Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery collection was renowned as one of the greatest ever assembled. In 2011, Christie’s held a sale of Taylor’s private collection, which set records as the most valuable sale of jewellery in auction history. From this sale, the Maison re-acquired seven pieces that best represented Taylor’s predilection for the brand and her unerring collector’s eye.
Indeed, the bold and sumptuous style of Bulgari perfectly matched her decided tastes and since 1962, when the actress settled in Rome to film Cleopatra, the affinity became a lifelong, intense relationship with the brand. This predilection was encouraged by her love affair with Richard Burton, started on the film set and sealed with magnificent Bulgari jewels: legend has it that after filming their first scene together they instantly fell in love. Recalling the memorable moments spent at the Condotti store, Taylor stated that “undeniably one of the biggest advantages to filming Cleopatra in Rome was Bulgari’s shop. I used to visit Gianni Bulgari in the afternoon and we’d sit and swap stories.”
The first chapter of the stunning anthology on view at the Bulgari Zurich store is Burton’s emerald engagement ring. The spectacular necklace of emeralds and diamonds Burton presented her with on the occasion of their marriage in 1964 is another piece imbued with love. Another magnificent Bulgari creation, the sautoir featuring an octagonal pendant with a 65 carat sapphire, was chosen by the actor in 1972 to mark her fortieth birthday as the intense blue of the stone reminded him of the colour of her eyes. Beside the fabulous stones, Taylor also admired the craftsmanship behind her jewels; a perfect example of this is found in her “tremblant” brooch with emeralds and diamonds, whose flowers quiver following the movements of the wearer's body thanks to a spring attached to the petals. The actress continued to buy Bulgari jewels throughout her life.
The Elizabeth Taylor collection of Bulgari jewels can be admired at the Bulgari Zurich store until April 23.
