There are names that transcend time, and Elizabeth Taylor is undoubtedly one of them. A screen goddess with her legendary lavender eyes and an air of royalty that seemed to be innate to her, Liz Taylor was not only an actress, but also a passionate jewelry collector, a woman who understood the value of precious stones not only as symbols of luxury, but as witnesses to love, power, and history. Each piece in her collection tells a story – about the men who gave her these extravagant gifts, about royal inheritances, about spectacular auctions, and about a lifestyle that only a true diva could afford.
As she herself confessed in her book, My Love Affair with Jewelry, “Jewelry has always been a part of my life. I don’t just see them as valuable objects, but as characters who have lived incredible stories.” And what incredible stories they had to live alongside her...
The Krupp Diamond – the symbol of absolute love
One of the most iconic pieces in Elizabeth Taylor’s collection was the 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond, a superb colorless Asscher-cut diamond with exceptional clarity. Purchased for her by Richard Burton in 1968, this ring was to become a symbol of their tumultuous yet passionate relationship. “I always wear it. There is no light that does not make it sparkle in a magical way,” Liz Taylor declared about this piece. In jest, she called it “my skating rink” – that is, “my skating rink”.
While they were on their yacht, The Kalizma, anchored in London after attending a wedding, Richard gifted Elizabeth Taylor the famous Krupp diamond in 1968. Shortly thereafter, Taylor and Burton attended a party where Princess Margaret and her husband at the time, Lord Snowden, were also present. During the party, Princess Margaret and Elizabeth began a conversation about the Krupp diamond that Burton had bought for her. It is said that Princess Margaret commented: “Is this the famous diamond? It is so big! How vulgar!” Taylor replied: “Yes, isn’t it wonderful?” Margaret then asked: “Would you mind if I tried it on?”. After the royalist put it on her finger, Taylor said: “It is not so vulgar anymore, is it?”
After Richard Burton’s death, Elizabeth Taylor decided to sell the diamond and use the money to build a hospital in Botswana. The diamond was later sold at auction for 5 million dollars, and part of the sum was allocated to the hospital project.
In conclusion, the Taylor-Burton diamond is not only an impressive piece of jewelry, but also a symbol of the eternal love between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Its legacy lives on as a testament to their legendary love story
La Peregrina Pearl – the royal treasure transformed into a Cartier masterpiece
La Peregrina is not just a pearl, but a true legend. Discovered in the 16th century, it belonged to the kings of Spain and Austria, being immortalized in Velázquez’s paintings. Richard Burton bought this historic pearl for Liz in 1969, on Valentine’s Day, for the sum of 37,000 dollars. The actress asked the House of Cartier to create a spectacular necklace incorporating the pearl, along with rubies and diamonds. “I lost it once under a sofa and almost died of fright!”, she confessed in an interview, laughing about this memorable moment.
Before it made its way into Elizabeth Taylor’s famous neckline, the history of this 16th-century teardrop-shaped pearl had been a subject of debate for centuries. A pearl was discovered by a slave in the waters of the Gulf of Panama, and was then handed over to the Spanish crown. Political marriages kept the pearl in circulation, it being successively held by Mary Tudor of England and the Bonaparte family in France. However, by 1969, there was no longer any doubt about who the most beautiful and famous owner of this pearl was. In keeping with its royal and historic pedigree, Elizabeth commissioned Cartier to mount this spectacular piece of jewelry.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond – the stone that redefined opulence
Few pieces of jewelry are as famous as the Taylor-Burton diamond. This magnificent 69.42-carat diamond was purchased by Richard Burton in 1969, at a legendary auction organized by Cartier. “He didn’t dare take a 70-carat one for me, because that would have been indecent,” Elizabeth Taylor joked. Initially, she wanted to wear it as a ring, but its immense size led her to have it transformed into a necklace. The actress wore it for the first time at Princess Grace of Monaco’s party, attracting the attention of the entire world.
After the Scorpio Ball at the Hotel Hermitage in Monte Carlo, Burton wrote in his diary: “Elizabeth’s delight in this moment is a joy to behold, and a truly curious thing is the obvious pleasure that others also feel when they see her wearing it. Even Hjordis Niven and Princess Grace, who are usually more reserved, seemed to enjoy this moment of hers. And, of course, no one can wear it better than she can. Her face, shoulders, and miraculous bosom showcase it perfectly.”
The Taylor-Burton Diamond transformed into a necklace by Cartier
The Bulgari Emerald Set – a tribute to Italian glamour
During the filming of Cleopatra, Liz Taylor discovered the House of Bulgari and became fascinated by their creations. Richard Burton gifted her an impressive set of emeralds and diamonds, consisting of a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings. “The only word I know in Italian is Bulgari,” she would say, alluding to her fascination with the Italian brand. The necklace, adorned with vibrant Colombian emeralds, was one of her favorite pieces.
Mike Todd’s Diamond Tiara – a royal dream
In 1957, at the Cannes Film Festival, Liz Taylor made a memorable appearance wearing a diamond tiara, a gift from her husband, Mike Todd. “When he gave it to me, he said, ‘You are my queen, and you should have a tiara,’” the actress recalled. The piece had a perfectly royal air and reflected the classic elegance of the ’50s.
Designed as a new spiral of old mine-cut diamonds, with terminals of larger diamonds of the same cut, separated by latticework motifs of old mine-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum and gold, circa 1880.
Like many of her iconic pieces, Mike Todd’s tiara was part of the actress’s everyday life, worn with ease and grace even during relaxing moments at home. This reflected her extravagant personality, which often saw her wanting to feel elegant and special at all times of the day.
The Taj Mahal Necklace – an Indian Story with Golden Accents
Another impressive gift from Richard Burton, the Taj Mahal necklace featured a pendant with a stone engraved in the 17th century. “If anyone was to have a piece of jewelry called Taj Mahal, it was me,” Liz Taylor said about this masterpiece.
The Taj Mahal, a chain of rubies and gold, created by Cartier, 1972, a gift from Richard Burton
It was a truly romantic 40th-anniversary gift – a 17th-century heart-shaped diamond, originally given by Shah Jahan to his wife, Mumtaz-i-Mahal, and later serving as the inspiration for the famous Taj Mahal in India.
A pair of emerald and diamond earrings, created by Bulgari in 1960, a gift from Richard Burton.
She wore them at the Paris premiere of Lawrence of Arabia in 1962, wore them when she met Queen Elizabeth II in Washington in 1976, and they were part of her costume in The V.I.P.s. They were, if such a thing can be said about emerald and diamond earrings, ubiquitous.
A Gold and Precious Stone Charm Bracelet
Nothing combines femininity and jewelry quite like a charm bracelet, and as Elizabeth Taylor became more famous, her bracelets became worthy of a true star. Those around her always gave her precious golden memories – Zeffirelli, for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf; Burton, for Cleopatra; and even a gold coin, a half-sovereign from 1544, from the time of Henry VIII. The sweetest of all: a spherical medallion engraved with the names of her children.
An Ivory and Gold Necklace, a Gift from Edith Head
When Edith Head dressed Elizabeth Taylor in a strapless white silk dress with a rich floral bodice and a tulle skirt for A Place in the Sun, the creation became the ultimate debutante dress. But this was also the beginning of another debut: a lifelong friendship between the actress and the costume designer. In her will, Edith left her young friend this necklace made of engraved ivory opera cards, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Mike Todd’s Diamond Earrings, 1957
Whether they were costume jewelry or of the highest quality, no one enjoyed jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor. During a visit to Paris with her husband, Mike Todd, she spotted a pair of earrings that stole her heart. Although they were only imitations, she longed for them intensely. Todd could not refuse her. A few months later, however, he surprised her in the most spectacular way: he ordered an identical replica, but made entirely of diamonds. And Elizabeth’s reaction? Let’s just say it made her late for a party...
A Set of Diamond and Burmese Ruby Earrings and Necklace, Created by Cartier, a Gift from Mike Todd
Mike Todd, newly enamored with married life, wanted to surprise his pregnant wife with a spectacular Cartier jewelry set, adorned with diamonds and Burmese rubies. The setting was just as luxurious: Villa Fiorentina in Cap-Ferrat, where the two were spending their vacation with Evie and Van Johnson. Elizabeth was in the pool when Todd came in after her, jewelry in hand. She kissed him, he held her in his arms, and Evie Johnson, passionate about photography, immortalized this radiant moment forever.
A Flower-Shaped Brooch with Emeralds and Diamonds, Created by Bulgari in 1960, a Gift from Richard Burton
“I introduced Elizabeth Taylor to beer, and she introduced me to the world of Bulgari.”
An Emerald and Diamond Ring, Created by Bulgari in 1962, a Gift from Richard Burton
On screen, they were fire and brimstone in their roles as Anthony and Cleopatra, and in their personal lives, they were certainly a challenge for the Vatican.(The scandal between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton sparked controversy at the Vatican due to their previous divorces and their remarriage, which was considered a morally reprehensible act by the Catholic Church at the time). However, this did not stop them from spending time and money on a shopping spree at Bulgari, where Richard Burton bought Elizabeth this spectacular ring.
A Pendent Brooch with Emeralds and Diamonds, Created by Bulgari in 1958, a Gift from Richard Burton
This brooch never turned down a dress, whether it was part of an extravagant costume for a Save Venice ball, or added sparkle to a yellow chiffon dress Elizabeth wore when she and Burton married in Montreal in 1964.
A Pair of Diamond and Cultured Pearl Earrings, Created by Ruser, Circa 1960
“I was the biggest slut of all time!”
Previously, she had been snubbed by the American Academy for her moving performance as Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, so she was somewhat surprised when she received her first Oscar for Best Actress in 1959, for Butterfield 8. After managing only a curt “Thank you,” she nevertheless impressed her colleagues, shining in these Ruser earrings.
The Night of the Iguana brooch, created by Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co., 1964, a gift from Richard Burton
Elizabeth was with Burton in Puerto Vallarta, where he starred in Night of the Iguana, directed by John Huston. They were famously in love, and to commemorate that period and the film's release, Burton gave Elizabeth this gemstone-encrusted brooch.
A coral, diamond and emerald bangle, created by David Webb, 1967
Both Elizabeth Taylor and David Webb were at the height of their fame when the actress purchased this bracelet from the jeweler, who had already won a Coty Award for his animal-inspired jewelry. When Elizabeth and Richard Burton held a press conference in New York for the premiere of Doctor Faustus, Elizabeth was completely dressed in Webb's creations: a Maltese cross in coral and white enamel, a coral ring, and, of course, the bracelet with the sculpted lion.
The Granny necklace, created by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1971, a gift from Richard Burton
She was a child bride at 18 (her short-lived first marriage to Nicky Hilton) and a grandmother at 38. Burton felt that this moment deserved to be commemorated with this gold and diamond set, which made Elizabeth's heart "beat like a castanet".
Prince of Wales brooch
"Sold!"
Elizabeth and the Duchess of Windsor were old friends, their bond dating back to when the Burtons visited the Duke and Duchess in Paris. Feelings mingled with adrenaline when the brooch was put up for auction: it was the first time Elizabeth had ever bid, and emotions overwhelmed her. But her children were by her side, encouraging her, and when the hammer fell, her heart leaped: she had won!
The daisy suite, by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1990-1993
As the winner of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 65th Academy Awards in 1993, the self-described "energetic" activist for causes such as the fight against HIV/AIDS borrowed this daisy suite from Van Cleef & Arpels to wear. And, as was natural for her, she bought it.
Dame earrings, by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1999
"First a rebel, now a Dame!"
For Elizabeth, who was born in England but raised largely in the United States, receiving the title of Dame was an honor of the highest order – even if she had to rely on her distinguished colleague, Julie Andrews, to remind her when to curtsy and other details of protocol. As Elizabeth later said with enthusiasm: "First a rebel , now a DAME!"
Jewelry with history, an eternal legacy
In 2011, after the actress's death, her collection was auctioned by Christie's, bringing in a record sum of over 115 million dollars. The pieces were sought after by collectors from around the world, confirming once again that Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry was not just accessories, but artifacts of inestimable historical and emotional value.
Elizabeth Taylor was not only a star of cinema, but also a queen of jewelry, a woman who understood that every gemstone has its own story. Today, these treasures continue to fascinate, just as her mesmerizing gaze enchanted entire generations. As she herself said: "Gemstones are forever, just like true love". And what a love story it was between Elizabeth Taylor and her jewelry.
"I feel that I am merely a custodian of my jewelry. When I leave, and they end up at auction, I hope that those who buy them will give them a truly good home." – Liz Taylor
Which of the jewelry pieces presented caught your attention? I admit that the story of the La Peregrina pearl has always impressed me! If you like, leave us a short comment with your favorite.
