Elizabeth Taylor was known for many things: her unforgettable violet eyes, her powerful performances on screen, and a glamorous life that fascinated the world for decades. Yet beyond Hollywood fame, she held another passion that became almost as legendary as her acting career—her extraordinary jewelry collection.
To Taylor, these pieces were never just accessories. She often described them as living history, objects that carried the emotions, stories, and legacy of the people who had owned them before. Rather than treating jewelry as simple luxury, she saw herself as what she once called a “temporary custodian,” someone responsible for preserving treasures that would eventually continue their journey through time.
Over the years, Taylor assembled one of the most remarkable private jewelry collections ever known. After her passing, the pieces were auctioned by Christie’s in 2011, generating an astonishing $116 million and setting multiple world records in the process. The sale confirmed what collectors and historians already believed: Elizabeth Taylor had curated a collection that rivaled those of royalty.
Among the most famous gems she owned was the Krupp Diamond, later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. This remarkable 33.19-carat diamond was a rare Type IIa stone, known for its exceptional clarity and brilliance. Given to her by actor Richard Burton in 1968, the diamond quickly became one of Taylor’s favorite pieces. Unlike many collectors who reserved such jewels for special occasions, Taylor wore it frequently—sometimes even while doing everyday activities. She famously joked that she would wear the massive ring while eating a hamburger, delighting in the contrast between extraordinary luxury and ordinary life.
Yet the diamond was only one chapter in her remarkable collection.
Perhaps the most historically significant piece Taylor owned was La Peregrina, one of the most famous pearls in the world. Discovered in the 16th century, the pear-shaped pearl had passed through centuries of royal ownership, including Spanish monarchs and Queen Mary I of England, also known as Mary Tudor. Its name, meaning “The Pilgrim” or “The Wanderer,” perfectly reflected the pearl’s long journey through European history.
Richard Burton purchased the pearl for Taylor in 1969, recognizing her fascination with pieces that carried deep historical meaning. She later had the pearl set into an elaborate necklace designed by Cartier, surrounded by diamonds and rubies, transforming the ancient gem into a breathtaking centerpiece.
La Peregrina also became part of one of Taylor’s most charming stories. One evening at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the pearl suddenly went missing. Panic set in as the actress searched her suite, fearing the priceless jewel had been lost forever. Eventually, she discovered the pearl in an unexpected place—inside the mouth of one of her puppies, which had apparently been chewing on it like a toy.
Despite the close call, the pearl survived unharmed and remained one of the treasures she cherished most.
Stories like that illustrate why Taylor believed jewelry carried emotional significance far beyond its financial value. Each stone marked a memory: a gift from someone she loved, a moment in her life, or a connection to history itself.
When her collection finally went to auction, the world watched with fascination as collectors competed for pieces that had once belonged to one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. The final total of $116 million reflected not only the rarity of the jewels but also the enduring allure of Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy.
For Taylor, the beauty of these stones was never just about sparkle. They were silent witnesses to centuries of human history—and, for a time, they were part of her own remarkable story.