NEW YORK (AP) — Elizabeth Taylor dazzled the world with her luminous beauty, lavish lifestyle — and an unquenchable passion for diamonds and jewels that was fueled by the great loves of her life.

The late Hollywood star amassed one of the foremost jewelry collections in the world, including a 33.19-carat diamond ring and a 16th century pear-shaped pearl from one of her seven husbands, Richard Burton.

The Associated Press recently viewed about two dozen of her most iconic pieces at Christie's auction house, which is selling her complete jewelry collection, valued at $30 million, in New York on Dec. 13-14.

"These are the top jewels that Elizabeth Taylor received from the great loves of her life, Mike Todd and Richard Burton," said Christie's jewelry expert Rahul Kadakia. "They're from moments in life that were very dear to her," jewels that were purchased in Bulgari in Rome, at Cartier in New York and at auction.

The stories behind them are as priceless as the gems themselves. In a 2002 memoir, "My Love Affair with Jewelry," Taylor took readers on a personal journey of her collection, describing in her own words how she came to own each piece.

"I never, never thought of my jewelry as trophies," she wrote. "I'm here to take care of them and to love them. . When I die and they go off to auction I hope whoever buys them gives them a really good home."

It's an extraordinary collection of rubies, diamonds, emeralds and sapphires in intricate and bold designs.

Among the standouts is the 16th-century La Peregrina, one of the largest and most symmetrically perfect pear-shaped pearls in the world, which Burton purchased for Taylor in 1969 as a Valentine's Day gift.

The two had met in Italy on the set of the 1963 film "Cleopatra," and married for the first time in 1964.

Once part of the Crown Jewels of Spain, the pearl later passed into the hands of Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon III and the Duke of Abercorn.

When it came up at auction in New York, Burton snapped it up for $37,000, beating out the underbidder, a member of the Spanish Royal family.

Cartier later created a ruby and diamond necklace from which the pearl was suspended, a design that was inspired by the famous Velazquez portraits of Spain's Queen Margarita and Queen Isabel wearing the pearl as a necklace.

It is estimated to fetch $2 million to $3 million.

Taylor, who was married eight times — twice to Burton — died in March at age 79. The couple appeared together in about a dozen films, including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in which Taylor played an alcoholic shrew in an emotionally sadomasochistic marriage.

Burton was enamored of historical pieces, and in 1972 purchased the famous 17th-century Taj Mahal diamond pendant for Taylor's 40th birthday. The transaction took place at John F. Kennedy International Airport because the couple didn't have time to run into the city before catching a plane, said Kadakia.

The heart-shaped diamond is associated with one of history's greatest love stories. It belonged to Emperor Shah Jahangir, who had the diamond inscribed with his wife's name "Nur Jahan." He later passed the stone on to his son, Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz, who died in childbirth.

"I would have liked to buy her the Taj Mahal but it would cost too much to transport," Burton remarked after buying it.

Cartier later recreated the diamond's original silk cord as a gold rope-like necklace set with rubies and diamonds.

The necklace has a pre-sale estimate of $300,000 to $500,000.

"Jewelry was a way of life for Elizabeth Taylor. They were her friends. She enjoyed wearing them and it gave her a lot of pleasure because they reminded her of the great moments in her life, the great places in her life," Kadakia said.

Like the time Taylor's third husband, theater and film producer Mike Todd, presented her with a red leather Cartier box as she sat by the pool at a rented villa in the south of France.

Inside was a ruby necklace, matching earrings and bracelet.

"She was so, so happy that she jumped into the pool wearing all this jewelry and started doing laps," said Kadakia, adding that the pieces will be sold separately.

One of the most extravagant gifts Taylor received from Burton was the asscher-cut 33.19-carat diamond set in a platinum ring. Known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, Kadakia said its size and clarity — "as white as they can be and potentially flawless" makes it a perfect gem.

Burton purchased it in 1968 at a New York auction for $305,000. At the December sale, it's expected to fetch $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

"Elizabeth Taylor used to refer to it as her baby and wore it as much and as often as she could," said Kadakia, including in nearly all her subsequent films.

Among the pieces of jewelry that Taylor purchased for herself was the Duchess of Windsor diamond brooch, which she got at auction for $620,000. Kadakia said she paid a big price for it for two reasons, to remember her friend and because the proceeds were going to a cause dear to her, AIDS research.

The brooch is estimated to bring $400,000 to $600,000.

Eighty of the most iconic pieces will be sold on the evening of Dec. 13. The following day, 189 more gems will be sold. About 500 pieces of Taylor's costume jewelry will be sold online at the same time.

Christie's also will be selling the star's haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion, accessories, 20th-century decorative arts and film memorabilia from her Bel Air home on Dec. 14-16. Details have not been released.

Christie's said the top 80 jewelry pieces will be shipped prior to the auction to Geneva, Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai and Los Angeles; many of them also will be shown in London and Moscow. Serious collectors will be able to try on the jewelry by appointment.

The entire collection will be exhibited from Dec. 3-10 at Christie's New York galleries.

A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition admissions and publications related to the sales will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Proceeds from the auctions will go to Taylor's estate.

Elizabeth Taylor's "The Mike Todd Tiara," estimated at $60,000 - $80,000

Elizabeth Taylor's "The Taj Mahal Diamond," circa 1627 - 1628, on a gold and ruby chain by Cartier, was a gift from Richard Burton for her 40th birthday in 1972.

Elizabeth Taylor's "The Prince of Wales Brooch," estimated at $400,000 - $600,000

Elizabeth Taylor's diamond, emerald and gold "Snake" bracelet watch, by BVLGARI, circa 1961, estimated at $12,000 - $15,000

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond" from her estate, a 33.19 carat, D color, VS1 claity, a gift of Richard Burton, estimated at $2,500,000 - $3,500,000,

Elizabeth Taylor's gold and ivory necklace featuring ivory opera passes, circa 18th and 19th centuries, a gift from the estate of Edith Head, is shown in this photograph at Christie's, in New York, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2001. It is estimated at $1,500 – $2,000.

Elizabeth Taylor's ruby and diamond necklace, a gift of Mike Todd, estimated at $200,000 - $300,000

Part of a Suite of Kunzite, amethyst and diamond “Triphanes” jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels, from Elizabeth Taylor's estate, is shown in this photograph at Christie's, in New York, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2001. It is estimated at $70,000 – $100,000

Elizabeth Taylor's diamond and multi-colored sapphire "Ball" ear clips, from JARS, estimated at $100,000 - $150,000

Elizabeth Taylor's "La Peregrina" is an early 16th century pearl, ruby and diamond necklace by Cartier, that was gift from Richard Burton, is estimated at $2,000,000 - $3,000,000.

Elizabeth Taylor's emerald and diamond necklace and pendant, attached at the bottom, part of a suite by BVLGARI, a gift of Richard Burton,

New York – Christie’s is proud to announce details of the first in a four-day series of landmark sales devoted to the iconic collection of Elizabeth Taylor, the celebrated film star, fashion icon, and humanitarian. On December 13, 2011, Christie’s New York will present 80 of Ms. Taylor’s most iconic jewels in a special Evening Sale, followed by 189 additional jewels in two Day Sale sessions on December 14. Widely celebrated as one of the greatest private collections ever assembled, this dazzling array of jewels includes Elizabeth Taylor’s most iconic diamonds, gemstones, historic jewels, and one-of-a-kind creations, as well as a treasure trove of personal mementos and beloved gifts. The total selection of 269 magnificent jewels from this storied collection is estimated to achieve well in excess of $30 million.

“From her most jaw-dropping diamonds, gems, and one-of-a-kind historic jewels, to cherished ‘It's Tuesday, I love you gifts’, and never-before-seen keepsakes, Elizabeth Taylor's magnificent collection of jewels promises to captivate the auction world this fall. This is without a doubt the greatest private collection of jewelry ever assembled in one place, and Christie's is honored to have been entrusted with the global tour of the collection this fall, and the sale of the collection in its entirety this December,” said Marc Porter, Chairman and President of Christie's Americas.

“Elizabeth Taylor’s passion for jewelry was well-known, but it is her depth of knowledge about fine jewelry that truly impresses,” added François Curiel, International Jewelry Director and President of Christie's Asia. “From the first time I met her in 1998, it was clear that she possessed an expert’s eye for craftsmanship, rarity, quality and history. She collected the best pieces from the best periods, and as a result her collection boasts exquisite examples from the most celebrated of jewelry designers, including BVLGARI, Boucheron, Cartier, JAR, Schlumberger, Tiffany, and Van Cleef & Arpels, among others. Elizabeth Taylor always planned to offer her collection of jewelry at auction and I hope that the next owner of each of these iconic pieces will enjoy and respect these jewels just as much as she did, and as she herself said, ‘give them a really good home’”.

Select highlights from the Elizabeth Taylor’s collection of magnificent jewels will begin a three-month global tour this month, starting with a public exhibition at GUM on Moscow’s Red Square on September 15, followed by public exhibitions of collection highlights in London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva, Paris, and Hong Kong. In December, the tour will culminate in a special ten-day exhibition of the complete collection at Christie’s New York (for tour schedule, see detailed schedule in addendum, or visit www.christies.com/elizabethtaylor).

The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor Exhibition Tour

In celebration of the extraordinary life and legacy of Elizabeth Taylor, Christie’s is honored to open the window into the public and private world of a true icon. Elizabeth Taylor played many roles in her time: international film and fashion star, loving mother, successful businesswoman and brave and generous humanitarian. Miss Taylor’s collection of her cherished and fabulous jewels, fashion, art, decorative arts and memorabilia will form a landmark series of public exhibitions and special events culminating in four consecutive days of sales which will make auction history. For this pivotal event, slated for December 3 to December 16, 2011, Christie's New York will devote its Rockefeller Center gallery space to the public exhibition and sales.

In keeping with Elizabeth Taylor’s life-long devotion to humanitarian causes, Christie’s is pleased to announce that a portion of the monies generated by exhibition admissions, events and select publications related to the sales will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). Founded in l991, ETAF provides funding to AIDS service organizations throughout the world to assist those living with HIV and AIDS.

Exhibition Tour Schedule:

• Moscow
  GUM, Red Square 3
  15 September 11am-6pm
  16 September 11am-6pm
• London *
  Christie's, 8 King Street, St. James’s
  24 September 9:30am-5:30pm
  25 September 9:30am-5:30pm
  26 September 9:30am-12:30pm
• Los Angeles *
  MOCA Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
  13 October 12pm-6pm
  14 October 12pm-8pm
  15 October 10am-8pm
  16 October 10am-5pm
• Dubai
  Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road
  23 October 2pm-10pm
• Geneva
  Four Seasons Hotel, 33 quai des Bergues
  11 November 10am-5pm
  12 November 10am-5pm
• Paris
  Christie's, 9 avenue Matignon
  16 November 2pm-10pm
  17 November 9am-2pm
• Hong Kong
  Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Wanchai
  24-27 November
  Viewing times to be announced
• New York *
  Christie's, 20 Rockefeller Plaza
  3-12 December
  Viewing times to be announced

Nice! Love the "Triphanes".

Richard Burton knew how to hook a lady up! Go 'head Liz! That damn ring... D color VS1??????!!!!!!!!!!!!

33 muthafuggan carats???? In D color??? FLAWLESSSSSS!!!

Its an amazing piece!

[Edited 9/8/11 12:24pm]

Those ball clips were made custom to match her eye color I am sure. They must have made her eyes pop.

paintedlady said:

Richard Burton knew how to hook a lady up! Go 'head Liz! That damn ring... D color VS1??????!!!!!!!!!!!!

33 muthafuggan carats???? In D color??? FLAWLESSSSSS!!!

Its an amazing piece!

[Edited 9/8/11 12:24pm]

And Asscher cut is my favorite cut.

But I think they have it wrong cuz I believe Mike Todd gave her that ring not Burton. The Taylor Burton diamond was bigger than that and I believe she sold it years ago. But I could be getting my Liz jewels mixed up.

You know how many jeweled grills and gold teeth all that could make?

paintedlady said:

Richard Burton knew how to hook a lady up! Go 'head Liz! That damn ring... D color VS1??????!!!!!!!!!!!!

33 muthafuggan carats???? In D color??? FLAWLESSSSSS!!!

Its an amazing piece!

[Edited 9/8/11 12:24pm]

Amen chile, Amen!!!

bboy87 said:

You know how many jeweled grills and gold teeth all that could make?

paintedlady said:

Richard Burton knew how to hook a lady up! Go 'head Liz! That damn ring... D color VS1??????!!!!!!!!!!!!

33 muthafuggan carats???? In D color??? FLAWLESSSSSS!!!

Its an amazing piece!

[Edited 9/8/11 12:24pm]

I am green and sick with envy right now

bboy87 said:

You know how many jeweled grills and gold teeth all that could make?

they're beautiful, but not close to my personal tastes in adornment

Daaamn. Some of that jewelry is older than she was.

*uhum*

Totally agree with XxAxX. Shiny and all, maybe as an investment if you were utra-rich, but I don't know anybody who would actually wear it.

Cerebus said:

Daaamn. Some of that jewelry is older than she was.

*uhum*

Totally agree with XxAxX. Shiny and all, maybe as an investment if you were utra-rich, but I don't know anybody who would actually wear it.

it's toooo much. in the right setting, at the right event it would be great to have accessories like that. you know, the inaugural ball, the oscars...

however, personally, i don't really see myself ever being there. besides jewelry like that is just the tip of the iceberg. it implies a commitment to a certain kind of lifestyle. the manicures, pedicures, facials, spa datys, hairstylists, personal trainers, etc. and i don't really see me there, either.

that type of lifestyle usually requires wearing shoes that hurt one's toes and i'd rather not try to jam my foot into a glass slipper like that...

SCNDLS said:

bboy87 said:

You know how many jeweled grills and gold teeth all that could make?

you know it was in your mind too

SCNDLS said:

love this

Okay SCNDLS, i'mo imagine myself wearing this purple bling-bling and blingin at a Prince concert. Prince notices me right off....then i wake up.

honest this is a nice piece. thanks for posting.

I'ma say this...I WISH I could play dress up with all this jewelry...so flawless and beautiful. The stuff of fairy tales and dreams...

Gatdamn Richard gave her a lot of stuff.

These are some absolutely stunning pieces. I wish they were touring somewhere close to me... I'd love to see them in person.

I have a stupid question tho... the La Peregrina is listed as a 16th century piece by Cartier... but Cartier wasn't founded until the mid-1800s... so does that just mean that the jewels date to the 16th century and were refitted by Cartier?

shiloh66 said:

These are some absolutely stunning pieces. I wish they were touring somewhere close to me... I'd love to see them in person.

I have a stupid question tho... the La Peregrina is listed as a 16th century piece by Cartier... but Cartier wasn't founded until the mid-1800s... so does that just mean that the jewels date to the 16th century and were refitted by Cartier?

you are so right!

"the La Peregrina is one of the most famous pearls in the world. Its history spans almost 500 years."

i was curious too, so here's my find:

http://www.beadinpath.com...other.html

Richard Burton purchased the pearl at auction for $37,000.00 for his wife Elizabeth Taylor in January of 1969. It was a Valentineâs day gift to her a month later. At the time the pearl hung from a delicate diamond bail on silver chain made from small linked pearls. The Burtonâs purchased a portrait of Queen Mary I in which she wears the pearl in a more elaborate setting. It was then that they decided to have a new setting created by Cartier with diamonds, pearls and rubies. The portrait was eventually donated to the National Portrait Gallery in London.

I really want to buy the auction catalogues but DAMN $300 for the whole set???

Five beautifully illustrated catalogues, one for each sale in the Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, are now available for purchase. The catalogues will be offered as a complete set and also in smaller sets.

The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor: The Complete Set
5 catalogues plus The Gallery Guide are included in this set:

The Legendary Jewels, Evening Sale
Jewelry Sessions II & III
The Icon and Her Haute Couture, Evening Sale
Fashion and Accessories (Sessions II, III & IV)
Fine and Decorative Art & Film Memorabilia, including Costumes

SCNDLS said:

I really want to buy the auction catalogues but DAMN $300 for the whole set???

Five beautifully illustrated catalogues, one for each sale in the Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, are now available for purchase. The catalogues will be offered as a complete set and also in smaller sets.

The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor: The Complete Set
5 catalogues plus The Gallery Guide are included in this set:

The Legendary Jewels, Evening Sale
Jewelry Sessions II & III
The Icon and Her Haute Couture, Evening Sale
Fashion and Accessories (Sessions II, III & IV)
Fine and Decorative Art & Film Memorabilia, including Costumes

Wait after the auction is over and all the hooplah has died down. Then you prolly be able to get them on Ebay for a ball fiddy.

Shyra said:

SCNDLS said:

I really want to buy the auction catalogues but DAMN $300 for the whole set???

Five beautifully illustrated catalogues, one for each sale in the Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, are now available for purchase. The catalogues will be offered as a complete set and also in smaller sets.

The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor: The Complete Set
5 catalogues plus The Gallery Guide are included in this set:

The Legendary Jewels, Evening Sale
Jewelry Sessions II & III
The Icon and Her Haute Couture, Evening Sale
Fashion and Accessories (Sessions II, III & IV)
Fine and Decorative Art & Film Memorabilia, including Costumes

Wait after the auction is over and all the hooplah has died down. Then you prolly be able to get them on Ebay for a ball fiddy.

I'm scurred they gonna run out. What to do???

Not one of Liz' but GATDAMN I'd turn some TRICKS for this right herre

DAYUM!!

I wanna see the stuff that Michael Jackson bought her!

who would wear that ugly shit?