How Much Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Collection Was Worth When She Died — and Where the Jewels Are Now

Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Collection: A Look at Its Worth When She Passed Away and Where the Gems Reside Today

Elizabeth Taylor, an iconic actress, was renowned not only for her talent but also for her extravagant love affair with jewelry. Her collection of precious gems, accumulated over a lifetime, held immense value both monetarily and sentimentally. When Taylor passed away in 2011, the world was curious about the fate of her beloved jewels – a collection that reflected her passion for all things sparkling and exquisite.

Revered for her exquisite taste in jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor’s collection fetched a staggering $137 million at auction following her demise. Her array of jewels included some of the most remarkable pieces in the world, such as a 33-carat diamond ring and a 69-carat pear-shaped diamond gifted by her husband Richard Burton. The allure of these gems was undeniable, attracting both admirers and collectors alike.

One of the standout pieces in Taylor’s collection was the Taylor-Burton diamond, a magnificent 69.42-carat stone that was a lavish gift for her 40th birthday. This exceptional diamond was eventually sold for a reported $5 million, with a portion of the proceeds used to establish a hospital in Botswana, reflecting Taylor’s philanthropic spirit. Richard Burton had acquired the diamond for $1.1 million, further accentuating its significance.

Throughout her life, Elizabeth Taylor was showered with jewels from her husbands, including a 19th-century diamond tiara gifted by Mike Todd, her third husband. This exquisite tiara, with its regal origins, graced Taylor’s presence at the 1957 Oscars, adding to the aura of glamour that surrounded her. Each piece in her collection held a story, a memory, a token of love from those closest to her.

Apart from her affinity for diamonds, Taylor also cherished other gems and trinkets that adorned her collection. She was known for wearing her jewelry with pride, often rearranging them during sleepless nights. Her jewelry was not just accessories but extensions of her personality, each piece reflecting a different facet of her vibrant spirit and impeccable style.

Following her passing, the fate of Elizabeth Taylor’s treasured jewels became a subject of intrigue. Some pieces were reclaimed by esteemed houses like Cartier and Bulgari at the Christie’s estate auction in 2011, while others found their way into private collections. The legacy of these gems continued to captivate enthusiasts and connoisseurs, with their rarity and association with a Hollywood legend adding to their allure.

The dispersal of Taylor’s gems led them to new homes and custodians, each tasked with preserving the legacy of these iconic pieces. The Krupp diamond, later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor diamond, found its way to the Korean conglomerate E-Land group, while the Taylor-Burton diamond is now owned by Robert Mouawad, shrouded in mystery since 1979. These gems continue to evoke fascination and admiration, a testament to Elizabeth Taylor’s enduring charm and elegance.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection was not merely an assortment of precious stones but a reflection of her remarkable legacy. The value of her jewels transcended monetary worth, embodying memories, emotions, and a sense of timeless beauty. As her gems found new homes and admirers, they carried forth a piece of Taylor’s essence, ensuring that her enchanting legacy lives on through the sparkle of every diamond and the gleam of every gem.