Record Breaking Jewelry Moments Worthy of Olympic Gold

Christie’s employees taking phone bids during The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor auction at Christie’s New York. Photo credit: Christie’s

As the 2012 London Summer Olympics winds down, it got me thinking about some of the great moments in history as it pertains to jewelry, gemstones and precious metals. Wealth and power throughout time has often been measured in the ownership of the most valuable and desirable adornment. Often the stories of precious ornaments ran alongside the rise and fall of kingdoms. Below is just short listing of some of the milestone moments. Please feel free to add more.

* The Most Valuable Sale of Jewelry in Auction History. “The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor” auction held at Christie’s New York in December 2011. Following a worldwide tour and a 10-day exhibition at Christie’s New York, the two-day sale of Ms. Taylor’s jewelry took in approximately $137.2 million. The opening night jewelry sale (December 13) alone set seven world auction records for some of the most important jewels in the world, including:

La Peregrina. Photo credit: Christie's

- The World Auction Record for a Pearl Jewel. “La Peregrina,” one of the most famous pearls in the world with a history that spans 500 years, on a necklace designed by Cartier for Taylor, sold for $11.8 million. It is believed to have been found by an African slave on the coast of the isle of Santa Margarita in the Gulf of Panama in the mid-16th Century or as early as the 15th Century. This pear-shaped pearl of 203 grains in size—equivalent to 55 cts.—became part of the crown jewels of Spain. Prince Philip II of Spain gave it as a wedding gift to his wife, Mary Tudor of England. It was passed on to the Spanish queens Margarita and Isabel, who wore the pearl in 17th century portraits painted by Velázquez. Richard Burton famously purchased the pearl for Elizabeth Taylor at auction in 1969 for $37,000, after successfully outbidding a member of the Spanish Royal family. Burton gave the pearl to Taylor on Jan. 23, 1969. Inspired by a 16th century portrait of Mary Queen of Scots, who wore it as a pendant to a brooch, Taylor commissioned Cartier to design a new mount of matched natural pearls and rubies, designed by Al Durante.

Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. Photo credit: Christie's

- The World Auction Record for a Colorless Diamond Per Carat. The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond (also known as the Burton-Taylor Diamond). The 33.19-carat Asscher-cut D color potentially flawless diamond sold for more than $8.8 million, or $265,697 per carat. The 33.19-ct., D color, potentially internally flawless diamond mounted on a ring was a gift from Richard Burton on May 16, 1968. The most iconic of her cherished white diamonds, it became the ring Ms. Taylor wore almost every day. The Type IIa diamond was purchased at auction for $300,000 in 1968 as the Krupp diamond. It is also known as the Taylor-Burton diamond.

Taj Mahal Diamond. Photo credit: Christie's

- The World Auction Record for an Indian Jewel. The heart-shaped Taj Mahal Diamond that sold for more than $8.8 million. Inscribed with the name Nur Jahan, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahangir, this heart-shaped diamond is believed to have been a gift from the ruler to his son, who became the great emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666). At the age of 35, it is believed that the young prince presented the diamond to his favorite and most beloved wife, Mumtaz-i-Mahal. The emperor’s grief at her death just four years later was legendary—in her memory he commissioned the majestic Taj Mahal. Richard Burton gave it to Ms. Taylor in 1972 for her 40th birthday.

Joseph Asscher Photo credit: Royal Asscher

* The World’s Largest Rough Diamond. The 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond uncovered in 1907 by Frederick Wells at the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa. Wells presented the diamond to Sir Thomas Cullinan, who owned the mine. Cullinan then sold the diamond to the Transvaal provincial government, which presented the stone to Britain's King Edward VII entrusted the cutting of the Cullinan to Joseph Asscher, head of the Asscher Diamond Company of Amsterdam. Asscher studied the stone for six months before attempting the cut. Legend has it that on his first attempt, the steel blade broke, with no effect on the diamond. On the second attempt, the diamond shattered exactly as planned; Asscher then fainted from nervous exhaustion. Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher of America and sixth generation heir to the family business, says her family has their own spin on the story: “We always say that he did not faint. He drank too much champagne (after cutting the diamond) and then he fainted.”

"Star of Africa I," or "Cullinan I" Photo credit: Royal Asscher

* The World’s Largest Cut Diamond. The Cullinan was later cut into nine large stones and about 100 smaller ones. The largest stone is called the "Star of Africa I," or "Cullinan I," and at 530 carats, it is the largest-cut fine-quality colorless diamond in the world. The second largest stone, the "Star of Africa II" or "Cullinan II," is 317 carats. Both of these stones, as well as the "Cullinan III," are on display in the Tower of London with Britain's other crown jewels; the Cullinan I is mounted in the British Sovereign's Royal Scepter, while the Cullinan II sits in the Imperial State Crown.

Cullinan I was the largest diamond in the world until 1987. The Golden Jubilee Diamond now has that honor. At 545.67 carats, it outweighs the Cullinan I by 15.37 carats. The yellow-brown diamond in a fire rose cushion cut was purchased from De Beers by a group led by Henry Ho of Thailand and given to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in honor of his 50th coronation anniversary. It is now located in the Royal Thai Palace as part of the crown jewels.

Faberge Siberian aquamarine and diamond brooch was a gift from Tsar Nicholas II to princess Alix of Hesse. They were executed July 17,1918, and she was wearing the jewel right up until the time of her death. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

The World’s Best Story Attached to a Piece of Jewelry. A Siberian aquamarine Fabergé brooch that Russian Tsar Nicholas II gave to princess Alix of Hesse as an engagement gift. I saw this piece at Wartski jewelry antique store in London, best known as the “royal warrant of appointment,” one of a handful of companies that supply goods and services to the British Royal Family. Geoffrey Munn, the store’s managing director Fabergé told the story behind the brooch:

In here we have a Fabergé brooch, a Siberian aquamarine surrounded by diamonds. That’s all we knew for a while. It’s an exemplary aquamarine and it’s of extraordinary color. (women in the group gasp with amazement). I know, I know it’s fabulous. (But) it’s only the beginning of the trouble. Because this really is going to wreck you and you’ll need a stiff drink afterwards. It’s an exemplary aquamarine and it’s a Siberian one and they don’t really come in that color unless they do come from Siberia.… The story of this is really quite awe inspiring because the color blue in the lore of lapidary stones stands for love and then there’s sort of the interlock of two lives with diamonds forever. And that’s all we knew for a very long time until my colleague sent off the number to Russia and back came the provenance and it said that it was bought by the Supreme Autocrat of all the Russias—a pretty hot title—and there’s a note beside it saying it was the engagement present from (Russian Tsar) Nicholas II to princess Alix of Hesse. And that is sort of stratospheric. But then what happens later is even more heartbreaking because when they were taken to prison in Siberia (during the Bolshevik Revolution), they went to a place called The House of Special Purpose—a very menacing title—and you know what happens next but this (the jewel) was with her just before she was taken to the basement and riddled with gunfire. It was confiscated and it isn’t actually open to debate because it was a civil service theft and so they made an inventory of what they’ve taken from her and they photographed it on the table so you don’t hear any fanciful stories. I think possibly that’s as far as jewelry will ever take you.

Tsarevna Swan

* Most Diamonds Set on a Single Ring. Could this be an object that will hold a history of its own? The “Tsarevna Swan,” a tall, highly stylized 18k white gold ring set a Guinness World Record for having the most cut diamonds on a ring: 2,525. It was unveiled in 2011 by the Lobortas Classic Jewellery House of Kiev, Ukraine. Regardless of whether this will capture the imagination of future generations of jewelry collectors, it is a great accomplishment.

As I mentioned, you are welcome add anything that I have missed.

The Clark Pink Diamond Sells for Record $15.7 Million

The 9-ct. Belle Epoque cushion-cut, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond ring from the estate of Huguette M. Clark sold for $15.7 million.

NEW YORK — A 9-carat pink diamond from the estate of Huguette M. Clark sold for more than $15.7 million, after intense, competitive bidding that led to an eruption of applause on the crowded auction floor at Christie’s Tuesday. It is the most valuable pink diamond ever sold in the United States at auction, according to the auction house.

The Belle Epoque cushion-cut, fancy vivid purplish pink diamond, known as “The Clark Pink,” was estimated to fetch $6 to $8 million. Clark, one of the last heiresses of America’s Gilded Age, died in May, 2011, at the age of 104. Her collection of 12 lots drew intense intentional attention because she lived a reclusive life in her later years and her jewels were believed to have been kept in a vault unseen since the 1940s.

The entire collection, which included picture frames, a clock, an American flag lapel and jewelry pieces by Cartier and Tiffany, took in a total of $20.8 million against a presale estimate of $9 million. Other significant items from the estate sale included:

* A 19.86-carat rectangular-cut diamond ring by Cartier that sold for $3.1 million;
* An Art Deco diamond bracelet by Cartier that sold for $578,500; and
* A ruby, sapphire, emerald and gold bracelet by Tiffany & Co. that sold for $266,500.

More images of the Clark estate jewelry can be found by following this link.

The collection was part of Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale Tuesday that had 305 lots that included signature jewels, items from several estates and serious diamonds. It took in a total $70.7 million, with 95 percent of the items sold by lot and 97 percent of the estimated price realized.

More on other significant sales from the auction later today.

A Peek Inside Christie's Elizabeth Taylor Exhibition

Christie's recreates Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry room for the exhibition.

At noon Saturday, the general public will have its first opportunity to view the entire collection of Elizabeth Taylor that will go on auction at Christie’s New York headquarters beginning December 13.

Three outfits worn by Taylor during her Cleopatra days.

Parts of the collection of jewelry, couture, memorabilia, household items and art have been on a world tour. New York is the last stop on the tour prior to the four-day sale. In addition to the live auction, 950 pieces from the collection of more than 2,000 items will be made available in a separate online auction that begins today and will conclude on the same dates as the live auction. All lots will be offered without reserve.

Mike Todd diamond tiara

“All of the items on the online auction have an opening bid of $50,” said Erin McAndrew, head of Communications, Christie’s Americas, who led me through the exhibition Friday. "This allows everyone to participate.”

La Pérégrina -- The Legendary Pearl.

The exhibition ends December 12. This will be the last opportunity to see one of the greatest private collections of jewelry, memorabilia and fashion ever amassed. Tickets are still available and can only be purchased online on Christie’s website.

Cartier ruby and diamond suite and Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring. The Cartier pieces were given to Taylor by Mike Todd and the 8.24-carat ruby and diamond ring was a gift from Richard Burton.

For those who have purchased their tickets to the exhibition at Christies Rockefeller Plaza headquarters here’s what to expect.

Wedding dress for first marriage to Richard Burton.

First of all, it’s the first time that Christie’s entire sale and exhibition space will be dedicated to an auction from a private collection. It’s a museum-quality exhibition.

Night of the Iguana brooch by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co.

The first portion of the space is a hallway dedicated to Taylor’s relationship with Andy Warhol. It includes a lithograph portrait of Taylor and a sketch of lips by the artist. Both were gifts for Taylor. Between them is a thank you note from Taylor to Warhol.

A collection of colorful jewelry pieces organized by Christie's.

On the other side of the passageway there’s a recreation of Taylor’s jewelry closet in her dressing room. Yes, she had a separate room for her jewelry. The original boxes for each piece of jewelry are situated on individual shelves. “Notice all the red boxes,” McAndrew said. “She loved Cartier.” In addition, several boxes were marked with the names of those who gave her the pieces.

A collection of Taylor's watches in a single display case.

Right before entering the main exhibition rooms there are three dresses that were worn by Taylor, two flank each end of the display and one is lifted from the ground with the mannequin’s arms extended. It’s quite a dramatic scene and leads to the first room which is filled with several of Taylor’s signature jewelry pieces.

The Taj Mahal Diamond, Circa 1627 -- 28 with gold and ruby chain by Cartier.

It includes La Peregrina, the pearl, ruby and diamond necklace centered with a 203-grain pear-shaped pearl discovered in the 16th Century as its centerpiece. Taylor and Al Durante of Cartier designed the piece. A collection of diamond and ruby jewelry, including necklace, earrings and bracelet set that was a gift from director Mike Todd, Taylor’s third husband. In the same case is an 8.24-carat ruby and diamond ring that was a Christmas gift from Richard Burton, Taylor’s fifth husband who she married twice. And there are signature sapphires and emerald pieces, many gifts from her husbands that were worn on special occasions, such as the diamond tiara, which she wore to the 1957 Academy Awards, where Todd’s film, Around the World in 80 Days, won for Best Picture.

A room in the exhibition is dedicated to Taylor's acting career, personal life and her humanitarian causes.

From there it became a blur of sparkle as jewelry dominates much of the exhibition. Bulgari, Boucheron, Cartier, JAR, Schlumberger, Tiffany and Van Cleef & Arpels and many more internationally renowned jewelry brands are well represented. It was clear from her collection that Taylor loved colored gems as much as she loved colorless diamonds.

Bob Dylan publicity poster with poem to Taylor.

There’s the 33-carat diamond Asscher Cut diamond ring that was a gift from Richard Burton. It was the ring she wore nearly everyday. The Vacheron Constantin watch and monkey necklace that were gifts from Michael Jackson are included in the exhibit. Then there’s the magnificent Taj Mahal diamond, which comes with a love story nearly four centuries old.

Taylor's handbags are exhibited in a replica of her accessories closet.

Of course, there’s more than jewelry. There’s memorabilia, such as bound copies of movie scripts, a collection of director’s chairs she used during her films and a book she wrote as a child, titled Nibbles and Me. One of the more unusual items is a publicity poster of Bob Dylan, inscribed what could only be described as a love poem to Taylor.

Couture outfits spanning more than 50 years from some of the world's most renowned fashion designers in a dedicated space.

There are her poster collections, furnishings, decorative accessories and a recreation of her accessories closet (yes, she had one of those, too) with shelves filled with designer handbags.

Then there are the outfits—from every major designer spanning more than 50 years of fashion. They are scattered at different areas of the two-story exhibition space but the bulk of her major couture items are located in a dedicated room on the second floor, exhibited in chronological order.

Taylor also had an impressive collection of important old master’s, impressionist and modern art paintings that includes works by Van Gogh, Piassaro and Rembrandt. These paintings while available to view at the exhibition will be sold at a separate auction at Christie’s London in February.

Near the end of the exhibition there’s a room dedicated to Taylor’s life as an actress, an icon and as a humanitarian. It should be noted that a portion of all proceeds from the auction, catalog and related sales will go toward the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

By any measure Elizabeth Taylor lived an extraordinary life and the exhibit is a statement on how she lived. The gifts she received and items she bought for herself were basic and extravagant. She was all American and a contemporary in the way she purchased. She loved things that were big and bold and she never seemed to have enough. However, she also had European and international taste in fashion and design. Her collection shows that when it came to style she was extremely knowledgeable, passionate and compulsive. This collection represents a life well spent. Christie’s presentation of the exhibit makes it seem as if her life’s work was complete.

It’s almost a shame that these items will soon be separated. 

Flaming Yellow 32-Ct. Diamond Sells for $6.5 Million at Auction

A rare vivid yellow, 32.77-ct.diamond sold for more than $6.5 million at Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels auction held Tuesday. The golden yellow hue of the pear-shaped gem is so intense and so deep that the Gemological Institute of America ranks it among the rarest of gemstones in its class.

The unmounted diamond, about the size of a guitar pick, was the top lot of Christie’s first major jewelry sale of the fall season. The auction fetched $46.6 million with 83 percent sold by lot and 93 percent by value.

“Despite recent volatility in the financial markets, the jewelry world continues to hold strong with active participation from top private collectors and members of the trade for superb gems and jewels,” said Rahul Kadakia, head of Jewelry at Christie’s New York. “At $201,000 per ct., the 32.77-ct. Vivid yellow diamond achieved a sensational price.”

Diamonds of all colors stole the show at Christie’s Rockefeller Plaza flagship, but there were some fine jewelry pieces that caught the attention of buyers. Top sellers include:

An oval-cut D color, potentially flawless diamond ring of 25.74 cts. by Graff sold for nearly $3.9 million.

 

A modified pear-shaped 3.21-cts., fancy vivid blue VS2 diamond sold for more than $2.7 million.

A rectangular-cut D color VS1 diamond ring of 20.43 cts., by Cartier, 1940, fetched $2.1 million.

A pear-shaped fancy purplish pink internally flawless diamond ring, of 8.20 cts., by Tiffany & Co. sold for more than $2 million, exceeding auction estimates.

 

A diamond line necklace of fifty-seven graduated pear-shaped D-color diamonds, weighing a total of 123.22 cts.sold for more than $1.4 million, shattering its estimate of $600,000 - $800,000. 

An 11.05-ct., pear-shaped D color, potentially internally flawless diamond fetched more than $1.3 million. 

An 11.11-ct., cushion-cut D color, potentially internally flawless diamond sold for nearly $1.4 million, exceeding auction estimates.

A natural pearl and diamond necklace of forty-nine graduated natural pearls sold for more than $1 million.

An Art Deco diamond and multi-gem "Tutti Frutti" bracelet, by Cartier, circa 1930, topped estimates, selling for $962,500.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Legendary Jewels May Fetch More Than $30M

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond

Elizabeth Taylor amassed one of the greatest private jewelry collections in the world during her long, colorful life. A total of 269 of her personal jewels are going on sale on December 13 and 14 as part of the four-day “Collection of Elizabeth Taylor” auction at Christie’s New York.

On December 13, the international auction house will present 80 of Taylor’s most iconic jewels in a special evening sale, followed by 189 additional jewels in two sale sessions on December 14. The jewels include Taylor’s most iconic diamonds, gemstones, historic jewels, and one-of-a-kind creations, as well as personal mementos and beloved gifts. Christie’s estimates this collection of storied jewels will bring in more than $30 million.

“This is without a doubt the greatest private collection of jewelry ever assembled in one place,”
said Marc Porter, chairman and president of Christie's Americas.

“Elizabeth Taylor’s passion for jewelry was well known, but it is her depth of knowledge about fine jewelry that truly impresses,” added François Curiel, international jewelry director and president of Christie's Asia. “From the first time I met her in 1998, it was clear that she possessed an expert’s eye for craftsmanship, rarity, quality and history.

The collection includes examples from Bulgari, Boucheron, Cartier, JAR, Schlumberger, Tiffany and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Select highlights from the Elizabeth Taylor’s collection of magnificent jewels will go on a three-month global tour this month, starting with a public exhibition at GUM on Moscow’s Red Square on September 15, followed by public exhibitions of collection highlights in London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva, Paris and Hong Kong. In December, the tour will culminate in a special ten-day exhibition of the complete collection at Christie’s New York.

The complete catalogs of the Evening and Day sale sessions of The Legendary Jewels will be available for purchase in October, Christies said. Further details of Elizabeth Taylor’s collections of fashion and accessories, fine and decorative arts, film memorabilia, and other items will be announced in the coming weeks.

Jewels that will be on sale include:

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond
The 33.19-ct., D color, potentially internally flawless diamond (top photo) mounted on a ring was a gift from Richard Burton on May 16, 1968. The most iconic of her cherished white diamonds, this spectacular stone was a constant in Elizabeth Taylor’s life and became the ring she wore virtually every day. The Type IIa diamond was purchased at auction for $300,000 in 1968 as the Krupp diamond. Christie’s and the trustees of her estate have renamed it The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond to pay homage to its owner.
The auction estimate is $2.5 million to $3.5 million.


La Pérégrina – The Legendary Pearl
This remarkable pearl of 203 grains in size—equivalent to 55 cts.—ranks as one of the most important historic pearls in the world. Discovered in the early 1500s in the Gulf of Panama, the pear-shaped pearl became part of the crown jewels of Spain. Prince Philip II of Spain gave it as a wedding gift to his wife, Mary Tudor of England, and it later passed on to the Spanish queens Margarita and Isabel, who proudly wore the pearl in 17th century portraits painted by Velázquez himself. Richard Burton famously purchased the pearl for Elizabeth Taylor at auction in 1969 for $37,000, after successfully outbidding a member of the Spanish Royal family. Burton gave the pearl to Taylor on Jan. 23, 1969. Inspired by a 16th century portrait of Mary Queen of Scots, Taylor commissioned Cartier to design a new mount of matched natural pearls and rubies. It was designed by Taylor with Al Durante of Cartier to offset what she called “the most perfect pearl in the world.”
Estimate: $2 million to $3 million

The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara
An Antique Diamond Tiara, circa 1880
As noted in her 2002 book My Love Affair With Jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor’s husband theater and film producer Mike Todd presented her with this antique diamond tiara, circa. 1880, saying, “You are my queen.” She wore it to the Academy Awards in Los Angeles in 1957, where Todd’s film Around the World in 80 Days won for Best Picture.
Estimate: $60,000- $80,000

The Ping Pong Diamond Rings
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor both loved Ping-Pong. At home in Gstaad on one occasion, Burton promised Taylor a diamond if she could win 10 points against him. She did, and to keep his end of the bargain he gave her three small diamond rings, dubbed “The Ping Pong Diamonds.”
Estimate: $5,000-7,000

BVLGARI Emerald and Diamond Suite
Collected over the course of many repeat trips to the Bulgari boutique on the Via Condotti in Rome (1962 – 1967), the jewels that make up this suite were keepsakes from the filming of Cleopatra.
Necklace estimate: $1million – $1.5 million
Pendant estimate: $500,000 – $700,000
Ring estimate: $600,000 - $800,000
Bracelet estimate: $300,000 – $500,000
Earrings estimate: $150,000- $200,000

Cartier Ruby and Diamond Suite
Gift from Mike Todd, August 1957
During her marriage to producer Mike Todd, Elizabeth Taylor was swimming laps in the pool at their villa in St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in 1957 when he surprised her with a trio of Cartier boxes containing this suite of ruby jewels.
Necklace Estimate: $200,000 – $300,000
Bracelet Estimate: $150,000 – $200,000
Earrings Estimate: $80,000 – $120,000

Richard Burton Ruby and Diamond Ring
The 8.24-carat ring by Van Cleef & Arpels was a gift from Richard Burton, given to Taylor at Christmas, 1968.
Estimate: $1 million – $1.5 million

The BVLGARI Sapphire Sautoir
Set with a sugarloaf cabochon sapphire of 52.72 carats, this Art Deco style sautoir from Bulgari was a gift from Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday in 1972. She later added the ring to make it a set.
Sapphire and Diamond Sautoir estimate: $600,000 to $800,000.

JAR Sapphire ‘Ball’ Ear Clips
Purchased in Paris, December 2001
Taylor had her finger on the pulse of contemporary jewelry design. This set of sapphires ear clips was custom-designed by the celebrated jewelry designer Joel Arthur Rosenthal (known by his initials JAR) who maintains a small, appointment-only boutique on the Place Vendôme in Paris. For these special earrings, JAR incorporated varying shades of sapphires to evoke the elusive hue of her eyes. It was purchased in December 2001.
Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000

The Prince of Wales Brooch, circa 1935
Formerly owned by the Duchess of Windsor, this sparkling diamond pin in the form of the three feathers from the royal insignia of the Prince of Wales was originally a gift from the Duke to the Duchess. As an acquaintance of the royal couple, Taylor had admired the brooch whenever she saw the Duchess wearing it, but turned down the latter’s generous offer to let her make a copy of it. Years later, after the Duchess died and her estate was brought to auction, Taylor purchased it at auction in April, 1987.
Estimate: $400,000 – 600,000

The Taj Mahal Diamond, Circa 1627 – 28 with Gold and Ruby Chain by Cartier
Inscribed with the name Nur Jahan, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahangir, this heart-shaped diamond is believed to have been a gift from the ruler to his son, who became the great emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666). At the age of 35, it is believed that the young prince presented the diamond to his favorite and most beloved wife, Mumtaz-i-Mahal. The emperor’s grief at her death just four years later was legendary – in her memory he commissioned the majestic Taj Mahal . Richard Burton was captivated by the history and significance of this special diamond, and gave it to Elizabeth in 1972 for her 40th birthday.
Estimate: $300,000 – $500,000

Night of the Iguana Brooch by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co.
More catfish in form than iguana, the serpentine jewel was fashioned of diamonds and gold, with emerald and sapphire accents. It was a gift from Richard Burton to Taylor on August 11, 1964, to wear on the premiere of his film, “The Night of the Iguana.”
Estimate: $200,000 – $300,000

The Edith Head Necklace
The gold necklace with ivory opera passes, circa 18th and 19th centuries, was a gift to Taylor from the Estate of Edith Head, a costume designer and very close friend of Taylor.
Estimate: $1,500 – $2,000

Charm Bracelet
This gold bracelet of 20 charms includes an engraved clapperboard commemorating “The Taming of the Shrew,” a gold jeweler’s loupe inscribed with Elizabeth’s name, and a gold sphere locket that opens to reveal four medallions—each one engraved with the names and birth dates of each of her four children.
Estimate: $25,000 – $35,000

The Burton Wedding Bands
These diamond-set wedding bands were given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton upon their marriages in 1964 in Montreal and in 1975, on the occasion of their second marriage in Botswana.
Estimate: $6,000 – 8,000

The ‘Granny’ Suite Necklace
To mark the birth of her first grandchild in 1971 at the age of 39, Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor this lion-themed necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels. It’s part of set with matching ear pendants (not shown) that will also be included in the auction.
Necklace estimate: $120,000 – $180,000

The ‘Cleopatra’ Mirror
The turquoise and gold Egyptian revival motif mirror was created by Bulgari in 1962 at the time the epic film Cleopatra, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, was finishing production in Rome.
Estimate: $8,000- $12,000

Elizabeth Taylor’s Aids Foundation to Benefit from Christie’s Jewelry Auction

Elizabeth Taylor’s larger-than-life acting career and her remarkable life will be represented in a four day auction of her jewels, fashion, accessories, decorative arts and memorabilia by Christie’s New York . At least two of the days will be devoted to her stunning jewelry collection.

Prior to the sale there will be a worldwide three-month tour of her possessions ending with a 10-day museum-quality exhibition at Christie’s headquarters in New York. In keeping with Taylor’s life-long devotion to humanitarian causes, Christie’s said that a portion of the money generated by exhibition admissions, events and publications related to the auction of the sale will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Founded in 1991, ETAF provides funding to AIDS service organizations throughout the world to assist those living with HIV and AIDS.

The auction will be held December 13-16. The international tour will begin in September and include stops in Moscow, London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva, Paris and Hong Kong. The tour will culminate in New York with the exhibition to be held December 3-12. Christie’s New York will devote its entire Rockefeller Center gallery space to the public exhibition and sales, which the international auction house said should draw several thousand visitors each day.

“The global tour and exhibition of her collection at Christie’s will be a window into the world of a true icon, a rare woman who was at once an international film and fashion star, loving mother, successful businesswoman, and generous humanitarian,” said Marc Porter, chairman and president of Christie’s Americas. “This collection of her many cherished possessions will bring us closer to the essence of Elizabeth Taylor’s unique spirit, and promises to inspire admiration, delight, and at times, sheer wonder, in all who come to see it.” The New York exhibition and auction details are as follows:

The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor                       December 3 – 12
The Legendary Jewels, Evening Sale                  December 13
Jewelry (Sessions II & III)                                   December 14
The Icon and her Haute Couture, Evening Sale     December 14
Fashion and Accessories (Sessions II, III & IV)    December 15
Fine and Decorative Art & Film Memorabilia,        December 16
including costumes