Elizabeth Taylor's $150m collection of gems and gowns reaches New York

From the colorful, couture frocks worn during her two weddings with actor Richard Burton, to the dazzling ruby and diamond Cartier jewelry set, a gift from her third husband, film producer Mike Todd, The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor on display at Christie's auction house in New York tells a passionate story, spanning seven husbands and nearly five decades.
'You can see that all the men were really, really fundamentally in love with her,' said Orianne Collins, a jewelry designer and Taylor aficionado who hosted a preview of the exhibition last night before it opens to the public tomorrow.
Other tokens from admirers include jewelry and an autographed poster from Taylor's cherished friend, Michael Jackson.

Making an entrance: The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor - an exhibition of her clothes and jewellery that is up for auction - reaches New York after a three month global tour

The 1987 print is signed 'To my true love Elizabeth. I love you forever.'
The total collection is given an estimated total value of close to $150m and has already been on display in the UK, Moscow, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva, Paris and Hong Kong as part of a three-month global tour ahead of an auction in New York later this month.

 

Patrons of the exhibition, which runs through December 12, will certainly flock to one of Taylor's most prized possessions - a 33.19-carat, emerald cut diamond ring. The estimated worth of the gift Burton gave her in 1968 is between $2.5 million and $3.5 million.
Thomas W. Burstein of Christie's said the only time the famous ring left Taylor's hand was when she offered it up to friends to try on.

Sunflower yellow: The chiffon wedding dress Elizabeth wore to her first marriage to Richard Burton

Prized possessions: The items in the exhibition, which is valued at $150million, include this Versace Polychrome Warhol-Inspired Imagery Suit (second from left)

Firm favourites: Some of the other frocks the actress enjoyed wearing

Designer get-ups: A Thea Porter cream chiffon sequined and embroidered kaftan with matching belt, centre, and a Yves Saint Laurent tan safari print silk kaftan (right)

'She really had this notion that the jewelry should be shared and loved by everybody,' he said.
One of the most precious items of the collection is a 16th century pear-shaped pearl, the centerpiece of a ruby and diamond necklace designed by Cartier and Taylor herself.
'This is such a rare piece. I compare it to the Hope diamond,' Burstein said.
The necklace's estimated worth is $2 million to $3 million.
Many of the stunning gems have great historic value. One, La Pérégrina pearl, is widely considered to be one of the most important pearls in the world. The pear-shaped piece dates from the 16th century, and once belonged to King Phillip II of Spain, and later to his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret.

Royal connections: The historic La Peregrina pearl, set in a diamond and ruby necklace by Cartier, with a pair of pearl and diamond ear pendants by Bulgari

From left: A Bulgari Emerald necklace is part of a suite that is expected to raise up to $1.5m, a stunning brooch and an emerald and diamond necklace by Oscar Heyman and brothers

Luxury sparkles: Elizabeth Taylor's jewellery included a starfish pendant, a dragonfly brooch and this Daisy Parure 'Reine Marguerite' necklace by Van Cleef and Arpels

At one point the pearl was even owned by England’s Queen Mary I.
Taylor's fifth husband Richard Burton won it in an auction and gave it to her as a gift, he worked with Cartier to have it hung on a diamond and ruby necklace.
The exhibition is also a journey through Taylor's evolving fashion sense, from her glamorous red carpet gowns to a chorus line of colorful kaftans and a bevy of beaded Versace jackets. The second floor offers a look at Taylor's vibrant purse and shoe collection, a sea of gold Hermes bags, sequin Chanel clutches and satin Louboutins.

Expected to fetch $93,000: An antique diamond tiara, a gift from her third husband Mike Todd

Thomas W. Burstein of Christie's said Taylor 'really had this notion that the jewelry should be shared and loved by everybody.'

Impressive: This ruby and diamond suite (left) includes drop earrings and an elaborate necklace, another necklace features a chain-effect made from amethysts

Meredith Etherington-Smith, curator of Taylor's fashion collection, called the exhibit a glimpse into Taylor's 'tempestuous, fabulous, technicolor personality that epitomizes gutsy glamour.'
Fashion collectors will have the opportunity to purchase unique designs such as a Versace beaded evening jacket adorned with portraits of the actress in some of her famous movie roles, estimated to sell for up to $20,000, and the sunflower yellow dress by Hollywood designer Irene Sharaff that Taylor wore to her 1964 wedding to Burton, boasting a pre-sale estimate of $40,000 to $60,000.
The collection will be up for auction both live and online December 13-17. A total of 269 pieces from her jewellery collection will be auctioned while 400 fashion items spanning over 50 years of Taylor's life will also be sold.

Accessorisation: Even Taylor's impressive collection of Louis Vuitton handbags is up for grabs

Little black dresses: Some of Taylor's smartest frocks which come in a variety of textures

Period drama: These two dresses were clearly inspired by old-fashioned styles

Kaftan collection: The star liked to wear loose fitting gowns - these were some of her favourites

Art-inspired: These clothes show Taylor's obsession with famous paintings. She wore clothes inspired by Japanese and tribal art

Showstoppers: Part of the proceeds of the sales will go to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. The beloved actress died March 23 at age 79.

Part of the proceeds will go to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. The beloved actress died March 23 at age 79.
For lower priced items there will be an online auction featuring moderately valued pieces with registration and bidding starting tomorrow.