The Fascinating Story Behind Elizabeth Taylor’s Famous Jewelry Collection and Its Current Whereabouts

Known for its extravagance, rarity, and sentimental significance, her collection has fascinated jewelry enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. From diamonds to pearls, each piece not only held monetary value but also carried historical importance and personal stories.

Valuation of Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry

The valuation of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry was a meticulous process due to the uniqueness of her pieces.

  • Rarity:Many pieces in her collection were one-of-a-kind or came from exclusive designers such as Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
  • Historical Significance:Several jewels had a storied past, such as the famous 33. 19-carat Krupp Diamond (later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond), which symbolized love between Taylor and Richard Burton.
  • Provenance:The association with Elizabeth Taylor herself added tremendous value.
  • Craftsmanship:The intricate designs and exceptional quality of materials elevated the worth of the collection.

In 2011, Christie’s auctioned off much of her collection shortly after her passing.

Piece Sale Price at Auction Notable Characteristics
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond $8.8 million A flawless D-color 33.19-carat diamond ring
La Peregrina Pearl $11.8 million A historic pearl once owned by European royalty
The Taj Mahal Necklace $8.8 million A Mughal-inspired piece gifted by Richard Burton
Sapphire Necklace by Bulgari $5.9 million Featured an exquisite sapphire centerpiece

Current Whereabouts

  1. Private Collectors:High-profile buyers from around the world purchased most items during Christie’s auction in 2011.
  2. Museums and Exhibitions:Select pieces have been loaned to prestigious exhibits globally, ensuring that fans have opportunities to view these treasures up close.
  3. Jewelry Brands:Some items returned to their original creators (e. g. , Bulgari), where they are preserved as part of brand heritage collections.

Legacy Beyond Monetary Value

Beyond their financial worth, Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry symbolizes her passion for beauty and self-expression. She believed jewelry was not merely decorative but an extension of one’s personality—a philosophy embodied in every piece she wore.

Whether dazzling on red carpets or cherished behind closed doors, this unparalleled collection remains a testament to love, artistry, and timeless elegance that continues to inspire new generations today.

Exploring the Taylor Burton Diamond and the Legacy of Elizabeth Taylor’s Iconic Jewelry

Elizabeth Taylor’s name is synonymous with glamour, luxury, and a dazzling array of fine jewelry. Beyond its monetary value, her jewelry holds cultural and historical significance that continues to capture attention decades after her passing.

Famous Diamonds: Their Historical Significance and Worth

Taylor’s jewelry collection amassed a staggering value during her lifetime. At its peak, the collection was estimated to be worth over $150 million. Each piece tells a story—many were gifts from her husbands or purchased to commemorate significant events in her life.

  • The Krupp Diamond (Elizabeth Taylor Diamond):A 33. 19-carat Asscher-cut diamond gifted to Taylor by Richard Burton in 1968. This piece later sold for $8. 8 million at auction in 2011.
  • La Peregrina Pearl:Mounted as part of a Cartier necklace designed with rubies and diamonds, it fetched $11. 8 million at auction.
  • The Taj Mahal Diamond:Another gift from Burton for Taylor’s 40th birthday—an intricate heart-shaped diamond originally commissioned by Emperor Jahangir in the Mughal Empire era.
  • The Bulgari Emerald Suite:A striking collection of emeralds set in necklaces, earrings, and rings acquired during her romance with Burton.

The Auction That Made History

Date Auction Format Total Sales
December 13–14, 2011 Live Auction Over $115 million
December 3–17, 2011 Online Auction Over $9.5 million

Current Whereabouts

After the auction concluded, many pieces found new homes with private collectors or high-profile individuals who understand their cultural significance.

  • The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond remains privately owned but occasionally appears at exhibitions celebrating iconic gemstones.
  • Other pieces are scattered globally among collectors who purchased them as both investments and historical treasures.

Cultural Influence

Taylor’s love for bold designs helped popularize statement jewelry throughout the mid-to-late 20th century.

Unveiling the Story Behind Elizabeth Taylor’s Legendary Jewels and Their Modern Journey

This section delves into the story behind some of her most legendary pieces and where they are today.

A Collection Steeped in History

Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection wasn’t just about opulence; it was deeply personal and carried significant historical value. Many pieces were gifts from her husbands, particularly Richard Burton, who shared her love for rare gemstones.

  • La Peregrina Pearl:Burton gifted it to Taylor in 1969.
  • The Taylor-Burton Diamond (68 carats):Acquired by Burton at an auction in 1969 for $1. 1 million (a record-breaking sum), this pear-shaped diamond was famously worn by Taylor at events.
  • The Taj Mahal Diamond:A heart-shaped piece from the Mughal Empire gifted on her 40th birthday.

The Auction That Made History

After Elizabeth Taylor’s passing in 2011, Christie’s held an auction showcasing nearly all of her iconic jewels. The sale took place in December that same year and fetched over $137 million—a record-breaking amount for any private jewelry auction at the time.

Key sales included: – The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond: Sold for $8. 8 million. 8 million. – The Taj Mahal Diamond: Sold for $8. 9 million.

These figures underscored not just their material value but also their association with Taylor’s legacy as a Hollywood icon.

Where Are They Now?

Today, many of these pieces are part of private collections or on display as museum exhibits. Some highlights: – The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond has been reported to remain in private ownership but occasionally appears at exhibitions celebrating fine jewelry. – Several buyers loaned their purchases back to temporary exhibits honoring Elizabeth Taylor’s style and legacy.

Taylor’s collection continues to inspire designers and collectors worldwide who view each piece as a blend of artistry, history, and personal narrative.

Legacy Beyond Jewelry

Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels were more than mere adornments; they reflected her personality—bold yet elegant—and symbolized moments in her life story.

This modern journey of her legendary pieces ensures that Elizabeth Taylor remains an enduring icon both within Hollywood glamour and the world of fine jewelry collections worldwide.

Fascinating Facts About Elizabeth Taylor’s Timeless Jewelry Collection and Its Impact

Elizabeth Taylor was more than just a legendary actress; she was also renowned for her impeccable taste in jewelry. Here are some fascinating facts about her timeless jewelry collection and how it has left an enduring impact on the world of luxury and legacy.

Elizabeth Taylor’s collection included some of the most famous jewels ever seen, many carrying unique stories or associations with historical figures.

  • The La Peregrina Pearl: A stunning natural pearl originally discovered in the 1500s off Panama’s coast. This historic piece had been owned by European royalty before being acquired by Richard Burton and redesigned for Elizabeth.
  • The Taylor-Burton Diamond: A pear-shaped, 68-carat diamond purchased by Burton in 1969, which quickly became one of the most-talked-about jewels of its time.

Taylor’s passion for jewelry wasn’t just a lifestyle choice—it became an intrinsic part of who she was. She once famously stated, “My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring! ” This lifelong adoration developed into a legendary collection that merged love stories with luxury.

  • Many pieces were gifts from loved ones, particularly Richard Burton.
  • Each item carried a story—whether tied to romance, history, or art.
Item Sale Price Notable Details
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond $8.8 million Sold as one of the largest diamonds ever sold
La Peregrina Pearl Necklace $11.8 million Broke records for historic pearls
Total Sale Value $137 million Proceeds donated to charity (majority to HIV/AIDS research)

This historic auction highlighted how her jewels were not just valuable materials but priceless artifacts tied to her incredible life and iconic status.

  • Increased Interest in Provenance: Collectors today often seek out jewels with rich histories or ties to prominent figures—a trend fueled by Taylor’s high-profile ownership.
  • Charitable Legacy: By directing proceeds from her jewelry sales toward philanthropy, she set an example that wealth can be used as a tool for meaningful change.

Taylor’s jewelry remains an enduring symbol of glamour and generosity—proof that beauty transcends mere aesthetics when imbued with personal stories and purpose.

Exploring the Extravagance of Elizabeth Taylor’s Priceless Jewelry Through the Years

The pieces she owned were often as dramatic and captivating as her life itself.

Highlights of Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Collection

  • A pear-shaped diamond weighing an impressive 68 carats.
  • Purchased by Richard Burton in 1969 after a competitive auction.
  • Taylor eventually sold it to fund the construction of a hospital in Botswana.
  • A stunning 33-carat Asscher-cut diamond given to her by Richard Burton in 1968.
  • Known for its clarity and brilliance, this piece became one of her signature jewels.
  • A historic pearl dating back over 500 years that once belonged to Spanish royalty.
  • Gifted to Taylor by Burton in 1969, it was set into an elaborate Cartier necklace designed under her guidance.
  • Comprised of necklaces, brooches, earrings, and bracelets adorned with Colombian emeralds.
  • Acquired during Taylor’s marriage to Burton and frequently worn on major occasions.
  • Gifts from Richard Burton often marked key moments in their turbulent yet enduring relationship.
  • Many pieces had historical significance or were crafted by prestigious jewelers such as Cartier and Bulgari.
  • She once remarked that “I adore wearing gems… because they are a way of keeping memories alive.

Taylor began acquiring fine jewelry early on during her rise to stardom but amassed much of the collection during her marriages—particularly with Richard Burton.

  1. Initially focused on diamonds and pearls from renowned jewelers.
  2. Expanded into exotic gemstones like emeralds and rubies.
Date Auction House Total Amount Raised
December 2011 Christie’s $137 million