Silver Lining Luncheon: Elizabeth Taylor's Legendary Jewels Go to Auction

Today was an incredibly Silver Lined day:  a fancy schmancy luncheon hosted by Christie’s and held at MOCA in Los Angeles to view Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry (prior to auction)…with girlfriends.  A day doesn’t really get better than that, if you ask me!

The exhibit was incredible.  I found it to be wonderfully respectful of both Elizabeth Taylor AND her “old friends” (as she referred to her jewelry).  In addition to her jewelry, other items (including fine and decorative arts as well as film memorabilia) were on display.

Elizabeth Taylor’s lifetime of fun and love and laughter was evident throughout the exhibit.  This was a woman who received a set of rubies for swimming laps. And won a diamond ring from Ping-Pong with her husband. And found a perfect pearl in the mouth of her puppy.  (I’ve been searching through Buzz’s mouth since I got home. Nada..yet.)

The good news is that the HOTY (a/k/a Husband of the Year) has plenty of time to peruse the catalog before the Auction of The Legendary Jewels on December 13th and 14th. I love the fact that it takes not one, but TWO days to auction Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry. By the way, my birthday is on December 18th, so the timing is perfect!

If you are interested in viewing the items for sale, they will be on exhibition December 1st through 12th at Christie’s, 20 Rockefeller Plaza in New York.

 

 

 

"To Elizabeth...a big kiss. Andy Warhol." LOVE.

 

 

Elizabeth Taylor's Script from National Velvet. Bound in Leather. Lavender Leather.

 

 

The Mike Todd diamond tiara, circa 1880. When Mike gave this tiara to ET, he said, "You're my queen, and I think you should have a tiara."

 

 

 

 

Gift from Michael Jackson: Diamond bracelet watch, by Vacheron Constantin

 

 

Yes, THE Krupp 33.19 carat diamond. Named the Krupp diamond because it had been owned by Vera Krupp. To ET, the Krupp said, "I want to share my chemistry - my magic - with you."

 

Budapest at night, where Richard Burthon threw a lavish party to celebrate his wife's fortieth birthday, 1972. Photo: Norman Parkinson

 

One of my all-time favorite images of Elizabeth Taylor. Taken with her children, Michael & Christopher Wilding and Liza Todd. Photo: Toni Frissell.

 

 

 

 

 

Chanel. Divine.

 

 

Hello, Oscar.

 

 

I’ve never thought of my jewelry as trophies. I’m here to take care of them and to love them.

– Elizabeth Taylor

 

12 comments

    1. Thanks for your note, Kathy. How fun that your mom's cousin was ET's stand-in. Very fun! Thanks, again!

    1. Thank you for your note. I’m afraid that I don’t know how to purchase tickets. I would recommend contacting MOCA. Enjoy!

    1. Thank you for your note. I'm afraid that I don't know how to purchase tickets. I would recommend contacting MOCA. Enjoy!

  1. So nice to view a few more shots before tomorrow. Was it crowded to the max, or was there some breathing room. Any place to sit at the show? My catalogs are still on pre-order status. Can't wait to get the complete set from London. I hope they will be delivered at least a month before the auctions. Hope you had a wonderful day. She was one of a kind. The picture of Ms. Taylor in purple with the amethyst necklace is my favorite in her book, and I love the one in the emerald dress. Can't wait till tomorrow when I get to go too!

  2. I saw the collection on Saturday the 15th. I ia a thing of great beauty just like Dame Elizabeth. The color and sparkle of those gem are simply spellbinding. I was an honor to have seen such beauty and to feel close to Dame Elizabeth.

    Edmund

    1. Thanks for your note, Edmund. I'm so glad you were able to see the exhibit. Spellbinding is a perfect description!

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