — it was character. Each piece was chosen to reflect Anna's emotional state, her social position, and her transformation throughout the film. This is exactly how fine jewelry works in real life: the pieces you wear tell your story.

Here's what stood out most:

The Diamond Earrings and Rings
Geometric, architectural, and commanding — these pieces reflected Anna's power and presence in St. Petersburg society. The stacked ring combination in particular generated enormous interest from viewers.

The Chanel Diamond Necklace
A masterclass in how a single statement necklace can define an entire look. Clean lines, exceptional stones, unforgettable impact.

If the drama of a statement diamond necklace speaks to you, our Lab Grown Diamond Pear & Marquise Necklace — 5.07ctw E-F VVS-VS in 14K white gold — captures exactly that energy: bold, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable.

The Pearl and Diamond Earrings and Necklace
This combination is timeless for a reason. Pearls carry warmth and femininity; diamonds add brilliance and edge. Together they create a tension that's deeply elegant — and deeply wearable.

The Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace
Layered pearl strands with diamond accents — a look that feels simultaneously period-appropriate and completely modern. This is the kind of piece that becomes an heirloom.

The Diamond Cluster Earrings
Bold, brilliant, and unapologetically luxurious. Cluster settings maximize sparkle while creating a sense of movement that catches light beautifully.

Anna Karenina is set in 1870s Imperial Russia — the Victorian era (1837–1901). The Georgian era (1714–1837) predates it by several decades, but Georgian Revival jewelry, with its bold architectural forms and dramatic use of gemstones, was deeply influential on Victorian design. Our Vintage Georgian Revival Diamond Earrings — 3.0ctw E-F VS1-VVS2 in 14K yellow gold with black rhodium — channel the bold, architectural drama of 19th century Imperial jewelry: the same spirit that defines every piece in Anna Karenina.

What This Means for Your Own Jewelry

The jewelry in Anna Karenina resonates because it follows principles that have defined fine jewelry for centuries: exceptional stones, thoughtful design, and pieces that feel personal rather than generic.

At The Perfect Setting, Amy Certilman applies these same principles to every piece — whether it's a custom diamond ring, a pearl necklace, or a redesigned heirloom. The goal is always jewelry that tells your story, not someone else's.

If the stacked rings, pearl combinations, or diamond clusters from the film speak to you, these are all designs Amy can create or source for you — custom, semi-custom, or ready to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What jewelry did Keira Knightley wear in Anna Karenina (2012)?
The jewelry in the 2012 film Anna Karenina was provided by Chanel, as confirmed by costume designer Jacqueline Durran. Pieces included diamond rings, pearl and diamond necklaces, multi-strand pearl necklaces, diamond cluster earrings, and stacked diamond bands.

Who designed the costumes and jewelry for Anna Karenina?
Costume designer Jacqueline Durran, who won an Academy Award for her work on the film, collaborated with Chanel to select the jewelry worn by Keira Knightley as Anna.

Can I get jewelry similar to the Anna Karenina film pieces?
Yes — many of the design elements featured in the film, including stacked diamond bands, pearl and diamond combinations, and diamond cluster earrings, are styles Amy Certilman at The Perfect Setting can create as custom or semi-custom pieces. Contact us to discuss your vision.

Are pearl and diamond combinations still fashionable?
Absolutely. Pearl and diamond jewelry is one of the most enduring combinations in fine jewelry — it appears consistently in editorial fashion, red carpet looks, and bridal jewelry. The Anna Karenina pieces are a perfect example of why this pairing never goes out of style.

Explore our pearl jewelry collection and custom diamond pieces, or contact Amy to discuss creating your own timeless piece.