Elizabeth Taylor Bedazzled and Bigger then Life.

The Taj Mahal Diamond

The Taj Mahal Diamond, an Indian diamond and jade pendant necklace with a later ruby and gold chain designed by Cartier, was a gift from Richard Burton on the occasion of Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday. This historic jewel soared above its pre-sale estimate of $300,000-500,000 to achieve $8,818,500 (£5,643,840 /€6,790,245) – a record price for any Indian jewel at auction.

A heart-shaped Taj Mahal Diamond, which came with a pre-action estimate of $300,000-$500,000, went to a representative of a Korean hotel conglomerate for $8.8 million. The original owner was believed to be Emperor Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, according to People magazine.







The Cartier Ruby Suite

- A suite of ruby and diamond jewelry by Cartier

- Gift from Mike Todd, August 1957

- Necklace estimate: $200,000 to $300,000

- Bracelet estimate: $150,000 to $200,000

- Earrings estimate: $80,000 to $120,000

















The BVLGARI Emerald Suite

- A suite of emerald and diamond jewelry by BVLGARI

- Gifts from Richard Burton, from 1962 to 1967

- Necklace estimate: $1 million to $1.5 million

- Pendant estimate: $500,000 to $700,000

- Ring estimate: $600,000 to $800,000

- Bracelet estimate: $300,000 to $500,000

- Earrings estimate: $150,000 to $200,000









La Pérégrina – The Legendary Pearl

- Features an early 16th century 203-grain pearl, once part of the crown jewels of Spain

- Now part of a Cartier-designed necklace with matched pearl and rubies

- The pearl was a gift from Burton, Jan. 23, 1969

- Estimate: $2 million to $3 million

A ruby diamond necklace known as "La Peregrina" shattered records as it went under the hammer for $11,842,500. Burton had purchased the necklace for $37,000 in 1969 as a Valentine's gift, the Associated Press reported. The previous record at Christie's New York, was $7,096,000 for the sale of the Baroda Pearls.

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond

- 33.19 carats, D-color, potentially internally flawless

- Gift from husband Richard Burton, May 16, 1968

- Estimate: $2.5 million to $3.5 million

- This was the ring that Taylor wore every day. It was purchased at auction for $300,000 in 1968 as the Krupp Diamond

Another highlight of the event was Taylor's 33.19-carat diamond ring, also given to her by her two-time husband. It was bought by a private buyer from Asia for $8,181,500, according to a Christie's spokesperson, the AP reported.