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50 of the Sparkliest Moments in Pop Culture History

From Marilyn Monroe's diamonds to Rihanna's epic boots.

By Brittany Adams
Hair, Clothing, Skin, Eyebrow, Beauty, Headpiece, Hairstyle, Forehead, Bridal accessory, Headgear,
Dimitrios Kambouris+Lars Niki+Corbis//Getty Images

Diamonds are forever. They're also a girl's best friend―with crystals being a close second. We love all things sparkly and were dazzled by the flashy looks on the latest runways including the Swarovski encrusted Saint Laurent boots Rihanna quickly added to her closet. As a nod to National Splurge Day on Sunday, we've rounded up 50 of the best-and-blingiest fashion moments―from Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn to Paris Hilton, Beyonce, Kendall Jenner, and more.

1

Marilyn Monroe

<p>Pretty in pink while singing "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," in the 1953 film <em data-redactor-tag="em">Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.</em></p>
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Pretty in pink while singing "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

2

Audrey Hepburn

<p>Playing Holly Golightly in <em data-redactor-tag="em">Breakfast at Tiffany's.</em></p>
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Playing Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

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3

Elvis Presley

<p>"The King" performing in one of his signature, bejeweled costumes.</p>
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"The King" performing in one of his signature, bejeweled costumes.

4

Queen Elizabeth II

<p>Her Majesty posed in a diamond tiara and jewels while visiting Copenhagen in 1957.</p>
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Her Majesty posed in a diamond tiara and jewels while visiting Copenhagen in 1957.

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5

Elizabeth Taylor

<p>Renowned for her impressive jewelry collection, La Liz wore a crystal beaded dress and statement earrings for a dinner with then-husband Eddie Fisher in 1959.</p>
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Renowned for her impressive jewelry collection, La Liz wore a crystal beaded dress and statement earrings for a dinner with then-husband Eddie Fisher in 1959.

6

Anita Ekberg

<p>The Swedish actress posing with Cartier baubles like grapes, in the 1960s.</p>
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The Swedish actress posing with Cartier baubles like grapes, in the 1960s.

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7

Sophia Loren

<p>Embodying Italian opulence in 1970.</p>
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Embodying Italian opulence in 1970.

8

Veruschka

<p>The iconic model (who stars in Acne's new Resort look book) had her face covered in crystals to play the lead role in the 1972 film <em data-redactor-tag="em">Salome.</em></p>
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The iconic model (who stars in Acne's new Resort look book) had her face covered in crystals to play the lead role in the 1972 film Salome.

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9

Elton John

<p>In a rhinestone jacket and matching "Butterfly" jacket circa 1975.</p>
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In a rhinestone jacket and matching "Butterfly" jacket circa 1975.

10

Michael Jackson

<p>Touring with the Jackson 5 in 1981.</p>
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Touring with the Jackson 5 in 1981.

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11

Princess Diana

<p>The late, beloved Princess of Wales wore a crystal beaded gown by Japanese designer Hachi to a Washington D.C. gala in 1985.</p>
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The late, beloved Princess of Wales wore a crystal beaded gown by Japanese designer Hachi to a Washington D.C. gala in 1985.

12

Liberace

<p>Proving sparkles are not just for women, legendary pianist Liberace is best remembered for his flashy costumes.</p>
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Proving sparkles are not just for women, legendary pianist Liberace is best remembered for his flashy costumes.

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13

Joan Collins

<p>The actress' iconic Alexis Carrington character on <em data-redactor-tag="em">Dynasty</em> ushered in a new era of glitz and glamour during the 80s.</p>
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The actress' iconic Alexis Carrington character on Dynasty ushered in a new era of glitz and glamour during the 80s.

14

Whitney Houston

<p>Twinkling onstage during a performance in 1987.</p>
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Twinkling onstage during a performance in 1987.

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15

Slick Rick

<p>The original rapper who made bling a status symbol in the hip hop community.</p>
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The original rapper who made bling a status symbol in the hip hop community.

16

Madonna

<p>Sparkling in Harry Winston jewels and a bedazzled gown, with Michael Jackson, at the 1991 Academy Awards.</p>
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Sparkling in Harry Winston jewels and a bedazzled gown, with Michael Jackson, at the 1991 Academy Awards.

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17

Yves Saint Laurent

<p>Tyra Banks dazzled at the late designer's Haute Couture show in 1992.</p>
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Tyra Banks dazzled at the late designer's Haute Couture show in 1992.

18

Ivana Trump

<p>The 45th President's ex-wife took a shimmering turn on Thierry Mugler's Spring 1992 runway.</p>
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The 45th President's ex-wife took a shimmering turn on Thierry Mugler's Spring 1992 runway.

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19

Isaac Mizrahi

<p>Christy Turlington modeled a crystal crop top, pants, and earrings on the designer's Spring 1993 runway.</p>
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Christy Turlington modeled a crystal crop top, pants, and earrings on the designer's Spring 1993 runway.

20

Cindy Crawford

<p>The supermodel donned a scarlet halter neck gown embellished with crystals, in 1993.</p>
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The supermodel donned a scarlet halter neck gown embellished with crystals, in 1993.

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