Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection continues to captivate collectors worldwide, as demonstrated by the recent sale of a yellow diamond bracelet gifted by Michael Jackson. The piece, featuring 27 yellow diamonds, sold for £118,750 at Woolley & Wallis Auction House, far exceeding initial estimates. This successful auction adds to Taylor’s remarkable legacy, which includes her historic 2011 collection sale of $137.2 million at Christie’s. The ongoing demand for pieces from Taylor’s collection reveals the enduring charm of Hollywood’s most celebrated jewelry connoisseur.
Main Highlights
- Michael Jackson’s yellow diamond bracelet gift to Elizabeth Taylor sold for £118,750, exceeding auction estimates at Woolley & Wallis.
- The bracelet features 27 yellow diamonds, demonstrating Taylor’s sophisticated taste and Jackson’s generous friendship.
- The sale continues Taylor’s legacy of record-breaking jewelry auctions, following her 2011 collection sale of $137.2 million.
- Celebrity provenance from both Taylor and Jackson significantly increased the bracelet’s value and collector appeal.
- The successful auction reinforces Taylor’s enduring influence on jewelry collecting and celebrity memorabilia markets.
Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor‘s passion for extraordinary treasures created one of the most celebrated personal collections in history, eventually fetching a remarkable $137.2 million at auction in 2011. Her influence on diamond trends continues to resonate, as demonstrated by the recent sale of a remarkable yellow diamond bracelet at Woolley & Wallis Auction House, a piece gifted to her by close friend Michael Jackson.
The bracelet’s sale price of £118,750 significantly exceeded expectations, highlighting the enduring appeal of pieces associated with Taylor’s legendary collection. This particular item showcased 27 yellow diamonds, reflecting Taylor’s sophisticated taste and her appreciation for unique and valuable jewels. Her Cartier rubies ensemble sold for an astounding $38 million at Christie’s auction. Her collection rivals the upcoming Heidi Horten auction, estimated at $150 million. The connection to both Taylor and Jackson, two of entertainment’s most renowned figures, added an invaluable layer of provenance to the piece. The Cirque du Soleil tribute performance at Mandalay Bay continues to honor both icons’ legacies today.
Throughout her life, Taylor amassed an extraordinary collection that included some of the world’s most remarkable stones. The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond given to her by Richard Burton in 1968, became one of her signature pieces. Similarly, the Taylor-Burton Diamond, a 69.42-carat pear-cut stone, exemplified the magnitude of her collection’s significance in jewelry history. Burton presented the diamond to Taylor while on the River Thames, making the gift even more memorable. Like the popular tennis bracelet style that emerged in 1978, Taylor’s pieces often set enduring trends in jewelry fashion.
The recent sale of the Jackson-gifted bracelet follows a pattern of high-value auctions of celebrity jewelry collections. Heidi Horten‘s collection recently surpassed Taylor’s record, selling for $202 million and featuring pieces from prestigious houses such as Bulgari, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Nevertheless, Taylor’s collection remains a benchmark for personal jewelry collections, representing not just monetary value but also the story of a life lived in the spotlight.
Taylor’s jewelry legacy extends beyond the pieces themselves. Through the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, her collection continues to impact lives, with some proceeds from jewelry sales supporting important charitable causes.
Her appreciation for fine craftsmanship and the artistry of jewelry making has influenced collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, establishing a standard for both personal collections and philanthropic giving that endures long after her passing.
Andrew Wilson
Andrew Wilson is a seasoned writer specializing in the jewellery industry and news. His career began in the newspaper industry, where he honed his reporting skills and developed a keen eye for detail, laying the foundation for his meticulous research in later writing endeavors. Transitioning into marketing, Wilson gained valuable insights into consumer behavior and market trends, enriching his understanding of the jewellery industry when he embraced full-time writing about 15 years ago. In 2019, he discovered a passion for jewellery writing, focusing on market trends and innovative designs. A member of the International Gem Society, Andrew's work is characterized by thorough research and accuracy, offering comprehensive insights into the jewellery world. He occasionally adopts pseudonyms to cater to different audiences and business needs, serving a diverse clientele, including numerous jewellery businesses. Recognized for his unique blend of industry knowledge, research prowess, and engaging writing style, Wilson is dedicated to demystifying the jewellery industry, making it more accessible and understandable to both enthusiasts and professionals.
