Elizabeth Taylor was not only a celebrated actress and humanitarian, but she was also known for her love of jewelry. Her collection of jewelry is considered one of the most remarkable collections in history, and it has been estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Taylor's passion for jewelry began at a young age, and her collection grew throughout her life, featuring pieces from some of the most renowned jewelry designers in the world.

In this article, we'll explore Elizabeth Taylor's iconic jewelry collection, its significance, and some of the most famous pieces in her collection.

Early Life and Passion for Jewelry

Elizabeth Taylor was born on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead, London, England. Her parents were both Americans, and she grew up in California. Taylor's mother was an art lover, and she introduced her daughter to the world of art and fashion from a young age. Taylor was also interested in fashion and jewelry, and she began collecting jewelry at the age of 16.

Taylor's first piece of jewelry was a diamond and sapphire bracelet that her mother gave her. She wore the bracelet to her first film premiere, and it became a symbol of her passion for jewelry. Throughout her life, Taylor collected a vast array of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Her collection featured pieces from some of the most renowned jewelry designers, including Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

The Significance of Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry Collection

Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection was significant for several reasons. First, her collection was extensive and diverse, featuring pieces from various periods and styles. Taylor's collection showcased the evolution of jewelry design throughout the 20th century, from the Art Deco era to contemporary designs.

Second, Taylor's jewelry collection was valuable, with many pieces worth millions of dollars. Her collection included some of the rarest and most exquisite jewels in the world, including the famous La Peregrina pearl and the Taylor-Burton diamond.

Finally, Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection was significant because of her influence on popular culture. Her love of jewelry and fashion inspired many people around the world, and her jewelry collection became a symbol of glamour and luxury.

Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection included many famous pieces that are now part of jewelry history. In this section, we'll explore some of the most famous pieces in her collection.

La Peregrina Pearl

The La Peregrina pearl is one of the most famous pearls in the world, and it was once part of Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection. The pear-shaped pearl measures approximately 1.5 inches long and 1 inch wide, and it has a unique history.

The La Peregrina pearl was discovered in the 16th century in the Gulf of Panama. It was then owned by a series of European monarchs, including King Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary I of England. In 1969, Richard Burton purchased the La Peregrina pearl for Taylor's 37th birthday. The pearl was then mounted on a necklace designed by Cartier, which included diamonds, rubies, and pearls.

The La Peregrina pearl necklace became one of Taylor's favorite pieces of jewelry, and she wore it to many events. The necklace was sold at auction in 2011 for $11.8 million.

Taylor-Burton Diamond

The Taylor-Burton diamond is another famous piece in Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection. The Taylor-Burton Diamond is a pear-shaped diamond that weighs 68 carats. It was originally part of a rough diamond that weighed 240 carats and was found in the Premier mine in South Africa in 1966. The diamond was purchased by Harry Winston, who spent over a year cutting and polishing it into its current shape.

In 1969, Richard Burton purchased the Taylor-Burton Diamond for Elizabeth Taylor's 40th birthday. The diamond was set in a ring, and Taylor often wore it to events and public appearances. The diamond was so large and impressive that it became one of the most famous diamonds in the world, and it solidified Taylor's status as a Hollywood icon.

In 1978, after Taylor and Burton divorced, Taylor decided to sell the diamond at auction to raise money for a hospital in Botswana. The diamond was sold for $5 million, setting a new record for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction at the time.

The Bulgari Emerald Suite

In 1962, Taylor's husband, Richard Burton, purchased a set of emerald and diamond jewelry from the Italian luxury brand Bulgari. The set included a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and a ring, all featuring emeralds of exceptional quality. The necklace alone contains 16 rectangular-cut emeralds, with the largest weighing over 23 carats.

Taylor was often seen wearing the Bulgari Emerald Suite, and it became one of her most iconic jewelry sets. In 2011, the set was sold at auction for a staggering $24.8 million, setting a new record for the most expensive jewelry sold at auction.

The Krupp Diamond

The Krupp Diamond is a 33.19-carat diamond that was once part of Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection. The diamond was originally owned by Vera Krupp, the wife of German industrialist Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach. In 1968, Richard Burton purchased the diamond for Taylor, and it was mounted on a ring.

Taylor often wore the Krupp Diamond ring in public, and it became one of her signature pieces of jewelry. After Taylor's death, the Krupp Diamond was sold at auction for $8.8 million.

The Taj Mahal Diamond Pendant

The Taj Mahal Diamond is a heart-shaped diamond that weighs 40.23 carats. The diamond was once owned by Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In 1972, Richard Burton purchased the diamond for Taylor's 40th birthday and had it mounted on a gold chain.

Taylor often wore the Taj Mahal Diamond pendant, and it became one of her favorite pieces of jewelry. She once said that wearing the pendant made her feel as if she was wearing a piece of history. The pendant was sold at auction in 2011 for $8.8 million.

The Taylor-Burton Ruby and Diamond Necklace

In 1973, Richard Burton purchased a ruby and diamond necklace for Elizabeth Taylor's birthday. The necklace features a cushion-shaped ruby that weighs over 8 carats, surrounded by diamonds. The necklace was designed by Cartier and is considered one of the most beautiful ruby necklaces ever made.

Taylor often wore the Taylor-Burton Ruby and Diamond Necklace to events, and it became one of her most iconic pieces of jewelry. The necklace was sold at auction in 2011 for $3.7 million.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection is one of the most remarkable collections in history, and it remains an inspiration to many jewelry lovers around the world. 

Taylor's jewelry is a reminder that jewelry is not just about adornment, but it can also tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire creativity. Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection will always be an icon in the world of jewelry, and it will continue to inspire generations to come.