VARIOUS: A portion of Elizabeth Taylor's extensive collection of jewels go on display in West Hollywood, California as part of their international tour before they will be auctioned off in December

Record ID: 764103

  • Title: VARIOUS: A portion of Elizabeth Taylor's extensive collection of jewels go on display in West Hollywood, California as part of their international tour before they will be auctioned off in December
  • Date: 11th October 2011
  • Summary: WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 10, 2011) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF ENTRANCE TO THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR COLLECTION PREVIEW AT THE PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR COLLECTION GALLERY VARIOUS OF 'THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR' DIAMOND, GIVEN TO TAYLOR BY RICHARD BURTON VARIOUS OF 'LA PEREGRINA' PEARL NECKLACE VARIOUS OF 'THE TAJ MAHAL DIAMOND' NECKLACE (S
  • Embargoed: 26th October 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Arts
  • Reuters ID: LVA5OXMJYIECCZ3H8QGTY6FHGGDH
  • Story Text: 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.
    "What these exhibitions have revealed to the world is that she was a collector of the first order in terms of her jewelry and her couture and people weren't really aware of how fine these collection were," said Christie's America chairman, Marc Porter.
    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, Hong Kong ahead of the four day auction in New York from December 13-16.
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