**Taylor Swift Dazzles in Elizabeth Taylor’s Opal Jewellery During Date Night**
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On 16 May 2026, pop sensation Taylor Swift was spotted in a vintage jewellery ensemble that holds a significant place in Hollywood history, previously owned by the late actress Elizabeth Taylor. The star donned a stunning collection crafted from opals and set in 22-karat yellow gold whilst out on a romantic evening with NFL player Travis Kelce at Honey’s cocktail bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The luxurious jewellery suite, which is valued at approximately £125,000, was originally acquired by Taylor in 1999 during a shopping spree in West Hollywood, with her longtime executive assistant Tim Mendelson recounting the story behind the pieces. According to Mendelson, Taylor discovered the unique opals while browsing at a store called Crystalarium. The actress was captivated by the opal’s extraordinary shape, which had formed naturally within a clam.
Elizabeth Taylor, an iconic figure in Hollywood, passed away in 2011 at the age of 79. During her lifetime, she was not only recognised for her illustrious acting career but also for her significant contributions to charity, particularly her advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. Notably, she wore the opal jewellery set during the Project Angel Food Angel Award ceremony in Los Angeles in 1999, where she was commended for her charitable efforts.
Swift’s selection of this jewellery for her date night holds deeper meaning, as she has often cited the actress as a major source of inspiration in her creative work. In a recent interview, Swift spoke about how Taylor’s legacy has influenced her latest album, sharing anecdotes about the actress’s resilience and humanity. She noted, “She fought for artists’ rights and was exploited in so many ways, yet she kept her passion for life.”
The opal ensemble includes chandelier earrings, a ring, and a bracelet, all designed by Darlene De Sedle, and was sold in late 2025 to a sports agent, presumably as a gift for Swift from Kelce. The jewels were later sold at an auction at Christie’s in 2011, fetching a modest £6,000 at the time as part of a larger estate sale that eventually generated over £156 million.
Adding to the historical richness of the evening, Swift also wore an opal necklace designed by Taylor herself, described as a one-of-a-kind diamond and opal starfish pendant. The inspiration for this unique piece came from a starfish gifted to Taylor by her granddaughter. The final design was brought to life by jeweler David Webb, showcasing a diamond starfish set atop an opal clamshell, setting off a distinctive aesthetic that resonates with Taylor’s signature style.
As the evening progressed, Swift’s ensemble and the jewellery’s significance evoked a sense of nostalgia, celebrating the life and legacy of Elizabeth Taylor. Fans admired the pop star’s ability to blend vintage glamour with contemporary flair, all while honouring an artist who paved the way for future generations.
In further interviews, Swift has expressed her admiration for Taylor’s unique presence and captivating beauty, often reminiscing about Taylor’s iconic violet eyes. These sentiments contributed to the development of a song on her latest album, capturing the essence of the actress’s spirit in a contemporary homage.
A former chef to Taylor, Neil Zevnik, shared his belief that the actress would have thoroughly enjoyed Swift’s homage in song, asserting that it might have even led to an invitation to one of Taylor’s beloved holiday gatherings.
As fans continue to celebrate the melding of past and present, Swift’s date night not only highlights a stunning aesthetic choice but also serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of artistry across generations. Taylor Swift, much like Elizabeth Taylor before her, remains an indelible figure in the entertainment world, demonstrating that the legacy of icons continues to inspire and resonate with new audiences.