Noted as one of the greatest and most glamorous Hollywood film stars of the 1920s and 1930s, Swedish born actress Greta Garbo was captivating on and off screen. Starring in silent and sound films, her unique and enigmatic persona amassed a major following in the United States and abroad. It’s to no surprise that Garbo’s progressive style of acting and modern characters became an inspiration to those in the industry, and those who watched her films.

Garbo’s interest in acting was peaked as a teenager, and she began her career at a Swedish clothing store where she was often in short advertisements modeling the current seasons fashions.

A natural in front of the camera, Garbo landed her first silent film role in the film Peter the Tramp (1922). It was clear that Garbo had talent, and the director was so impressed he hired her to star in his other films. After working on these films, she went on to attend The Royal Dramatic Theatre – Sweden’s most prestigious acting school.

After notable roles in major European films such as The Legend of Gosta Berling (1924) and Joyless Street (1925), Garbo caught the eye of executives at MGM and made the jump to Hollywood. Her intriguing portrayals in the silent films The Temptress (1926) and Flesh and the Devil (1926) catapulted her into the limelight - making Garbo a legendary star of the film studio.

As talking films began to take over, Garbo made her speaking film debut in Anna Christie (1930). Film critics and movie fanatics alike were fascinated by the way in which she carried herself – her alluring character matching her distinct voice. With famous phrases that can only be attributed to Garbo, her success in films continued. She starred alongside other Hollywood greats such as Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, earning her several Academy Award nominations and a win for Best Picture with the film Grand Hotel (1932).

It was no secret that she preferred to keep her personal life private, only adding to the worlds fascination with the infamous actress. In the late 1930s and early 1940s Garbo began to take steps back from acting, and eventually retired. Moving from the West coast to the East, Garbo left Hollywood and made New York City her home. She was a known collector of fine art and jewelry, and would often be spotted out walking with close friends. Garbo resided in Manhattan until her passing in 1990.

An iconic symbol who bridges femininity and masculinity, Greta Garbo’s undeniable talent and eccentric character continue to cement her as one of the most extraordinary screen actresses of all time.

Garbo’s sparkling Van Cleef and Arpels diamond ring is exceptionally crafted, and a wonderful example of jewelry from the late 1940s. While most of Ms. Garbo's jewelry was acquired by romantic interests and admirers, this is one of the few jewels that she personally purchased at Van Cleef & Arpels. Featured in Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef and Arpels exhibition at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution in 2011, it’s a truly spectacular jewel.