With such exquisite infinite beauty, there is no wonder why this award winning accomplished actress and selfless humanitarian would receive the most precious of gems the world has to offer. And one man, Richard Burton, whom she married for the first time in 1964, is responsible for seeking out the rarest of jewelry pieces for the rarest of beauties, Elizabeth Taylor.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton epitomize romance induced with an electrifying force that captivates then releases the wonderment of such total encompassing attraction that lies dormant in most souls. While there is no gauging such an awesome energy, one may catch a glimpse of Burton’s exceptional feelings for Taylor through the absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and rare pieces he gifted her. However, it was her reaction to his gifts that truly inspired his generosity. He loved to watch her response, and whether the gift was a $10 hair ornament or a $10,000 Van Clef & Arpels necklace, she lit up, giving credence to the fact that it’s the thought that counts.
Love is Everlasting
And there was a lot of thought that went into Elizabeth’s fortieth birthday present from Richard; the Taj Mahal Diamond, set in rubies and diamonds. Made in 1627 for Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, Richard purchased it for a reported £350,000 from Cartier. In Budapest, at her birthday celebration in February, 1972, the inscribed jewel was presented to her; it stated “Love Is Everlasting” in Parsee, a boundless phrase in any language, and unquestionably accurate of their love for each other.
Diamonds to Die For
Richard’s first jewelry purchase for Liz was in 1968, the 33.19 carat Krupp Diamond, formerly part of the estate of Vera Krupp, second wife of steel magnate Alfred Krupp. In 1959, the Krupp Diamond was heisted right from Vera’s finger by three thieves who forced their way into her home. Needless to say, the diamond was recovered, and after her death, Richard Burton bought Vera Krupp’s ring at the then-record auction price of £15,000 for his wife Liz Taylor. With its deep Asscher cuts and magnificent color, it explodes the senses into eternity, an appropriate piece for Taylor and Burton.
Even More Carats
Since meeting on the set of Cleopatra in 1963, they became known as simply Taylor-Burton, and in 1969, Richard purchased the 69.42 carat pear shaped diamond from Cartier for $1,050,000.00. It would share the same moniker, the Taylor-Burton diamond. Originally, when he gave it to Liz, she wore it as a ring; eventually they had Cartier design a necklace for it. Elizabeth sold it at auction some years later, and still harbors regrets of letting it go, and not only for the monetary wealth it holds.
Pearls Too!
Richard Burton then purchased the totally natural La Peregrina pearl in January of 1969 at auction for £37,000. The pear-shaped pearl discovered by a slave in the Gulf of Panama in the 1500’s, granted him his freedom when he gave it to his master, then soon after, the Spanish crown received it. As the history of the pearl goes, it was given to Mary Tudor of England by Prince Philip II as an engagement present. Elizabeth and Richard had Cartier design a setting for the pearl after Liz saw a portrait of Mary Queen of Scott wearing a choker she admired. It was designed with large and small oriental pearls with diamond and ruby ornaments between them. Burton’s favorite gem was rubies, and with a sparkle in his eyes, he loved giving Elizabeth Taylor these and other precious gems even when there was no occasion to call for it.
Indeed, Richard gave Elizabeth magnificent gifts on her birthday and Christmas, but he would use any excuse to lavish her with beautiful jewelry. Over the years Liz has come to think of these pieces as ‘It’s Tuesday, I love you’ jewelry.
The Great Love Affairs
Of course Burton has impressive company when it comes to lavishing jewels upon Liz. Like her third husband and the other great love of her life, Mike Todd, whom she lost when his private plane, The Liz, crashed into the Zuni Mountains in 1958. Mike gave her a magnificent 29.4 carat ring when they got engaged, and he kept the jewels coming. Among others she received gifts of fine jewelry from include; Malcolm Forbes, Michael Jackson, her family, and on occasion, herself. Her remarkable collection can be seen in her published book tilted “Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry”. Even her best selling perfume bears the name “White Diamonds”.
Burton’s contribution to this collection is immensely impressive. Despite the fact that their first marriage didn’t last, they once again wed in 1975, and met with the same marriage woes. They again divorced in 1976. Their union continues to strike chords of ultimate romance clustered with an attraction like the pull of gravity, involving two volatile personalities, a miracle of the hearts not even death could cease. Elizabeth treasures her collection not only for their awe-inspiring beauty, but also for the treasured memories they recall for her. And certainly as she celebrates her birthday, a terrific recollection will be part of the festivities.
Sources:
Spoto, D. (1995). A Passion for Life. New York: HarperCollins.
Taylor, E. (2002). Elizabeth Taylor-My Love Affair with Jewelry. Italy: Simon & Schuster
Sharon Colaizzi - Sharon is a professional freelance writer and is working on many writing assignments. She loves to write on any and all subject matter ...
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