We accompany actress Victoria Luengo in her preparations for a night of glamour, adorned with exquisite diamonds that embody elegance and sophisticatio
In September 1973, the crème de la crème of San Sebastián found themselves waiting for an hour—an eternity for those present—for the arrival of the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. It was the 21st edition of the Film Festival, and the iconic actress, the star of the event, had just landed in the city. The reason for her delay? Her luggage had been misplaced at the airport. In a moment of improvisation, Taylor resolved her wardrobe crisis by donning a striking green Indian sari, allegedly purchased from a local shop. However, she was unable to replace her lost jewels, a source of considerable disappointment that ultimately resulted in her tardiness. After all, her diamonds and gemstones had transformed the otherwise mundane Hollywood red carpets into an exciting and lavish spectacle.
Fast forward to 2024. The city is now hosting the 72nd edition of its prestigious festival, with the same Hotel María Cristina serving as the backdrop, where Taylor once spent a diamond-less night. The event has been revitalized by a new generation of actresses and the unwavering support of the iconic jewelry house, Suarez. The inclusion of jewelry remains a hallmark of distinction when preparing for a red carpet event, underscoring its importance in the realm of haute couture.
In one of the luxurious suites of the hotel, we find Victoria Luengo (born in Palma, 1990). The actress is preparing for the premiere of La Habitación de Al Lado, Pedro Almodóvar’s first film in English. She is about to engage in one of the most special rituals prior to stepping onto the red carpet: selecting the jewelry pieces that will complement her look, all of which are crafted by Suarez and imbued with an air of magic and sophistication.
Luengo carefully examines several rings, sliding them onto her fingers and admiring the stunning contrast between the brilliance of the diamonds and her jet-black manicure. Each ring is meticulously crafted from 18K white gold and adorned with an array of diamonds cut in emerald, pear, and brilliant styles. Some diamonds are colorless, while others boast the exclusive fancy yellow hue—a gemstone of exceptional rarity. Certain pieces also feature blue royal sapphires, adding to their allure. The actress tries on two rings for each hand, each more spectacular than the last; they embody the perfect fusion of classic jewelry design and modern attitude.
On her left wrist, Luengo selects a striking piece: the Fancy bracelet. This collection is considered a jewel among Suarez’s offerings, comprising an extremely limited series of six entirely unique pieces, including two pairs of earrings, a necklace, a bracelet, and two rings. Each item evokes the pinnacle of timeless luxury. Crafted from 18K white and yellow gold, the bracelet features alternating bands of these metals, encrusted with a total of 580 white and fancy diamonds, complemented by a central fancy yellow diamond.
Among Suarez’s most special collections lies an extraordinary necklace (which is also detachable), presented in one of the brand’s exquisite boxes. This rivière-style necklace showcases a stunning combination of white and fancy diamonds, culminating in a pendant that features the central fancy yellow diamond and the geometric elements characteristic of the collection. The necklace radiates an aura of unparalleled exclusivity.
The final touch to Luengo’s ensemble consists of earrings. As she immerses herself in the glamour of the evening ahead, she tries on a pair of long earrings made from 18K white and yellow gold, adorned with spectacular fancy yellow and white diamonds—a total of 160 stones.
Ultimately, Luengo opts for a pair of 18K white gold hoops featuring 26 brilliant-cut diamonds, collectively weighing 5.13 carats. After applying a final touch of lipstick, she is perfectly poised to dazzle on the red carpet.
As Elizabeth Taylor famously said, “Big girls need big jewelry.”
The Unique Diamond of Suarez
The history of Suarez dates back to 1943 when Emiliano Suárez Faffián established his first jewelry and watchmaking shop in Bilbao. Today, the legacy continues into the third generation of the family, led by Juan Suárez as CEO. While the core values remain unchanged—utilizing only the most exceptional materials, emphasizing artisanal production, and maintaining 100% creation within their Madrid workshops—the essence of the brand is undeniably contemporary.
In the words of Don Benito Suárez, president of Grupo Suarez, “After 50 years of traveling to the world’s diamond centers, we have amassed a lifetime of expertise in this profession that is now being passed down to the next generation. Thus, we can assure you that a Suarez diamond is unique: it possesses life, brilliance, color, and quality.”
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