Hello lovely Raymond Lee fans and readers. Today’s buzz is all about the newly released details of Christie’s auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection. Not too long ago, we paid homage to some of Liz’s most famous baubles and showcased what would be in our fantasy Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Auction.
Now that Christie’s has announced what jewels will actually be up on the block, we thought we’d share the dazzling results of our predictions. Read on for the inside scoop, courtesy of National Jeweler.
The Taj Mahal diamond is up for grabs, and is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000 on its December 13th Christie’s debut.
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 National Jeweler.
François Curiel, international jewelry director and president of Christie’s Asia, says of the lot:
“Elizabeth Taylor’s passion for jewelry was well-known, but it is her depth of knowledge about fine jewelry that truly impresses. She collected the best pieces from the best periods, and as a result her collection boasts exquisite examples from the most celebrated jewelry designers.”
Partial proceeds of the auction will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, founded in 1991 to provide funding to AIDS service organizations throughout the world to assist those living with HIV and AIDS.\
Liz for Raymond Lee Jewelers, your trusted source for industry news and estate jewelry.