A new jewellery collection inspired by the legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor has been launched, offering a fresh take on her iconic pieces. Brilliant Earth, a brand renowned for its ethically sourced fine jewellery, has teamed up with House of Taylor, the estate-authorised brand that manages Taylor’s legacy, to create the Brilliant Earth x Elizabeth Taylor Collection.
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This 17-piece assortment draws on Taylor’s renowned love for exquisite jewellery, an obsession that was reflected in her personal collection, which sold for over $137 million at a Christie’s auction in 2011. The new collection, which ranges in price from £995 to £15,000, aims to make her statement-making designs accessible to a modern audience, with the majority of items priced under £2,500.
The collection features three distinct styles: Golden Era, which showcases sculptural yellow gold and mixed diamond cuts; Gardenia, known for its floral settings adorned with vivid lab-grown rubies; and Classic Nouveau, which combines tonal gemstones with minimalist designs. Utilising lab-grown diamonds alongside sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and spinels, the collection aims to merge environmental consideration with the glamour that Taylor embodied.
According to Pam Catlett, the Chief Brand Officer at Brilliant Earth, the collaboration allows for a celebration of Taylor’s personal style. Rather than merely reproducing her famous looks, the design team delved into Taylor’s extensive archives and consulted those close to her to reflect her appreciation for craftsmanship and the art of design. “We were keen to illuminate her,” said Catlett, capturing Taylor’s multifaceted identity as an actress, activist, philanthropist, and more.
The connection between the new collection and Taylor herself was highlighted at a special event held at Brilliant Earth’s Beverly Hills showroom on October 28. The occasion featured more than 35 items from her personal collection, including film costumes, awards, and rare keepsakes. Among those recounting tales of Taylor was Tim Mendelson, her long-time executive assistant, who shared personal anecdotes about the significance of the jewels in her life.
Mendelson explained that for Taylor, jewellery was not just about aesthetic appeal or monetary value but rather a celebration of life and love. He noted that she often considered jewellery as a way to commemorate treasured moments and the deceased. For instance, the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, gifted by Richard Burton, was a piece she wore daily, highlighting its profound personal connection.
Reflecting on the archive pieces, Mendelson noted that they encapsulated aspects of Taylor’s life that the public may not have been aware of. He shared an unforgettable memory of Taylor’s insistence on celebrating her title as a Dame of the British Empire with custom-made replicas of her awards, which she wished to wear at every opportunity.
Taylor’s extensive collection included a myriad of pieces, revealing the emotional connections she forged with many items over her lifetime. Mendelson recounted a heart-shaped pendant gifted to Taylor by her late husband, Mike Todd, which she wore on various significant occasions. The pendant represents a tangible link to her cherished memories, revealing how her jewels intertwined with her most meaningful life events.
Furthermore, Taylor’s selection process for jewellery at events varied; she might design an outfit specifically to complement a particular piece. Notably, during the 1992 Oscars, she wore a necklace and earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels to accept her Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, illustrating her appreciation for both glamour and meaningful moments.
The collection not only encompasses Taylor’s love for extravagance but also demonstrates her everyday style. While she was celebrated for her diamonds, she also valued simple pieces, such as her gold bangles, and symbols of her diverse background, displaying a genuine affection for jewellery with spiritual significance.
As new generations discover her remarkable style through this collection, Mendelson believes it aligns perfectly with Taylor’s wishes. She had an intention that her pieces would continue to be appreciated and cherished. “It is fundamentally in her spirit that we are doing this collection with Brilliant Earth,” he remarked, indicating her desire for her legacy to endure through those inspired by her.
The Brilliant Earth x Elizabeth Taylor Collection is a homage to an actress whose life was as rich with stories as the jewels she cherished. It serves as both an invitation for new admirers to explore Taylor’s legacy and a reminder of a woman whose passion for jewellery transcended its physical beauty.
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