Screen gem

Considered one of the great actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Elizabeth Taylor was known for many things — her stunning beauty, violet eyes, multiple marriages, three Oscars, business ventures, humanitarian works, and also her jewelry.

Taylor’s jewelry collection contains some of the most exquisite pieces in history, among them the 33 carat Krupp Diamond; the heart-shaped, yellow Taj Mahal Diamond; and the flawless, pear-shaped 69 carat Taylor-Burton Diamond, first worn publicly at a party in Monaco for Princess Grace’s 40th birthday and sold by Taylor in 1978 to fund a hospital in Botswana.

In her book, “Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry,” (2002) Ms. Taylor shares her remarkable collection of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires, confiding that,

“I’m fortunate to have some very important pieces of jewelry. I don’t believe I own any of the pieces. I believe that I am their custodian, here to enjoy them, to give them the best treatment in the world, to watch after their safety, and to love them … I want to give others a glimpse of the thrills and pure happiness that these beautiful creations have given me.”

Clearly, the complex actress loved and was inspired by the extraordinary jewels that she had the privilege of “watching over” in her unique, often tumultuous lifetime. In fact, Elizabeth Taylor was an extraordinary jewel herself.  As though under glass in the rarified context of Hollywood, her sparkling, preternatural beauty and ultimately unshakable spirit was on display … a multi-faceted aura … admired, scrutinized and protected throughout her drama-filled lifetime.