"The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor" at Christie's NYC - The Jewels!

Don't you just love Christmas time in New York? From the magnificent Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to all the magical storefront windows, the city is decked out in all it's winter glory. This year, Manhattan had a little added sparkle, featuring The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's Auction House.  

"The Collection" includes some of the most glamorous jewelry, fashion and Hollywood memorabilia from one of the world's most iconic leading ladies. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to view the exhibition and am happy to share some of the highlights with you right here on The Glamorous Gourmet. While the subject matter may not exactly be gourmet, it is most definitely glamorous! 

This will be the first of three posts about the exhibition, and what better place to start than with the Jewelry (capital "J" intended!). The exhibit features case after case of some of the most spectacular jewels you've ever seen. Many of the most extravagant pieces were gifts from Taylor's husbands, most notably Richard Burton whom she married twice. Their relationship was widely considered one of the most epic love stories in Hollywood history. Our guide informed us she kept all of her jewelry in her home, never wanting to part with it for any length of time. Seeing the collection firsthand gave a real glimpse into the legend that is Elizabeth Taylor.

The Sapphire and Diamond Sautoir (above left) was a gift from Richard Burton for Taylor's 40th birthday on February 27th, 1972. The necklace and the stunning Sapphire and Diamond "Trombino" ring are both by Bulgari. The estimated auction price for the sautoir is $600,000-800,000, the ring is $150,000-200,000.

The dazzling Diamond Line Necklace on the left is by Cartier and estimated at $300,000-500,000. The Colored Diamond ring on the lower left ($120,000-180,000), the earrings in the center ($450,000-550,000) and the flower brooch on the mannequin ($300,000-500,000) are all by Bulgari and feature diamonds in Taylor's favorite color, yellow. This suite was a gift from Eddie Fisher, Taylor's fourth husband, for her 30th Birthday in 1962. The yellow diamond ring on the upper right is by Lorraine Schwartz ($500,000-700,000) and the Pair of Diamond Ear Pendants ($120,000-180,000) are by Cartier.
 
This selection of jewels featured dazzling diamond and pearls, mostly from The House of Taylor, her eponymous brand of couture jewelry started in 2005. Aren't they gorgeous?!

Taylor also had quite a collection of charm bracelets. The two bracelets on the left are adorned with fun and quirky charms featuring sentiments such as "BAD" in uppercase gold lettering, a tiny gold flag emblazoned with the word "Sex" and an assortment of eyes of various colors. The bracelet on the far left is estimated at $25,000-35,000 and the one next to it at $15,000-20,000. The necklace on the right was bequeathed to Taylor by her friend, famed Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. The one of a kind piece is fashioned from a collection of ivory theater tokens and estimated to fetch $1,500-2,000.

The "Legendary Jewels, Evening Sale" will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, December 13th at Christie's Auction House. A portion of profits from the exhibition will go to The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation. For more information on the Auction or Exhibition please visit www.christies.com Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment: Fashion!!!

Cheers,