A two day auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s treasures in New York and London recently completed with sales totalling almost £120 million. This was the collection of a lady who really loved her jewellery with a fine selection of diamonds, pearls and emeralds going to new homes in the UK and the US.

 

Elizabeth Taylor’s collection consisted of artwork, jewellery and fashion and was inspired by her father who was an art dealer in London with a gallery on Old Bond Street. All items in the extensive collection sold, many of which for 50 times their estimated price.

 

Fashion items on auction included a Versace Polychrome Warhol-Inspired Imagery Suit and a Christian Dior gown with matching handbag which sold for a staggering $362,500. Bidders snapped up all 1,778 lots of jewellery, clothing, art-work and film memorabilia.

 

But hardcore jewellery lovers will be delighted to hear that the star buy was the legendary pearl known as 'La Peregrina', which Liz’s husband Richard Burton presented her with in 1969. The stunning pearl, set in a diamond and ruby necklace by Cartier, went for a world record price of £7.6 million. A pair of diamond and pearl earrings by Bulgari and an emerald and diamond necklace by Oscar Heyman and brothers was also part of the fabulous jewellery collection.

 

Marc Porter, chairman of Christie's Americas commented: “It has been an incredible honour for Christie's to present this storied collection to the global collecting community.

 

“From our initial announcement of the collection sales last summer in New York, to the worldwide tour of the collection highlights last fall, to the last rap of the auctioneer's gavel today in London, the global outpouring of affection and admiration for Elizabeth Taylor from fans and collectors alike has been amazing for us to witness.”

 

Do you want to channel the style of one of Hollywood’s most glamorous film stars? Check out the latest Annie Haak Designs collection featuring the Gili Sterling Silver and Pearl Ball necklace, Suka Silver and Pearl Bracelet set, and Silver and Pearl Heart Earrings.