Film enthusiasts across the UK are buzzing with excitement as Wicked: For Good prepares for its cinematic debut on November 21st. The production has reportedly exceeded its budget, with costs soaring to an astonishing $455.8 million (£364.4 million), but the results appear to be nothing short of magical.
The Million-Pound Magic Wand
Jonathan Pratt, Managing Director at Dawsons Auctions and familiar expert from BBC's Bargain Hunt, has conducted a detailed valuation of the film's most spectacular costume pieces. His analysis reveals that some jewellery worn by Ariana Grande's Glinda and Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba would be worth small fortunes if created with genuine precious materials.
One of the most iconic pieces from the film is Glinda's white gold tiara and matching wand. While the on-screen props use imitation stones, Pratt estimates their production cost between £7,000 and £14,000. The valuation considers the intricate craftsmanship involved, with London-based "hero builds" typically featuring plated base-metal frames, Swarovski-type crystals, and several weeks of meticulous hand-finishing.
The real shock comes when imagining these pieces crafted from genuine materials. If made from platinum and 150 carats of natural diamonds by London artisans, the manufacturing cost alone would range from £580,000 to £1,030,000. Commissioned through a top French atelier, the set could comfortably exceed £1.1 million, placing them among Hollywood's most valuable on-screen creations.
From Red Carpet Glamour to Affordable Magic
The film's premiere events showcased jewellery worthy of their own spotlight. Cynthia Erivo stunned at the Los Angeles premiere wearing an 18k white gold diamond and emerald collar from Roberto Coin's Haute Couture Collection, valued at $750,000 (£570,000). Her look was completed with matching earrings worth $59,600 (£45,357) and complementary rings.
Not to be outshone, Ariana Grande illuminated the Sydney premiere in a breathtaking Lorraine Schwartz butterfly choker and matching ring featuring more than 100 carats of natural diamonds. Jonathan Pratt estimates this custom-made suite could retail for up to $2 million (£1.5 million) from elite jewellery houses, reflecting its exceptional carat weight and bespoke craftsmanship.
Remarkably, Wicked fans can own a piece of this cinematic magic without breaking the bank. The butterfly necklace worn by Glinda during daytime scenes has been identified as Swarovski's "Lilia" necklace, currently available online for just £59.50. TikTok users have flooded the platform with unboxing videos, celebrating this rare opportunity to afford genuine Hollywood wardrobe pieces.
Historical Context and Speculative Valuations
In comparison to Wicked's modern creations, the original Glinda wand from The Wizard of Oz (1939) recently achieved $109,375 (£83,210) at auction through Studio Auctions in September 2024. The 53-inch aluminium wand, featuring a five-pointed star encrusted with faceted clear crystals, represents one of only two known test wands created during production.
Looking forward to Wicked: For Good, jewellery enthusiasts on Reddit have already begun speculating about an upgraded version of Glinda's butterfly necklace spotted in released clips. According to Pratt's analysis, this more extravagant piece could be valued around $250,000 (£190,000) if produced by prestigious houses like Van Cleef & Arpels. However, depending on diamond load and design complexity, the price could potentially exceed $1 million (£760,000) in retail value.
This detailed wardrobe analysis reveals the incredible investment Universal Pictures has made in bringing the magical world of Oz to life, creating both multi-million pound fantasies and affordable treasures for dedicated fans.
