Elizabeth Taylor’s Life in Jewels
“I mean, how many young women get a set of rubies just for doing something wholesome like swimming laps? Or win a diamond ring at ping pong with their husband? Well, I did, and for all of these memories and the people in my life I feel blessed.”
The rubies were Cartier, from Mike Todd. The ring, from a shop in Gstaad, were from Richard Burton. The documentary Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes that recently premiered on HBO is notable for being told through Taylor’s own words, but hers is a life that can also be told through love—and through jewelry.
The record-breaking sale of her collection at Christie’s in 2011 was a kind of diamond-studded biography. Each lot served as a timeline of films made, marriages celebrated, roles won, loves lost. Taylor’s jewelry has always reflected her own strength and beauty. “I’ve never thought of my jewelry as trophies,” said Taylor. “I’m here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty.”
The Christies sale of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry was a landmark, as filled with drama as her own life, and it was one to remember. “When I first got my copy of My Love Affair With Jewelry,” says Christie’s jewelry specialist Claibourne Poindexter, “my world was transformed. I still have the book on my shelf, the spine cracked from reading it hundreds of times and immersing my mind in the glamour and style that is Elizabeth Taylor. When she passed away in 2011, I was bound and determined to go to that auction, despite being in college and years before I myself would come to work for Christie’s. Everything about that evening is something that I will never forget. From lining up at the entrance waiting for the doors to open and everyone getting their assigned seats, to Lot 1, one of her charm bracelets, opening up for sale and seeing 25 auction paddles raised in the air at one time, it still gives me goosebumps to think about. I had been to many auctions before and have been to many since… but there is only one Elizabeth Taylor. It was, and probably will always be, the greatest auction I have ever attended.”
And though it’s difficult to play favorites with a collection so full of pieces that reflect such a storied personal history—as well as actual historic pieces—we asked the jewelry expert to do just that. Here, as we look back on Elizabeth Taylor’s spectacular life once again, is a look back at her spectacular jewels.Below, Poindexter shares his top five (OK, actually six) of Elizabeth Taylor's jewels.
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond
“Certain diamonds possess a charm and quality that captivates not only the wearer, but the people around them. The Elizabeth Taylor diamond was truly a remarkable stone, not only because it belonged to Ms. Taylor, but because it had a true life and fire to it. The fact that it was treasured and worn almost every day by one of the most iconic people of all time just made it that much better. To this day, it remains the world record price per carat for a white diamond, and with good reason.”
The Night of the Iguana Brooch
“I think Schlumberger is perhaps the greatest jewelry designer of the 20thcentury, and this was one of his most fantastical creations. The transparent size and scale make it extraordinary, and the way it was worn, whether pinned to the waist, worn in the hair, or used to hold a scarf in place across the shoulder, just showed the versatility and wearability of this iconic piece of jewelry.”
La Peregrina
“Natural pearls to me always feel magical and otherworldly. They are organic miracles of nature and the skin and shape of the La Peregrina pearl was almost surreal to observe. The long line of famous owners of course always appealed to me and watching this one sell in the sale room and keep going up, and up, and up, and up in price…I will never forget it.”
Ruby and Diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels
“I loved the color of this ruby…it was fire engine red and Ms. Taylor clearly loved it as well. It had tons of tiny little nicks and wear to the facet junctions of the ruby, which is patina that happens over time when something is worn often (as all jewels should be!). If you watch the 1973 film Night Watch, it truly glows on her finger and is worn throughout most of the movie. I also love that Richard Burton just loved giving her gifts and making her happy…this one was given in a Christmas stocking one year.”
Emerald and Diamond Necklace and Pendant Brooch by Bulgari
“When I think Elizabeth Taylor, I think of emeralds. One of the most classic and photographed sets of jewelry of all time these were, in my opinion, her signature jewel. Given as wedding presents by Richard Burton, they were constantly worn throughout the rest of her life. They epitomize the jet set and the glamour of La Dolce Vita in the early ’60s and show the quality of Bulgari jewelry produced and stones acquired during this time period. It just doesn’t get more important for true stone and jewelry lovers."
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