Hollywood actor Margot Robbie found herself at the centre of an online controversy after appearing at the Los Angeles premiere of her upcoming film Wuthering Heights. While her gothic couture look drew admiration, it was her jewellery that ignited a heated debate on Indian social media. Robbie wore a heart-shaped ruby-and-diamond necklace, widely known as the historic ‘Taj Mahal’ necklace, estimated to be worth nearly $8 million.

margot robbie’s wearing elizabeth taylor’s cartier necklace, gifted by richard burton for her 40th birthday, in 1972 pic.twitter.com/OUow0NL9r4

— ✭ (@badestoutfit) January 29, 2026

What Margot Said — And What She Didn’t

Speaking about the jewellery, Robbie mentioned that the necklace once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor and described it as carrying “romantic history.” The actress said the necklace “felt like it had a lot of romantic history and felt appropriate for tonight”. However, Robbie left out an important part of the jewel’s history: It originally belonged to India.

However, many social media users criticised her for omitting a significant chapter of the jewel’s past, its origins in Mughal-era India. This omission quickly triggered accusations of historical erasure and cultural appropriation.

The Necklace’s Mughal-Era Origins

The ‘Taj Mahal’ necklace dates back to the 17th century and was originally gifted to Mughal Empress Nur Jahan by Emperor Jahangir. The pendant bears inscriptions including Nur Jahan’s name, her royal title, and a regnal year linked to Jahangir’s reign. The jewel was later passed on to Shah Jahan, who gifted it to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in whose memory the Taj Mahal was built.

Historians believe the necklace left India during Nadir Shah’s invasion of Delhi in 1739. Centuries later, it surfaced in the West and was purchased by actor Richard Burton as a birthday gift for Elizabeth Taylor.

What Is The Internet Saying?

“So when exactly did Elizabeth Taylor become ‘Noor Jahan’? Anyone who reads Urdu or Persian can see the inscription: ‘Nur Jahan Begum Padshah 1037 AH (Islamic year). This necklace was given by Jahangir, the 4th Mughal Emperor, to his wife Nur Jahan.”

Another added, “Elizabeth Taylor’s necklace?! Sweetie that was STOLEN from India, the inscription is literally in Urdu and says Noor Jahan.

From Auction House to Cartier

After Elizabeth Taylor’s death, the necklace went under the hammer in 2011 and was acquired by luxury brand Cartier for over $8 million. Since then, the piece has occasionally appeared at high-profile events, including Robbie’s recent red carpet appearance.

The Taj Mahal necklace traces its origins to 17th-century Mughal India. The heart-shaped, table-cut diamond bears a Parsi inscription reading “Love is Everlasting” along with the name of Empress Nur Jahan, to whom it was gifted by Emperor Jahangir. The jewel was later passed to Shah Jahan, who presented it to Mumtaz Mahal, giving the necklace its enduring legacy and name.

Indian Netizens Demand Accountability

Following Robbie’s comments, Indian users flooded social media with posts demanding recognition of the necklace’s Indian heritage. Many pointed out the Persian inscriptions on the jewel and criticised Western narratives that frame such artefacts as having “found their way” abroad. Several voices went further, calling for the historic piece to be returned to India.

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