GREAT WOMEN GREAT DIAMONDS

 

Elizabeth Taylor

"Big girls need big diamonds." - Liz

Bio

As one of the most iconic actresses of the age, Elizabeth Taylor is just as well known for her beauty as her Oscar-winning acting talent. Having been married eight times – twice to the same man – Taylor has accrued one of the most comprehensive and unrivalled personal jewellery collections in the world.

The Jewels

Some of the more note-worthy jewels of Taylor’s incredibly note-worthy and extensive collection include the 33ct Krupp diamond ring, the Taj Mahal heart-shaped yellow diamond necklace and La Peregrina Pearl – all gifts from fifth and sixth husband Richard Burton. Whilst third-husband Mike Todd lavished the actress with an antique diamond tiara and a 29ct diamond ring. However, Taylor’s collection also boasts some of the most iconic and famous jewels ever made. These include the famed Duchess of Windsor diamond brooch and the impressive 69ct pear shaped Taylor-Burton diamond, given to her by her Cleopatra co-star and former husband Burton.

The Krupp Diamond.
Regarded as one of the most flawless diamonds in the world.

Liz wearing the Krupp, photographed with Burton.

The famous 69.42 carat Taylor-Burton Diamond.
Cut by Harry Winston, the diamond was purchased at a Sotheby's auction by Cartier.
Burton then purchased the diamond from Cartier for a record sum.

The Taylor-Burton was then fashioned into a necklace by Cartier, featuring a number of smaller pear-shaped diamonds.

Liz debuted the Taylor-Burton at Princess Grace's 40th birthday bash - the Scorpio Ball in Monte Carlo.

Liz, escorted by Burton, wore the Taylor-Burton to the 1970 Academy Awards.

Quote Unquote
"I have loved jewellery all my life. My mother says I didn't open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was her engagement ring. I was hooked."

"I'm fortunate to have some very important pieces of jewelery. I don't believe I own any of the pieces. I believe that I am their custodian, here to enjoy them, to give them the best treatment in the world, to watch after their safety, and to love them." - Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelery