Elizabeth Taylor owned one of the worlds largest collection of jewelry and these pieces have been put into auction at Christies, many of them pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels, who are proud to have played such a significant role in the collection. In total more than 40 pieces of luxury jewelry of the very best from Van Cleef and Arpels will be sold at the auction which will take place on December 13th to 16th in New York. This superb collection includes pieces that were given as gifts to Ms. Talyor by Michael Jackson and Ron Perelman along with designs that she purchased herself. One of the biggest providers of jewelry to be auctioned was Richard Burton. Burton had said that he would find Taylor one of the very best and most perfect rubies in the world and after four years of searching he found the Puertas Ruby at Van Cleef and Arpels. Burton wrote letters in secret to Pierre Arpels from the Palace Hotel which was close to the couples home in Gstaad. Finally in 1968 on Christmas Day he presented Ms. Taylor with the 8.25 carat ruby, diamond and yellow gold ring. The ring is among the stunning collection of jewelry to go to auction in December.

Another beautiful piece of the very best at auction which Burton presented here with was a pendant brooch which featured baguette cut diamonds which were set in platinum in a floral motif. The design was convertible and could be worn as a ring and brooch and was a favourite of Ms. Taylor who would wear it on her pear shaped diamond necklace. Following the premiere of Thats Entertainment the actress was photographed wearing the pendent brooch on this diamond necklace.

Some of the stunning luxury jewelry pieces to go to auction included seven pieces with a very eye catching combination of gems given to her by Richard Burton in 1971. These include the Dodecanese ear clips with the Ibiza Maltese Cross pendent along with coral Panka ear pendants with her Tassel Sautoir. These pieces were all caught on camera when Ms. Taylor wore them at the Carlyle Hotel in 1980. This set of luxury jewelry was also among the pieces which went on view at the Van Cleef and Arpels exhibition in New York City.

Elizabeth Taylor adored some of the very best long necklaces which she could slip on and wear with any outfit and among the collection at auction are several from Van Cleef and Arpels. One of the longest in the auction collection is the yellow gold and onyx design that measures 47 inches.One of the most outstanding features of the film star was her violet eyes and she often wore purple to enhance their color. These eyes were behind the inspiration for Burton to purchase the Triphanes purple necklace and ear pendants of amethyst with diamonds and yellow gold for their ninth anniversary. This again came from the legendary luxury jewelry designer Van Cleef and Arpels and will be included in the auction.

Editorial | Image Courtesy Of Christies