Taylor's diamonds glisten ahead of auction
- 13 years ago
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but for Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor they were a lifelong passion that could now strike gold for the AIDS victims she helped throughout her glamorous life.
Taylor's collection of jewels were on display in West Hollywood, California - part of an international journey around the world - eventually ending in New York, where 269 pieces will be auctioned off - with a portion of the proceeds going to her AIDS foundation.
Among the most jaw-dropping items is the famous 33.19 carat white diamond ring that husband Richard Burton bought for Taylor in 1968, and which she wore almost every day. It is estimated to fetch 2.5 million to 3.5 million dollars.
Less famous but equally dazzling is a 16th century pearl that Taylor helped design as the centerpiece of a ruby and diamond necklace. The pearl was a 1969 gift from Burton - it's valued at 2 million to 3 million dollars.
Then there is the emerald and diamond necklace and pendant that Burton bought for Taylor starting in 1962 when their romance blossomed on the set of "Cleopatra." Pony up potentially 3 million dollars for both lots.
But Burton wasn't the only one to shower Taylor with jewels. An antique diamond tiara from film producer husband Mike Todd is valued at 60,000 - 80,000, while a diamond wristwatch that Michael Jackson gave her as a gift is expected to fetch 300,000 - 500,000 dollars.
The jewelry sale is expected to fetch upwards of 30 million dollars - with another 20 million from the sale of her film memorabilia and wardrobe, which includes many of her iconic gowns.
After California, the exhibit will visit Dubai, Geneva, Paris, and Hong Kong ahead of the four day auction in New York from December 13-16.
Bob Mezan, Reuters.
Taylor's collection of jewels were on display in West Hollywood, California - part of an international journey around the world - eventually ending in New York, where 269 pieces will be auctioned off - with a portion of the proceeds going to her AIDS foundation.
Among the most jaw-dropping items is the famous 33.19 carat white diamond ring that husband Richard Burton bought for Taylor in 1968, and which she wore almost every day. It is estimated to fetch 2.5 million to 3.5 million dollars.
Less famous but equally dazzling is a 16th century pearl that Taylor helped design as the centerpiece of a ruby and diamond necklace. The pearl was a 1969 gift from Burton - it's valued at 2 million to 3 million dollars.
Then there is the emerald and diamond necklace and pendant that Burton bought for Taylor starting in 1962 when their romance blossomed on the set of "Cleopatra." Pony up potentially 3 million dollars for both lots.
But Burton wasn't the only one to shower Taylor with jewels. An antique diamond tiara from film producer husband Mike Todd is valued at 60,000 - 80,000, while a diamond wristwatch that Michael Jackson gave her as a gift is expected to fetch 300,000 - 500,000 dollars.
The jewelry sale is expected to fetch upwards of 30 million dollars - with another 20 million from the sale of her film memorabilia and wardrobe, which includes many of her iconic gowns.
After California, the exhibit will visit Dubai, Geneva, Paris, and Hong Kong ahead of the four day auction in New York from December 13-16.
Bob Mezan, Reuters.