Marilyn Monroe’s Personal Beaded Necklace
From the personal wardrobe of Marilyn Monroe: A necklace composed of emerald toned beads arranged in a single long strand. The necklace measures thirty six inches in length and is finished with a gold toned clasp.
Marilyn’s Jewelry Collection
Despite her global fame, Marilyn owned remarkably little fine jewelry. She had a diamond wedding band from Joe DiMaggio and a strand of Mikimoto pearls presented by the Emperor of Japan. Beyond those few significant pieces, most of her jewelry was costume jewelry or bead necklaces. She chose pieces for how they looked and whether she could wear them, not for their monetary value or prestige.
This necklace exemplifies that approach. It is elegant, versatile, and personal. It shows how Marilyn accessorized in her everyday life rather than for ceremony.
The necklace was sold at the 1999 Christie’s auction of her personal property, one of the most significant celebrity memorabilia sales in history.
The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe
October 1999
Collector’s Note
This beaded necklace reveals Marilyn’s approach to jewelry. It was not extravagant. It was restrained and intentional. The emerald toned beads in a single elegant strand show her preference for pieces that enhanced her natural presence rather than overshadowed it.
What matters about this necklace is what it says about her private life. Despite her access to the world’s finest jewels, she owned very little fine jewelry. She favored costume pieces chosen for their beauty and wearability. This necklace was not selected for prestige, but for its versatility and personal appeal. It is far more representative of who she actually was than diamonds.
It was sold at the 1999 Christie’s auction and carries documented provenance. It survives as a quiet artifact offering insight into how Marilyn chose to present herself when she was not performing for the camera.
Scott Fortner
Marilyn Monroe Collection
Founder & Owner
@mariylnmonroecollection 
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