In a few short weeks, fans admirers and mourners of the late, fabulous Elizabeth Taylor will be able to view her treasured collection of the items she held dearest – her jewelry.
Elizabeth Taylor was an icon renowned as much for her beauty and acting as she was for her affinity for luxury. Taylor exuded an air of effortless glamour, helped along by the carats upon carats of precious jewelry that she often wore.
Beginning September 15th, Christies will showcase Liz’s famed jewels on a world tour. Exhibits will begin in Moscow’s Red Square before the tour continues to London, L.A., Dubai, Geneva, Paris and Hong Kong before finally stopping in New York. There, from December 3rd through the 12th, Christie’s will present the collection before its 5 part auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s estate.
Marc Porter, Chairman and President of Christie’s America states: Christie’s is honored to have been entrusted with this important role in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Elizabeth Taylor. The global tour and exhibition of her collection at Christie’s will be a window into the world of a true icon, a rare woman who was at once an international film and fashion star, loving mother, successful businesswoman, and generous humanitarian. This collection of her many cherished possessions will bring us closer to the essence of Elizabeth Taylor’s unique spirit, and promises to inspire admiration, delight, and at times, sheer wonder, in all who come to see it.”
First up is Liz’s collection of Legendary Jewels: “In what promises to be remembered as one of the most remarkable jewelry events in auction history, Christie’s will open the sales series devoted to Ms. Taylor’s collections with a gala Evening Sale of her most magnificent jewels on December 13, followed by two additional sale sessions on December 14.”
What will be included in this auction? One can only speculate at this point – which we did, naturally. Here are the gems that we think will absolutely be up on the auction block.
The Krupp Diamond
The first item of jewelry that Richard Burton gave her, this Asscher-cut diamond became a daily adornment for Taylor, at a more demure 33.19 carats.
La Peregina
Once owned by Anne Boleyn and Queen Mary Tudor, Taylor prized this pear-shaped pearl. Once owned by the Queen of Spain, it was nearly swallowed by one of Talyor’s dogs.
Cartier Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Given to Taylor by husband #3, Mike Todd, the necklace, bracelet, and earrings feature oval and cushion-cut rubies and baguette-cut diamonds set in platinum.
The Taj Mahal Diamond
Originally given to Shah Jahan by his father, the diamond was the presented to his wife Queen Mumtaz – the very same Queen Mumtaz that the Taj Mahal was built for. Burton bought this heart-shaped, yellow stunner for Liz’s 40th birthday. She promptly removed the silk cord it hung from and commissioned a diamond-studded chain.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond
The 69.42-carat Cartier diamond gifted to Talyor by 5th husband Richard Burton. Sadly, this – the most famous of Liz’s baubles – won’t be for sale at the auction, as it was last bought by Robert Mouawad.
Partial proceeds from the auction will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, created in 1993 to provide critically needed support services for people with HIV/AIDS.
This Van Cleef & Arpels 8 carat ruby and diamond stunner was Richard Burton’s Christmas gift to Liz in 1968. The ring is estimated to realize $1 million – $1.5 million at the first of two days of Christie’s auctions, Dec. 13.
These rings are Burtona nd Taylor’s wedding bands (from at least one of their fabled marriages). They are estimated to go for between $6,000 and $8,000 at their December 14th auction.
Finally, the star of the show is the Krupp/Elizabeth Taylor diamond. This 33-carat, D color, VS1 clarity, potentially internally flawless stone, was a gift to the actress from Burton “and is the perceived top lot of the auction, estimated to realize $2.5 million – $3.5 million at auction Dec. 13,” according to 
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