From October 13 to 16, Angelenos can ogle highlights of the vast trove of Taylor's jewelry, fashion, art, movie memorabilia and more that Christie's will be auctioning off in December. The lifetime collection of jewelry from Elizabeth Taylor is going up for auction to help AIDS victims, the Associated Press reported. According to the news agency, 269 of the Hollywood icon’s jewels will be auctioned off in New York with a portion of the proceeds going to her AIDS foundation.
The items on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art's Pacific Design Center represent only a small fraction of the 2,000 lots that will go under the hammer in New York. Before the collection is sold, though, Taylor’s jewelry is taking a trip around the world starting in West Hollywood. Among the items is the famous 33.19 carat white diamond ring Taylor received from husband Richard Burton in 1968. The ring, which she wore nearly every day, is expected to generate 2.5 million to 3.5 million dollars.
Also up for auction is a 16th century pearl, part of a ruby and diamond necklace that Taylor helped to design. The pearl itself was a 1969 gift from Burton, valued at two million to three million dollars. The emerald necklace and pendant Burton bought for Taylor in 1962 is also expected to draw in three million dollars.
Other famous gift givers include Taylor’s film producer husband Mike Todd and Michael Jackson. From Todd, she received an antique diamond tiara expected to draw in $60,000 to $80,000. Jackson’s gift was a diamond wristwatch that is estimated to fetch $300,000 to $500,000. "This is the single most important collection of jewelry ever sold," Marc Porter, president and chairman of Christie's of the Americas, announced at a Monday preview of the exhibition.
