Elizabeth Taylor’s Exquisite Jewelry Collection to Shine in Upcoming Exhibition

Elizabeth Taylor is known for her many achievements as an actress, but she was also a renowned collector of fine jewelry. Her collection, which includes some of the most exquisite and valuable pieces in the world, will soon be featured in an upcoming exhibition. I had the privilege of speaking with Sarah Burton, curator of the exhibition and a close friend of Taylor’s, to learn more about this extraordinary collection.

Burton started by sharing how Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair with jewelry began. “Elizabeth always had a fascination with beautiful things,” she said. “But it wasn’t until her first marriage to Conrad Hilton Jr. that she truly discovered her passion for jewelry.” Hilton showered her with extravagant gifts, including stunning diamond necklaces and bracelets.

However, it was during her tumultuous relationship with Richard Burton that Taylor’s collection truly flourished. The couple’s passionate love affair captured public attention worldwide, and Burton often expressed his affection through lavish gifts. One iconic piece from this time is the Krupp Diamond ring – a 33-carat Asscher-cut diamond that became one of Taylor’s most treasured possessions.

“The Krupp Diamond has become synonymous with Elizabeth,” Burton shared. “It symbolized their intense love and commitment to each other.” This particular piece gained even more significance when Taylor wore it while accepting her Academy Award for Best Actress in 1967.

Taylor’s collection isn’t limited to diamonds alone; she also had a penchant for colored gemstones. Among these treasures is the famous La Peregrina pearl necklace – one of the largest pearls ever discovered – which was gifted to Taylor by Richard Burton on Valentine’s Day in 1969.

“The La Peregrina is a natural wonder,” explained Burton enthusiastically. “It has been owned by several European royals throughout history before finding its way into Elizabeth’s hands.” The necklace features not only the legendary pear-shaped pearl but also stunning rubies and diamonds in an intricate design, making it a truly exceptional piece.

Another remarkable colored gemstone in Taylor’s collection is the Taj Mahal Diamond pendant. Given to her by Burton as a gift for her 40th birthday, this heart-shaped diamond pendant features an inscription of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal – the names of the couple who inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal itself.

“Elizabeth treasured this piece because it represented romance and eternal love,” said Burton. “She wore it often and loved sharing stories about its history.” The Taj Mahal Diamond pendant perfectly encapsulates Taylor’s passion for jewelry that carried meaning beyond mere adornment.

Apart from these famous pieces, Taylor’s collection also includes numerous other extraordinary items. From rare emerald necklaces to exquisite sapphire earrings, each piece reflects her impeccable taste and appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

Burton emphasized how important it was to Elizabeth that she personally selected every item in her collection. “She was involved in every aspect of acquiring jewelry,” she explained. “Elizabeth would spend hours researching stones, meeting with jewelers, and ensuring that each piece met her high standards.”

Taylor’s love for jewelry extended beyond personal adornment; she also had a deep appreciation for historical pieces and created several collections inspired by different eras. One notable example is her Byzantine-inspired collection featuring intricate goldwork adorned with colorful gemstones.

“The Byzantine period fascinated Elizabeth,” shared Burton. “She marveled at its opulence and wanted to capture that same grandeur in her own designs.” This particular collection showcases Taylor’s creativity as not only a collector but also as a designer.

As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Burton what she hoped visitors would take away from seeing Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection firsthand. She replied thoughtfully: “I hope they will see not just beautiful pieces but also the story behind them – the love affairs, adventures, and memories associated with each one.”

Indeed, Taylor’s jewelry collection is a testament to her extraordinary life and the profound emotional connections she had with each piece. It is a rare opportunity for jewelry enthusiasts and fans alike to get an up-close look at these magnificent treasures that once adorned one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.