Described by auctioneers as the most spectacular privately-held collection to ever come to market, the exhibition at Christie’s auction house in Manhattan, New York is the final destination on a global tour showcasing the deceased actress’ treasures.
After thousands of people attended the ten-day public viewing, the glittering display of jewellery will be auctioned from December 13-16.
The highly anticipated auction contains the so-called ‘Crown Jewels of Hollywood’, including the 33.19 carat ‘Elizabeth Taylor Diamond.’ Given to Taylor by former husband Richard Burton in 1968, the piece is predicted to sell for between USD$2.5-3.5 million (AUD$2.45-3.44 million).
Other pieces expected to fetch high prices include the famous ‘La Peregrina’ pearl – another gift from Burton estimated at USD$2-3 million (AUD$1.95-2.94 million); the Prince of Wales diamond brooch valued at USD$500,000 (AUD$492,000) and a ruby and diamond ring by Van Cleef & Arpels worth over USD$1 million (AUD$984,000).
Marc Porter, chairman of Christie’s America said that in addition to her stunning jewellery collection, Taylor’s collection will include hundreds of haute couture dresses from Chanel, Dior and Versace.
“It is by far the greatest jewellery collection to be offered in a century,” Porter said. “There is such depth of quality.”
Running concurrently with Christie’s live auction will be a web-based sale of approximately 1,000 items including jewellery and fashion accessories. Christie’s estimates total sales online to reach between USD$30-50 million (AUD$26-49 million).The Hollywood starlet, who died in March aged 79, once said jewellery was one of her great loves – the others, Richard Burton and Mike Todd, two of her seven husbands, were instrumental in her indulgence in jewellery.
With friends like renowned publisher Malcolm Forbes and deceased musician Michael Jackson, the Oscar-winning actress was showered with some of the world’s most rare jewellery.