I've always admitted that I'm ruled by my passions.
~Elizabeth Taylor
I heard some time ago, that at some point Christie's would be touring some of Elizabeth Taylor's collection of art, jewelry and costumes before auctioning them off for charity. I must say I was hoping to see her incredible collection of paintings (her father was an art dealer so she knew her stuff) but for the most part, what came to Los Angeles last weekend was a pretty amazing sampling of her jewelry and clothing.
Here is a sampling from the exhibit which they held at MOCA at the Pacific Design Center last weekend ...
Up the stairway to the exhibit, photos of Elizabeth in all her gorgeous glory ...
Amethyst, kunzite and diamond "Triphanes" jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Versace jacket. Cute with jeans, eh?
Coral, amethyst and diamond Dodecanese bracelets by Van Cleef and Arpel
The Taj Mahal Diamond (circa 1627-1628.)
This, below, was by far my favorite piece in the exhibition, partly because of it's romantic history. It belonged to Emperor Shah Jahangir, who had the heart shaped diamond inscribed with his wife's name "Nur Jahan." He passed the stone on to his son, Shah Jahan. He was the one who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz, who died in childbirth. It's incredibly beautiful and so unique, and Cartier made the gold and ruby cord replacing and replicating the original silk one it was on. It was given to Elizabeth by Richard Burton for her 40th birthday.
I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine.
You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it.
~Elizabeth Taylor
Art Nouveau Butterfly Brooch by Boucheron, ca. 1905
Opal and aquamarine butterfly, extending blue and green plique-a`-jour emamel wings
with rubies, emeralds and gold wirework. Isn't it so pretty?
And I thought my charm bracelet was heavy! These were incredible and the charms were huge!
Her Oscar for Butterfield 8, borrowed for the exhibition. (It's against the rules to hawk your Oscar!)
She called it her sympathy Oscar because she won it after almost dying in the hospital.
Chiffon Chanel ball gown and cape she wore at the Royal Film Performance of Taming of the Shrew with Richard Burton ...
A bound copy of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof! Loved this. Would have loved, even more, to look inside and see what notes were in the margins!
This necklace, made of opera tokins (circa 18th & 19th centuries), was such a fun piece! It was a gift to Elizabeth from the famous costume designer Edith Head.
"La Peregrina"~ The Legendary Pearl. Richard Burton had the whole Cartier designed necklace below made for it (that big pearl drop on the bottom.) It was once from the Spanish crown jewels in the early 16th century and is a 203-grain pearl. We were told by this guy who was there and called himself a "jewelry geek" that the brooch is detachable and you can attach the pearl directly to the choker. You know, depending on your outfit. ;)
Estimate: 2-3 million, if you are interested.
Christian Dior taffeta evening dress with silk coat ...
The tiara was a gift from her husband Mike Todd. (circa 1880, given to Taylor in 1957) After she wore it, many a gal decided she could pull off the tiara look, but you know, unless your a bride, a homecoming princess or actual royalty? Tough to pull off.
In this video you can see a clip of her in the tiara.
Iconic Warhol image ...
There are hundreds of costume jewelry pieces that are going to be auctioned as well. One guy said that some pieces might go for a hundred bucks! Hard to believe but what do I know?
The Taylor Burton Diamond was also on display. 33.19 carats (estimated 3 million bucks.) You know, just a little bauble. I know I posted this YouTube video before, but it continues to crack me up! Just make sure you get to 3 minutes 10 seconds ... Hilarious!!!
Big girls need big diamonds.
~Elizabeth Taylor
for tour information, click here
Have a fantastic weekend!!!
