Hollywood actress and icon Elizabeth Taylor’s sparkling jewel collection was auctioned off last week for a total of nearly $116 million, which is a world record for a private jewelry collection.
Christie’s Americas President Marc Porter told the New York Post, “It’s one of the most extraordinary auctions that Christie’s has ever had and a testament to the affection for Elizabeth Taylor worldwide.”
The jewel collection included rubies, emeralds, one-of-a-kind diamonds and pearls and which in total was comprised of 80 pieces, also called “The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor”.
Most people thought that the big winner of the evening would be the 33.19-carat diamond that Richard Burton gave Taylor and that she wore every day. The diamond ring was sold for $8.8 million. Instead, the big winner was the pearl necklace, called “La Peregrina”, which brought in $11.8 million. When the bidding went over $10 million, applause broke out among the crowd. The pearl is a famous 16ht century pearl and has been included in many artwork for centuries, including paintings by Velazquez. The necklace was set with diamonds and rubies.
Another jewel also sold at the auction was the Taj Mahal diamond, which was a gift from Burton for Taylor’s 40th birthday. This was sold for $8.8 million. The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara was sold for $4.2 million and the ruby and diamond ring that Burton gave Taylor for Christmas in 1968 was sold for $4.2 million.
Have a look at Elizabeth Taylor’s jewel collection below.
Images: Getty images
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It would be a dream to own something of Elizabeth Taylor’s! Those bidders are so lucky!
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