Katharine

Katharine Houghton Hepburn

Born in 1907, Katharine Houghton Hepburn was one of the most influential American actresses of her time. She owed her nickname First Lady of American Cinema to her remarkable talent and record number of Oscars. Hepburn had a distinctive style during this period, both with clothing and jewellery.

The life of Katharine Hepburn

Katharine was born in Hartford, Connecticut. She was the second child (of six) of her father Thomas Hepburn and her mother Katharine Houghton, her father was very successful and a socially active woman. This background gave Katharine a solid foundation and a sense of self-worth that would serve her later in life. She also developed a passion for acting at an early age. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in history and philosophy, but her true calling lay in the world of art. She began her acting career on Broadway, where she quickly stood out for her remarkable talent and charisma. Her perseverance and talent led to Hollywood, where she continued her career.

In 1932, Katharine made her film debut in "A Bill of Divorcement" and from then on things only got better for her. In Hollywood, Katharine soon broke through with her striking performances and distinguished herself from other actresses, in fact, she refused to play conventional roles. She was very good at bringing complex characters to life. She had a powerful and independent attitude and she made sure she was a role model for many women around the world. Her early career was marked by a series of critically acclaimed performances in films such as "Morning Glory," for which she won her first Academy Award for best actress. She continued to excel in a variety of roles, from comedies to dramas, earning a reputation as ee of the most versatile actresses of her time.

Katharine Hepburn died on June 29, 2003 at the age of 96, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of film lovers around the world. Her determination, independence and boundless talent have made her a lasting inspiration for generations to come.

Love life and romance

In addition to Katharine's career, she also had a very chaotic love life. Her relationships were marked by passion, devotion and sometimes challenges, and played a central role in her life. Her most famous relationship was with Spencer Tracy, he was one of the greatest actors of his time. Their romance began on the set of "Women of the Year" in 1941 and would last more than 25 years, until Tracy's death in 1967. Their love was deep and intense, but was also marked by the complexities of Tracy's personal life including his marriage and drinking problems.

In addition to Tracy, Katharine had relationships with other prominent men, including Howard Hughes, the legendary billionaire and filmmaker, and John Ford, the renowned director. These relationships were brief and less prominent than her romance with Tracy, but they do illustrate the complexity of Katharine's personal life and her attraction to some of the most influential men of her time.

Katharine's love life was marked by her own independence and determination. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and was not afraid to stand up for her feelings and beliefs, even if it meant going against the conventions of her time. Her relationship with Tracy was a testament to the power of love and devotion, even in the face of adversity and challenges.

Katharine's personal jewellery collection

Katharine Hepburn was known for her refined taste, and her personal jewellery collection reflected her timeless elegance and stylish simplicity. Here are some examples of the jewellery that was part of her collection:

• Pearl necklaces: Katharine often wore simple yet elegant pearl necklaces that accentuated her classic beauty. These pearls were usually of high quality and were often paired with her signature stylish ensembles.
• Diamond brooches: One of the most iconic pieces of jewellery in her collection, Katharine owned several diamond brooches that she wore on special occasions. These brooches added a touch of glamour to her outfits and were a symbol of her sophistication and class.
• Bracelets: Katharine's bracelets were often subtle yet striking. She chose delicate designs that wrapped her wrists elegantly and refined her look without standing out too much.
• Stylish earrings: Although Katharine's usually preferred simple earrings, she sometimes chose eye-catching pieces to accentuate her look. From small diamond studs to chic pendants, her earrings were always carefully chosen to enhance her face.
• Statement rings: Hepburn owned some striking statement rings that reflected her personality. These rings were often unique in design and served as a way to emphasize her individuality.

Independent personality 

Katharine Hepburn's fashion style is often described as timeless, classic, comfortable and androgynous. At the time when Katharine Hepburn became famous, her style contrasted with the more formal and extravagant fashions of her time. Her influence can still be felt in modern fashion. Her style reflected her independent personality. She had a confident, no-nonsense attitude and her clothing choices reflected this as well. Clothing and accessories that provided a comfortable and elegant look are still appreciated by women today.

Katharine as a ring

Simplicity and comfort are therefore beautifully reflected in the Katharine ring from our atelier collection. The Katharine ring is made of recycled 14 crt gold and contains three gemstones: sapphire, ruby and emerald. The gemstones are delicately incorporated into the gold ring. Katharine loved minimalist colors; she tended to wear neutral colors. These colors gave her an understated and sophisticated look.

Summary

So it is safe to say that Katharine Hepburn was a legendary Hollywood icon and was known for her extraordinary acting talent and timeless style. Her life and career were marked by her perseverance and an unconventional approach to fashion. Her love life, especially her long-term relationship with Spencer Tracy, remains a fascinating subject of interest and inspiration. Hepburn's personal jewellery collection, consisting of elegant pearl necklaces, diamond brooches, subtly stylish bracelets, striking earrings and unique statement rings, reflected her timeless elegance and refined taste. Her legacy lives on as a source of inspiration for generations, and her iconic style continues to have a lasting impact on the world of fashion and entertainment. And through it all, we certainly felt it was an honor to inspire a ring on Katharine Hepburn.

Please note that Vintage Jewellery Atelier rings are subject to a different delivery time of up to five weeks. These rings are "made to order" and are set by hand by our goldsmith. So it takes a little more time (and a lot of love), but we promise you: it's worth it.