Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Auction Achieves a Record $115.9 Million

By Erika W.

The Crown Jewels of Hollywood Break Auction Records

Christie’s Evening Sale of Elizabeth Taylor’s most notable jewels broke auction records achieving a total of $115,932,000 making it the most valuable jewelry auction in history. Each lot sold by 100%, and 24 of 80 jewels fetched over $1 million while 7 new world auction records were established.

Top lot, La Pérégrina, a 16th century pearl suspended from a Cartier pearl, ruby and diamond necklace, set two world auction records. The legendary pearl sold for $11.8 million, which is the highest price ever paid for a pearl jewel and a historic pearl at auction.

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond sold for $8.8 million setting a new auction record as the highest price paid per carat for a colorless diamond. The diamond sold to a private Asian buyer.

The Taj Mahal diamond necklace broke auction records by selling for $8.8 million, which is the highest price ever paid for an Indian jewel at auction.

The 18.26 carat Bulgari brooch pendant sold for $6.6 million, the highest price paid for an emerald jewel. The 8.24 carat Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring given to Ms. Taylor by Richard Burton sold for $4.2 million, setting a record per carat price for a ruby at auction. A pair of natural pearl ear pendants by Bulgari set a new record price or $1.9 million, the highest price paid for natural pearl earrings.

Visit Christie’s for a complete list of results from Tuesday’s Evening Sale.

The auction was just the first of a series of four sales (including an online only sale) devoted to the star’s vast collections of jewelry, clothing, art and memorabilia.

La Pérégrina – The Legendary Pearl

La Peregrina Pearl Necklace sold for $11.8 million at Christie's Auction of Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry

La Pérégrina broke auction records selling for $11.8 million at Christie’s Evening Sale. Visit Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry: Part One for detailed images and information.

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond Sold for $8.8 million at Christie's Evening Sale

The 33.19ct Elizabeth Taylor Diamond sold for $8.8 million or $265,697 per carat achieving a new record per carat price for a colorless diamond. The stone is graded D color with potential IF clarity.

The Taj Mahal Diamond

Taj Mahal Diamond Necklace sold for $8.8 million at Christie's Auction of Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry

The Taj Mahal Diamond necklace sold for $8.8 million setting a new world auction record for the highest price paid for an Indian jewel.

“The extraordinary results of the first jewelry sale are a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor’s expert eye for fine gemstones and jewels, as well as her stature as a legendary star and inspiring philanthropist…I know she would be thrilled that her passion has inspired others through this landmark event,” said François Curiel, International Jewelry Director and President of Christie’s Asia.

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Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Collection – Part Three

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