Elizabeth Taylor’s passion for luxury is probably best reflected in her opulent collection of jewels. True fans of the Hollywood star will soon have the chance to purchase some of her most extravagant necklaces, rings, tiaras and precious stones (including emeralds, rubies, diamonds and pearls) at a Christie’s auction in New York. The sale will take place on December 13-14 and it will include some 270 lots that could raise around $30 million.
Talking about her beloved jewels, Taylor said in her autobiography: “I’m here to take care of them and to love them. When I die and they go off for auction I hope whoever buys them gives them a really good home”. The beautiful actress got most of her collectibles from her seven husbands, but the most extravagant of all were gifted to her by her twice husband Richard Burton. Here are some of the dazzling pieces that will be presented by Christie’s in December.
1. La Peregrina
Estimated to fetch between $2 million and $3 million, La Peregrina is a majestic necklace that Taylor received from her husband and acting partner Richard Burton. Embellished with 16th century diamonds, rubies and pearls, this is an outstanding Cartier creation.
2. White Diamond Ring
Also a present from Richard Burton, this dazzling diamond ring is expected to sell for between $2.5 million and $3.5 million at Christie’s. Burton bought it in 1968 at an auction for only $300,000. The diamond weighs 33.19 carats.
3. Ruby Necklace
Presale estimations for this beautiful necklace are $200,000-$300,000. Taylor received it from Mike Todd, her third husband, whom she lost in a plane crash. The necklace, together with a pair of matching earrings and a bracelet were a stunning surprise gift which she received one day when she was sitting beside the pool.
4. Diamond Tiara
This stunning diamond tiara is a true symbol of wealth and opulence. It was also a gift from Mike Todd and Taylor wore it during the 1957 Oscar awards dazzling everybody with her lavish look. At the ceremony, her husband won the best director award for “Around the World in 80 Days”. It is now estimated to fetch between $60,000 and $80,000.
5. Taj Mahal Diamond Pendant
Believed to sell for between $300,000 and $500,000, this beautiful pendant comes with a special story. It used to belong to Indian Emperor Jahangir, who ordered the heart-shaped diamond in the center to be scribbled with his wife’s name, Nur Jahan. The pendant was passed on to the emperor’s son, Shah Jahan, the famous emperor who erected the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Many centuries later, Richard Burton bought the gorgeous necklace for his lovely wife and said “I would have liked to buy her the Taj Mahal, but it would cost too much to transport”.
