Introduction
When it comes to celebrity gemstone collections, no name shines brighter than Elizabeth Taylor. Beyond her fame as a Hollywood actress and fashion icon, Taylor was also the ultimate jewelry connoisseur. Among her many prized possessions, her emerald and diamond collection—primarily crafted by Bulgari—remains one of the most celebrated gemstones sets of all time.
This gemstone-focused blog explores the origins, craftsmanship, and lasting legacy of Elizabeth Taylor’s emerald and diamond jewels, and why they are considered some of the most iconic pieces in the world of high jewelry.
The Hollywood Star with a Passion for Gemstones
Elizabeth Taylor’s love for gemstones was legendary. From sapphires and rubies to the famed La Peregrina pearl, her collection rivaled that of royalty. Yet, emeralds held a special place in her heart.
Emeralds are known for their deep green color, symbolic of renewal, passion, and eternal love. Taylor’s emeralds—most of them Colombian in origin—stood out not just for their size but for their exceptional clarity and rarity. These were not just accessories; they were museum-worthy gemstones set into extraordinary designs.
The Bulgari Love Story: Emeralds & Diamonds
The story of Taylor’s emerald and diamond collection begins in Rome during the filming of Cleopatra in the early 1960s. Her co-star and lover, Richard Burton, was captivated by her obsession with Bulgari’s boutique on Via dei Condotti.
It was there that Burton began gifting Taylor what would become her emerald and diamond suite—a symbol of their fiery romance. The couple’s love affair became as famous as the jewels themselves, cementing their place in jewelry history.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Emerald & Diamond Collection
Each piece in the collection was centered around step-cut Colombian emeralds, framed with brilliant and pear-shaped diamonds in platinum and gold. Let’s look at the highlights:
1. Bulgari Emerald Brooch (1962)
The first jewel Burton gave Taylor—a rectangular step-cut emerald surrounded by pear-shaped diamonds. This brooch doubled as the pendant for her necklace, making it one of the most versatile jewels in her collection.
2. Emerald & Diamond Necklace
The centerpiece of the collection: 16 graduated square and rectangular Colombian emeralds, each bordered with diamonds. The detachable brooch sat at the center, creating a striking pendant. Considered one of Bulgari’s finest creations of the era, this necklace epitomized emerald luxury.
3. Emerald & Diamond Earrings
Taylor’s earrings were bold yet balanced—each a square-cut emerald surrounded by diamonds. Together with the necklace, they created a regal emerald parure worthy of royalty.
4. Emerald & Diamond Bracelet
This bracelet showcased perfectly matched square-cut emeralds, accented with diamonds. It was designed for wearability while maintaining the grandeur of the set.
5. Emerald & Diamond Ring
Completing the suite was a ring featuring a rectangular-cut Colombian emerald, haloed with diamonds. This ring was often photographed on Taylor’s hand, becoming one of her signature jewels.
Emeralds: The Gem of Love & Power
Elizabeth Taylor’s preference for emeralds wasn’t just aesthetic—it reflected the symbolic power of the stone.
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Symbolism: Emeralds have been revered for centuries as stones of passion, protection, and abundance.
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Origin: Most of Taylor’s emeralds were Colombian, sourced from the famed Muzo mines, known for producing some of the world’s deepest, most saturated greens.
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Rarity: Fine Colombian emeralds are rarer than diamonds of equivalent size, making Taylor’s matched suite even more extraordinary.
Her collection not only highlighted Bulgari’s craftsmanship but also educated the world about the value and rarity of fine emeralds.
Public Appearances: Glamour in Emerald Green
Taylor didn’t hide her gemstones in safes—she wore them boldly. Whether at film premieres, award ceremonies, or private gatherings, her emerald necklace and brooch became part of her public persona.
Images from the 1960s capture Taylor draped in emeralds, her violet eyes gleaming against the deep green glow of the stones. She made gemstones glamorous and accessible, inspiring a generation of women to embrace bold, colorful jewelry.
The Christie’s Auction: A Record-Breaking Sale
After Elizabeth Taylor’s passing in 2011, her jewelry went under the hammer at Christie’s New York. Collectors, gem dealers, and museums competed fiercely for her emerald and diamond suite.
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Emerald & diamond brooch: $6.6 million
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Emerald & diamond necklace: $6.1 million
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Emerald & diamond earrings: $3.2 million
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Emerald & diamond bracelet: $4 million
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Emerald & diamond ring: $3.3 million
Together, the collection achieved over $24 million, far surpassing estimates. These results proved the dual value of Taylor’s jewels: their intrinsic gemstone quality and their unmatched provenance.
Legacy: Why Elizabeth Taylor’s Emeralds Still Matter
Taylor’s emerald and diamond collection represents more than just luxury jewelry—it symbolizes the eternal connection between gemstones and storytelling.
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For collectors: It highlighted how provenance and personal history enhance the value of gemstones.
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For jewelers: Bulgari’s emerald suite remains a benchmark for design and craftsmanship.
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For gemstone lovers: It reinforced emeralds as one of the most desirable colored stones, combining rarity, beauty, and symbolism.
Even today, the collection is studied in gemology circles and continues to inspire high jewelry creations around the world.
Final Thoughts
Elizabeth Taylor’s emerald and diamond collection is not just about jewelry—it’s about the power of gemstones to capture love, history, and identity. Each emerald in her suite told a story of romance, passion, and Hollywood glamour, making the collection one of the most significant in modern history.
From the Bulgari boutique in Rome to the record-breaking Christie’s auction, these emeralds have traveled through time, carrying with them the sparkle of Elizabeth Taylor herself.
For gemstone enthusiasts and collectors, her emeralds are a timeless reminder that while diamonds may be forever, emeralds carry the soul of love and legacy.