The romantic "Heart of the Ocean" necklace which adorned sexy Kate Winslet's neckline in the 1997 film Titanic continues to capture hearts even years after the film's release. Of course, only a very few could ever afford an exact replica of this piece, which featured a 56-carat faceted blue diamond heart (modeled after the famed Hope Diamond) surrounded by numerous clear diamonds embellishing both the pendant and chain. Rumor has it that the actual prop used in the film Titanic featured a "golf ball" size semiprecious sapphire set in white gold.

In 1998, J. Peterman sold the official Heart of the Ocean replica necklace as a limited edition. It featured a blue crystal heart stone and clear crystal faux diamonds set in rhodium-plate base metal. Its dimensions reportedly matched those of the original movie prop, with an 18-inch chain and a heart pendant measuring 1 3/4 inches in length. The official replica originally sold for around $200 and, as you can image, it is now sold out.

Some fine jewelers have designed their own high-end, "unofficial" Heart of the Ocean replicas, using real diamonds surrounding a sapphire or similar rare blue stone - but their prices have been a little high, as you can imagine. But never fear. Affordable fashion-jewelry replicas of the Heart of the Ocean necklace are available, if you can find them.

The price range for replicas falls within about $35 and $65. Some replicas match the general design of the real Heart of the Ocean very closely, with rhinestones along the chain and a big blue glass or crystal heart pendant. Others offer a replica pendant on a plain, unadorned chain. Many others are reminiscent of the real necklace, but the blue heart pendant is noticeably smaller than the one featured in Titanic.

To make sure you're getting a necklace that will truly remind you of the real thing (and not just the thinness of your pocketbook), be sure to take careful note of the size of the pendant on a given replica, and of its materials, before purchasing. (Remember the original pendant was about 1 3/4 inches in length).

I've already mentioned that the real Heart of the Ocean necklace featured a huge blue diamond and many smaller clear diamonds. Your best bet for replicating this look is with a piece adorned with high-quality rhinestones, or even better (yet more expensive), sparkly crystals.

The blue "diamond" pendant itself should at least be glass - not plastic (ask if you're unsure!) - and preferably crystal. A dyed semi-precious gemstone might also work, but it may not reflect light as well as crystal. Also make sure the length of the necklace chain will allow your "diamond" to fall at just the right location on your upper chest. A chain that's too short or too long will not achieve the right look with this design.

With those guidelines in mind, you might browse the replicas currently available on eBay:

Aside from Amazon, it appears that not too many designers or retailers continue offering Heart of the Ocean replicas.
Click here to purchase a Large Titanic Necklace Made with Swarovski Crystals & Titanic Ticket Poster at Amazon.com

If you know of one, please email me or, even better, post the information in the Fashion Jewelry Forum!