Elizabeth Taylor, A Real Jewel

Considered one of the most beautiful women of the world. 

Elizabeth Taylor - February 27,  1932 - March 23, 2011

Often married, infamous for breaking up a marriage for a great love, Elizabeth Taylor lived life to the fullest in many ways.  Her passing this year has brought renewed interest in her life and loves, but one area in particular has drawn international attention.  Her extensive jewellery collection, estimated at $30 million.  Christie's will be auctioning off her jewellery in New York this December, but in the meantime the collection will be making its way around on an eight-city tour. (Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Moscow and Paris)

What strikes me about this collection is the meaning behind so much of it.  She received pieces to commemorate big moments and loves in her life and let's face it there were a lot.  Here are a few of the most memorable.

The Mike Todd Antique Diamond, circa 1880.

A Gift from Mike Todd in 1957.

The BVLGARI Emerald Suite. 

Gifts from Richard Burton from 1962-1967

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, or Krupp Diamond of 33.19 carats D Color, Potentially Internally Flawless.

 A Gift from Richard Burton on May 16, 1968

La Peregrina – The Legendary Pearl 16th Century Pearl Ruby and Diamond Necklace designed by Elizabeth Taylor, with Al Durante of Cartier.

A Gift from Richard Burton on January 23, 1969.

Images from Christies.

Here are just a few more key pieces from the collection.

An 8.24-carat ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.

A Christmas gift from Richard Burton, 1968.

Mike Todd Chandelier Earrings

They were originally purchased in Paris and included paste diamonds, but Mike Todd had them replaced with real diamonds since she loved the earrings so much, 1959

Cartier Ruby Suite

A gift from Mike Todd, 1957

In honour of Liz tonight we're going to watch "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof  - 1958

American drama film directed by Richard Brooks. It is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Tennessee Williams adapted by Richard Brooks and James Poe. One of the top-ten box office hits of 1958, the film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives.

Although the film did not win any Academy Awards, it received several nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor (Newman), Best Actress (Taylor), and Best Director (Brooks). The film also received nominations for Best Cinematography, Color (William Daniels), and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.

Elizabeth Taylor’s husband Mike Todd died in a plane crash while this movie was being filmed.  A plane Elizabeth Taylor would have been on if she hadn’t become ill and decided to skip the event they were flying to.  Everyone on the plane was killed.

Excerpted from Wikipedia

Elizabeth Taylor as “Maggie the Cat” in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof