Elizabeth Taylor is an extraordinary icon not just for her work on film, but also for her iconic taste in style and specially jewelry. Having vacated this earth earlier this year, her iconic jewels from her multiple husbands and personal friends went on sale at Christie’s Auction House in NYC. Shattering sales records and intriguing individuals around the world, Taylor’s enchanting jewels captured the wallets of the world’s wealthiest and the imagination of the world’s most influential.
In addition to her jewels Christie’s sold Taylor’s gowns, headpieces and other memorabilia. My favorite piece? Of course the Richard Burton 33.19-carat emerald cut diamond. Purchased from Sotheby’s in 1968 for approximately $300,000, it sold for a record $8.8 million.
Another iconic piece, which sold for a record price, was the La-Peregrina pearl, a 50-carat beauty that Taylor re-imagined and re-worked into a setting of diamonds and pearls. While most jewelers were shocked at her gaudiness, fans loved her even more for unapologetic defense of excess and sparkle. It sold for $11.8 million.
Another favorite was an emerald and diamond set including earrings, a necklace and a bracelet from Bulgari that Taylor famously wore with an equally elaborate headdress, never shying away from publicity, a good paparazzi shot and extravagance.
Her collection was iconic and the various people who were lucky enough to purchase pieces will have a piece of Liz Taylor forever.
