For Good’s 5 most expensive costumes exposed

As Wicked: For Good finally takes flight on November 21, Universal Pictures confirmed the highly anticipated musical exceeded its budget, with costs soaring to a remarkable $455.8 million. The staggering figure makes it one of the most expensive film productions in recent history, and much of that investment shows in the dazzling costume pieces and jewelry that bring the magical world of Oz to life.

Jonathan Pratt, managing director at Dawsons Auctions and expert on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, has conducted a fascinating analysis of the film’s most valuable costume elements. His estimates reveal that some pieces worn by Glinda and Elphaba would be worth small fortunes if crafted with genuine materials, while premiere looks worn by stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo commanded seven-figure price tags.

Glinda’s iconic accessories top the list

1. The tiara and wand set represents the most recognizable costume piece from the entire production. While the on-set props used plated base-metal frames and Swarovski-type crystals requiring two to four weeks of hand-finishing work, Pratt estimates their value at approximately $20,000. The intricate stone-setting and plating work drove costs primarily through labor rather than materials, with a London hero build of this scale typically ranging between $9,000 and $18,000.

However, if the same tiara and wand were crafted from platinum and 150 carats of natural diamonds, the numbers would skyrocket dramatically. Using current UK platinum pricing and wholesale diamond indices, Pratt calculates the manufacture cost alone would reach between $725,000 and $1.3 million before accounting for retail markups or provenance premiums. Commissioned through a prestigious French atelier, the set could easily exceed $1.5 million, positioning Glinda’s accessories among Hollywood’s most valuable on-screen creations.

Classic Hollywood comparison provides context

2. The original 1939 Wizard of Oz offers an interesting point of reference for understanding prop values. Glinda the Good Witch’s wand from that iconic film recently sold at auction for $109,375 in September 2024. The 53-inch aluminum wand featured a five-pointed star encrusted with faceted clear crystals and represented one of only two known test wands created during production. Though not used in the final film, the prop was photographed with actress Billie Burke by legendary Hollywood photographer Clarence Sinclair Bull, making it a rare artifact from MGM’s golden era.

Affordable magic for everyday fans

3. In a delightful surprise for moviegoers, Glinda’s butterfly necklace from the first film has become available for purchase. Eagle-eyed viewers quickly identified the sparkling accessory worn by Grande, discovering it’s actually a Swarovski design called the Lilia necklace. The piece features delicate butterfly motifs that perfectly mirror Glinda’s ethereal aesthetic, and TikTok users have flooded the platform with unboxing videos showcasing the exact necklace from the film. Currently available in select Swarovski stores for 30% off at $80.30, this represents a rare moment when fans can actually afford a genuine piece of Hollywood magic.

Premiere looks command astronomical values

4. Cynthia Erivo completed her premiere appearance in a vibrant green Louis Vuitton gown accessorized with an 18k white gold diamond and emerald collar from Roberto Coin’s Haute Couture Collection, valued at $750,000. She paired the dramatic necklace with 18k white gold and diamond Stelle Button earrings from the Cento Collection worth $59,600, and finished the look with a cluster of 18k white gold, diamond and emerald rings from the Love in Verona Collection that perfectly complemented the gown’s emerald tones.

4. Ariana Grande illuminated the Sydney premiere wearing an exceptional Lorraine Schwartz butterfly choker and matching ring featuring more than 100 carats of natural diamonds. The centerpiece was a couture choker set with approximately 90 carats of diamonds, custom-made for Grande by Schwartz, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after red-carpet jewelers. Pratt estimates the complete suite could retail up to $2 million from a top French atelier, reflecting its exceptional carat weight, bespoke craftsmanship and designer provenance.

Sequel teases even more sparkle

Clips released from Wicked: For Good reveal an upgraded version of Glinda’s butterfly necklace, sparking intense speculation among jewelry enthusiasts on social media platforms. According to Pratt’s analysis, this enhanced piece could be valued at approximately $250,000 if produced by a prestigious atelier such as Van Cleef & Arpels. However, depending on total carat weight and design complexity, a serious diamond load could push the retail or replacement value well beyond $1 million. Smaller designs from Van Cleef’s Two Butterfly collection already retail for around $19,000 in UK stores, but large-scale necklaces featuring high carat weights and intricate craftsmanship easily reach mid-six figures or higher.

Source: Dawsons Auctions