Elizabeth Taylor: Her Legacy and Love Affair with Jewels
From the dazzling crown gifted by Mike Todd to the legendary Shah Jahan Diamond, discover how Taylor's iconic jewelry pieces became symbols of love, luxury, and Hollywood glamour.
Elizabeth Taylor was not only one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood history, but she was also a passionate and discerning collector of jewels. The actress's relationship with diamonds, pearls, and precious gems is as legendary as her dazzling career. But for Taylor, these jewels were not just baubles; they were symbols of love, power, and history—woven into her own life story with each glittering piece. From her unforgettable love affairs to the extraordinary gifts from the men in her life, Elizabeth’s jewels became as much a part of her narrative as her films.
The Sparkling Legacy of Elizabeth Taylor's Jewels
Liz Taylor's fascination with jewelry began at an early age, and her connection to gems was deeply personal. For her, jewelry was more than just an accessory; it was an integral part of her identity. Throughout her life, she developed an enduring love for precious stones, each piece symbolizing a different moment in her personal journey. Her jewels became not only objects of beauty but personal treasures that defined her style and life.
However, it was her relationship with her third husband, film producer Mike Todd, that truly cemented her status as one of the world’s most legendary jewel collectors. Their love story—and the extraordinary gifts Todd lavished on her—would leave an indelible mark on her life and her collection.
Mike Todd’s Sparkling Tokens of Love
Among all the memorable moments of Elizabeth Taylor’s life, the gifts from her third husband, film producer Mike Todd, were among the most extravagant—and meaningful. Todd, whom Taylor often called her "true soulmate," was not just a lover but a provider of priceless symbols of his affection.
One of the most iconic gifts Todd gave her was a dazzling diamond tiara from Cartier, which he presented after Taylor expressed displeasure with a recent haircut. Todd, always attuned to her needs, wanted to lift her spirits and restore her glamour. The tiara was no ordinary piece of jewelry; it was a stunning diamond-encrusted creation that added a touch of royalty to her everyday life. Taylor wore it proudly to the 1957 Oscars, where Todd’s film Around the World in 80 Days won Best Picture. The tiara became a symbol of both their love and her rising stature in Hollywood.
Taylor cherished the tiara for decades, wearing it on special occasions and keeping it as a token of Todd’s adoration. After her death in 2011, the tiara was sold at Christie’s in a historic auction, fetching a staggering $4,226,500—more than four times its pre-auction estimate of $60,000–$80,000. The proceeds from the sale, along with other portions of Taylor's estate, went to support AIDS research, reflecting her lifelong commitment to philanthropy.
But, the tiara was not the only breathtaking piece Todd gave her. He also gifted her a spectacular ruby and diamond necklace, earrings, and bracelet from Cartier while the couple was on vacation in August 1957 at the Villa Fiorentina, located in the glamorous Saint Jean Cap Ferrat on the Cote d'Azur. The rubies, vivid and striking, were a perfect representation of Todd’s fiery love for Taylor. The moment of the gift was captured on film by a friend, providing a rare, intimate glimpse into their lives. In the 20-second clip, Taylor, pregnant with their only child Liza Todd, radiant in the Mediterranean sun, is seen wearing the jewels as Todd lovingly places the necklace around her neck, while a playful Eddie Fisher can be seen in the background by the pool. The filmed moment, along with the film stills, has since become a timeless memory of their passionate romance.
These gifts—both the crown and the rubies—were more than just expressions of wealth; they were tangible manifestations of Todd’s deep affection for Taylor and their shared life together. The jewels she received from him became integral parts of her legacy, encapsulating her love story with Todd, a love that would forever be remembered through the brilliance of the gems he bestowed upon her.
The Peregrina Pearl: A Gift for the Ages
Perhaps one of the most famous and storied pieces of jewelry in Elizabeth Taylor’s collection was the Peregrina Pearl, a rare and historic treasure that has an intriguing history of its own. Taylor first encountered this remarkable gem in 1969, when her then-husband, Richard Burton, purchased the pearl for her as a Valentine’s Day gift. The Peregrina was not just any pearl—it was one of the most famous pearls in the world, with a storied history that stretched back centuries.
Originally discovered by the Spanish in the early 1500s, the Peregrina was owned by European royalty, including Queen Mary I of England, and eventually passed through the hands of kings, queens, and noblemen. By the time it came into Burton’s hands, it had already been seen in some of the most regal and powerful courts in the world. But it wasn’t just the history that made the Peregrina so special; it was the pearl’s stunning beauty. It was large, perfectly round, and an opalescent white, set against a diamond necklace designed by the famous jewelry house Cartier.
After Burton gifted her the pearl, Taylor left the room to admire it in the mirror. But just twenty minutes later, she frantically returned, exclaiming that she had lost it. In a bit of a panic, she and her friend Ward Landrigan, a jewelry expert from Sotheby’s who had helped Burton purchase the pearl, searched the room together. After combing the pink shag carpet, Landrigan noticed one of Taylor’s beloved Lhasa Apsos under the furniture, making a suspicious crunching sound. Realizing what had happened, he called Taylor over, and, gently coaxing the dog to open its mouth, Taylor recovered the precious pearl. Miraculously, it had only a few tiny scratches, a close call that added a bit of legend to the piece.
Afterwards, Taylor commissioned Cartier to design an elaborate diamond-and-ruby necklace, showcasing the Peregrina in a regal setting that matched its rich history. This new necklace became one of Taylor’s most iconic pieces and remained in her collection until her death. Elizabeth Taylor wore the La Peregrina pearl in the 1969 film, Anne of the Thousand Days. The pearl was a fitting debut for the movie, which starred Richard Burton as King Henry VIII. Taylor also wore the pearl in the 1972 film, A Mirror Crack’d, where it added a layer of elegance to her character’s looka Christie’s auction in 2011, the Peregrina sold for an astounding $11.8 million, cementing its place as one of the most famous jewels in history.
The Peregrina’s near-miss with Taylor’s dog was not the first time it had gone missing; in fact, this famous pearl had previously been lost in a sofa at Windsor Castle and in the bridal train at a family wedding. Yet for Taylor, this episode only made the gem more beloved, blending a storied past with a personal memory that added another layer to her vibrant, glamorous life.
The Peregrina Pearl, like many of Taylor’s jewels, became an extension of her personality—elegant yet accessible, with a rich history and a touch of unpredictability. It was not just a piece of jewelry; it was a reminder of the love and drama she shared with Burton, as well as her ability to laugh at life’s little surprises, no matter how glamorous or chaotic.Taylor often wore the Peregrina to high-profile events, with the pear-shaped pearl draped elegantly around her neck, reminding the world of her unyielding glamour and opulence. It was a piece that would continue to define her image, showing that Taylor was not only a leading lady of the silver screen but a woman who understood the power of jewels as expressions of personality and style.
The Shah Jahan Diamond: A Royal Legacy
Yet perhaps the most extraordinary jewel in Elizabeth Taylor’s collection was the Shah Jahan diamond, a rare and breathtaking piece that would be forever linked to her. The Shah Jahan diamond, which once belonged to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was part of Taylor’s rich and complex history of collecting jewelry that spanned the centuries and the globe.
The diamond was rumored to have been part of a collection of jewels owned by Shah Jahan, the ruler who commissioned the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Though the exact history of the Shah Jahan diamond is murky, its beauty is indisputable. Weighing in at 56 carats, the diamond was a massive, pear-shaped stone, set in an intricate design with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Taylor's acquisition of the diamond was a rare and historic moment in itself, marking a unique connection to both the world of royal opulence and the golden age of Hollywood glamour.
When Richard Burton bought the Shah Jahan diamond for Taylor in 1972, the act was nothing short of legendary. It was one of the most expensive jewels ever purchased at the time, and its acquisition made headlines across the world. While the pair waited for a connecting flight, Cartier delivered the pendant along with a custom gold and ruby chain, designed to replace its original worn white silk cord. Though they previewed it at the airport, Richard decided to wait for a more special moment to present the jewel. He officially gifted it to Elizabeth during her 40th birthday celebration in Budapest, creating a moment far more suited to the pendant's grandeur. I would have liked to buy the Taj Mahal for Elizabeth,” joked Burton, “but it would have cost too much to transport.”
Taylor, ever the passionate lover of rare and beautiful things, was enraptured by the diamond’s mystique. She often wore it to high-profile events, and its dazzling display was the epitome of luxury and wealth.
However, due to the diamond’s enormous value, strict insurance policy and the security risks it posed, Taylor often chose not to wear the real Shah Jahan Diamond much at all. Instead, she frequently wore a replica created by Avon, which was much more affordable, easier to insure, and far less of a security risk. The Avon replica was so strikingly similar to the original that it still conveyed the aura of grandeur and luxury Taylor sought. While the Shah Jahan Diamond remained one of the most famous jewels she owned, the Avon copy allowed her to wear a glittering version of it without the fear of losing or damaging the original. This decision reflects Taylor’s practical yet glamorous approach to jewelry—always enjoying the beauty of the pieces she loved, but mindful of the complexities of owning such high-value treasures.
Bvlgari Sapphire Necklace
The Bulgari Sapphire Necklace, given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton for her 40th birthday (yes along with the Shah Jahan necklace too) features a stunning 52.72-carat Burmese sapphire surrounded by diamonds. The gem is considered exceptionally rare, with jewelry expert Lorraine Schwartz commenting that such a sapphire is nearly impossible to find today. This exquisite piece was part of an even more lavish birthday gift that also included the Shah Jahan Diamond necklace, adding to the opulence of the occasion.
The Bulgari Sapphire Necklace quickly became one of Elizabeth Taylor’s signature pieces, celebrated for its striking beauty and rare quality. It not only exemplified her love for bold, exceptional jewelry but also symbolized her romantic connection to Richard Burton. The necklace, along with the Shah Jahan Diamond necklace, marked a high point in their lavish relationship, becoming part of a collection that captivated the world and reinforced Taylor’s status as a true style icon.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond
The Taylor-Burton Diamond, a legendary 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond, became one of Elizabeth Taylor's most recognizable jewels. Initially purchased by Richard Burton from Cartier in 1969, he first gifted it to Taylor as a ring. However, Taylor quickly realized that the diamond’s considerable size made it difficult to wear comfortably on her hand. To enhance both its beauty and practicality, she had it transformed into a necklace, allowing her to showcase the diamond in a way that balanced its weight and elegance.
The diamond's transformation into a pendant turned it into an iconic statement piece. Taylor wore the dazzling necklace on many high-profile occasions, including Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday, where its brilliance captivated guests. This change from ring to necklace not only enhanced its presence but also made it more wearable, highlighting Taylor's discerning eye for both style and comfort in her jewelry choices.
Bvlgari Emerald Suite
Burton acquired the set after frequent visits to Bulgari’s boutique in Rome from 1962 to 1967. Reflecting on their shared passions, he once quipped, “I introduced Liz to beer, and she introduced me to BVLGARI.”
A Collector of Love and History
Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair with jewels was as celebrated as her Hollywood career, with pieces in her collection as iconic as the star herself. For Taylor, jewelry was far more than just an adornment—it was a means of expression, a statement of her love, her passion, and her unrelenting devotion to the art of living. Through her marriage to Mike Todd, her turbulent yet passionate union with Richard Burton, and her many other relationships, her jewels served as the most visible markers of her extraordinary life. They told stories of love, wealth, and heartache; they became symbols of a woman who never shied away from living life to its fullest. From the dazzling Peregrina Pearl given by Richard Burton, to the Shah Jahan Diamond and the Taylor-Burton Diamond, her jewels represented chapters in her life, each piece with its own story of passion and extravagance. Taylor famously described herself as a “guardian” of these jewels in an interview with Barbara Walters, viewing her role as one of preservation for treasures of such historical and cultural significance.
In the end, Elizabeth Taylor's jewels are more than just precious stones and metals. They are artifacts of a star who lived with abandon, whose love for life, love, and beauty shone as brightly as the jewels she wore. Her collection remains one of the most iconic assemblages of jewelry ever owned by a single person—proof that for Elizabeth Taylor, the brilliance of her diamonds and pearls was matched only by the brilliance of her extraordinary life.
Where Are Taylor’s Jewels Now?
Following her passing, Taylor’s unparalleled jewelry collection was auctioned at Christie’s in 2011, drawing global attention. Key pieces, such as the Peregrina Pearl, which sold for $11.8 million, and the Mike Todd diamond tiara, which fetched over $4 million, set records and underscored her jewels’ enduring allure. Today, much of her collection is held by private collectors worldwide, yet her legacy remains; each gem a testament to the timeless glamour and fascinating life of Elizabeth Taylor.
