Elizabeth Taylor s Most expensive jewels worth more than private Jets

2026 jewelry trends. Some of these jewels cost more than private jets. These are the most outrageous and valuable pieces from Elizabeth Taylor's legendary collection. From red carpets to record reeling auctions, you hear this is legend. Number 10. Necklace, La Peregrina. By the time Richard Burton entered Elizabeth Taylor's life, the bar for romantic gifts was already sky high. Still, her fifth husband managed to outdo expectations with a jewel so storied it felt almost mythical. For Valentine's Day, Burton presented her with La Peregrina, an extraordinary pearl that had traveled through centuries before finding its way to Hollywood royalty. La Peregrina, which means the pilgrim in Spanish, is one of the most famous pearls in the world. Discovered in 1513 in the Gulf of Panama, it is celebrated for its rare, perfectly symmetrical pear shape and remarkable size. For more than 500 years, the pearl passed through the hands of power, worn by monarchs and queens who shaped European history. Among its notable owners was Mary Tudor of England, remembered as Bloody Mary, who wore it as a symbol of royal authority and prestige. When Burton acquired La Peregrina, he was not just buying a jewel. He was claiming a piece of history and offering it to Elizabeth as a personal love token. She treasured it deeply, often describing it as one of the most meaningful pieces she ever owned. The pearl itself was breathtaking, but Elizabeth eventually wanted it set in a way that reflected her own dramatic style. She turned to Cartier to reimagine the jewel, and the result was unforgettable. The legendary pearl became the centerpiece of a lavish double strand necklace woven with pearls and accented by diamonds and rich red rubies. The design balanced historic elegance with modern glamour, transforming La Peregrina from a royal relic into a statement fit for a movie star. Whenever Elizabeth wore the necklace, it carried layers of meaning. It spoke of centuries of power, of Burton's grand romantic gesture, and of her own larger-than-life presence. La Peregrina was not just jewelry. It was history resting against her collarbone, glowing with stories that spanned continents, crowns, and one unforgettable love. When Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor the Krupp diamond, it felt like a jewel that matched her presence perfectly. This was not a delicate accent or a quiet sparkle. It was a commanding stone, bold and unmistakable, just like the woman who wore it. The diamond weighed an extraordinary 33.19 carats, large enough to stop conversations the moment it caught the light. The Krupp diamond was cut in the Asher style, recognizable by its rectangular shape, cropped corners, and a wide-open culet that drew the eye straight into the heart of the stone. That open center gave the diamond depth and intensity, creating flashes of light that felt almost theatrical. Originally owned by Vera Krupp, the stone already carried a sense of industrial wealth and European prestige before Burton entered the picture. In 1968, Richard Burton purchased the diamond for $305,000, a staggering sum at the time. He gave it to Elizabeth as a statement of devotion, and she embraced it fully. Unlike many jewels reserved for formal events, this ring became part of her daily life. She wore it constantly, whether attending glamorous functions or simply going about her day at home. That habit became so well known, it was later playfully referenced on television, cementing the diamond's place in pop culture. Elizabeth loved how the stone reflected light and attention, saying its brilliance felt like an extension of her own energy. On her hand, it never looked excessive. It looked inevitable. The ring became one of her most recognizable pieces, photographed endlessly and associated forever with her image. After Elizabeth Taylor's death, the diamond was officially renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a rare honor that acknowledged how completely she had claimed it. Today, the stone is remembered not just for its size or value, but for how effortlessly it became part of her legend, a diamond that lived as boldly as she did. Number eight. Stunning Taylor Burton pear-shaped diamond. Among Elizabeth Taylor's legendary jewels, few caused as much awe as the pear-shaped diamond Richard Burton gave her in 1969. This was not a subtle gift. It began its life as an astonishing rough stone, weighing 240.80 carats, a size so rare it immediately placed the diamond among the most extraordinary discoveries of the century. Harry Winston was entrusted with the task of cutting the stone, knowing there was no room for error. From that massive crystal, he created two diamonds, the larger of which became known as the Taylor Burton Diamond. When finished, it weighed 69.42 carats, a breathtaking pear-shaped gem with a brilliance that seemed almost unreal. Every facet reflected light with dramatic intensity, as if the diamond understood it was meant to be seen. Richard Burton acquired the stone from Cartier, but not without drama. He initially lost the auction for the diamond, a defeat that did not sit well with him. Determined, he negotiated privately afterward and succeeded in securing it anyway. The victory made the gift feel even more personal, as though he had wrestled the diamond into Elizabeth's hands through sheer will. At first, the diamond was set as a ring, but its size quickly proved impractical. Elizabeth loved the stone, but wearing nearly 70 carats on her finger made everyday movement awkward. Rather than hide it away, she chose a solution that matched her flair. She had the diamond mounted on a necklace, allowing it to rest dramatically at her neckline where it could be admired properly. When Elizabeth wore the Taylor Burton Diamond, it was impossible to ignore. It dominated photographs, drew crowds, and became inseparable from her image. More than just a jewel, it symbolized the extravagant passion of her relationship with Burton. The diamond was bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable, much like the love story that placed it around her neck and etched it permanently into jewelry history. Elizabeth Taylor's love for jewelry was never just about sparkle. It was about personality, and that is why she kept returning to David Webb's New York shop. Webb was a distinctly American jeweler with a fearless approach, famous for animal designs that felt powerful, playful, and slightly untamed. That energy spoke directly to Elizabeth, who saw these pieces as expressions of strength rather than decoration. One of her favorites was Webb's Makara Bracelet, inspired by a mythical Indian sea creature. Crafted in 18 carat gold and platinum, the bracelet wrapped around the wrist with sculptural confidence. It was set with rich cabochon emeralds and circular cut diamonds that gave the creature a sense of movement, almost as if it were alive. Elizabeth loved how it felt bold rather than precious, something you wore to make a statement, not to blend in. Then there was the Zebra Bracelet, a design that would become one of David Webb's most recognizable creations. Its black and white enamel stripes were graphic and daring, accented with flashes of rubies that added warmth and drama. On Elizabeth's wrist, it felt glamorous and mischievous at the same time, a perfect reflection of her personality. Her collection also included pieces that leaned even further into symbolism. She owned a carved coral lion bracelet, its form proud and regal, and a tiger brooch covered in diamonds with piercing emerald eyes. These were not passive animals. They look back at you. Elizabeth loved that quality, the sense that her jewelry had presence. For her, David Webb's animal jewels were more than accessories. They were companions, each one echoing her own confidence and love of excess. Wearing them, she did not just shine. She ruled the room. Elizabeth Taylor's love affair with Bulgari was so well known that it became part of her legend. While filming The VIPs in 1963, she wore not one but two Bulgari pieces taken straight from her own jewelry collection. These were not studio props or borrowed glamour. They were deeply personal treasures. Richard Burton summed it up perfectly when he joked that the only Italian word Elizabeth knew was Bulgari. And honestly, that said everything. At the heart of her collection was the breathtaking Bulgari emerald suite, a group of jewels that radiated confidence and color. The centerpiece was a Colombian emerald brooch set in platinum and mounted on a a clever spring setting that allowed the stone to shimmer and move with even the slightest motion. When Elizabeth wore it, the emerald seemed to dance, catching light from every angle. The necklace was equally unforgettable. It featured a detachable pendant centered on a rectangular cut emerald with a deep, saturated green that only the finest Colombian stones can achieve. The clean geometry of the cut gave it a bold, modern feel, while the diamonds surrounding it added classic elegance. Elizabeth loved versatility, and the removable pendant allowed her to wear the necklace in different ways depending on her mood. Completing the suite were a matching bracelet and ring, both designed with graduated emeralds and diamonds that flowed naturally across the wrist and hand. These pieces were substantial without feeling heavy, luxurious without being fussy. They felt powerful, which is exactly why she gravitated toward them. On screen and off, the Bulgari emeralds became part of Elizabeth's identity. They reflected her taste for vivid color, strong design and unapologetic glamour. When she wore them, she did not just play a star. She was one, glowing in green fire that felt unmistakably her own. Number five. Sapphire Sautoirre. When Elizabeth Taylor turned 40 in 1972, Richard Burton marked the moment the only way he knew how, with something unforgettable. He chose a Bulgari Sapphire Sautoirre, a necklace so dramatic it felt more like a celebration of her entire life than a birthday gift. It was bold, unapologetic and designed to be noticed from across a room. The necklace centered on a striking octagonal pendant that immediately drew the eye. At its heart sat a sugarloaf Burmese sapphire weighing an astonishing 52.7 carats. Unlike faceted stones, the sugarloaf cut rises smoothly into a rounded dome, giving the sapphire a deep, glowing intensity rather than sharp flashes. The rich blue color was vivid and velvety, the kind that seems to hold light inside it rather than reflected away. The Sautoirre style allowed the pendant to hang low, creating movement as Elizabeth walked. It was glamorous in an almost old world way, yet perfectly suited to her larger than life presence. She wore it with confidence, letting the sapphire speak for itself. On her, it never felt excessive. It felt inevitable. Decades later, the world was reminded just how extraordinary that necklace truly was. In 2011, the Bulgari Sapphire Sautoirre went to auction, drawing intense attention from collectors and admirers alike. When the final hammer fell, the price stunned even seasoned experts. The necklace sold for $5,900,000, confirming its place among the most valuable jewels ever associated with a film star. What made the piece so compelling was not just the size of the sapphire or the craftsmanship behind it. It was the story. A milestone birthday, a love defined by grand gestures, a woman who understood how to carry something so magnificent without being overshadowed by it. The Sapphire Sautoirre became a symbol of Elizabeth Taylor at her peak, confident, celebrated and entirely herself. It was not just a necklace. It was a moment in time, glowing in deep blue and unforgettable even decades later. Number four, the Golden Charm Bracelets. Among Elizabeth Taylor's extraordinary jewels, some of the most meaningful pieces were also the least flashy. She owned five gold charm bracelets that she considered deeply personal. Calling them her sentimental treasures. Unlike her famous diamonds and emeralds, these bracelets were not about spectacle. They were about memory carried quietly on her wrist. Each bracelet was crafted in warm gold and weighted with charms collected over the course of her life. One of the most touching was a tiny director's slate engraved with the taming of the Shrew, a nod to the film where she starred opposite Richard Burton. That charm captured not just a role, but a turning point in her personal story, blending work and love into a single object she could wear every day. Several charms were devoted to her children. Lockets engraved with the names Michael, Christopher, Liza and Maria opened to hold small keepsakes close to her skin. These were reminders of motherhood, grounding her even when she was surrounded by cameras and crowds. She often said these bracelets helped her stay connected to what truly mattered, no matter where she was in the world. Other charms reflected her faith and milestones. A star of David symbolized her Jewish identity, worn with pride and meaning. Interspersed among the more emotional pieces were anniversary charms, gifts marking important moments in her marriages and life. Together, they formed a timeline you could read with your fingertips. Elizabeth wore these bracelets constantly, stacking them so they softly clinked as she moved. The sound became familiar, almost comforting. While her diamonds might command attention, these bracelets told her real story. They spoke of love, family, belief and memory, all woven together in gold. To her, their value could never be measured in U.S. dollars. These were not investments or status symbols. They were chapters of her life, worn daily, carrying moments she never wanted to forget. Number three, Cartier rubies. Elizabeth Taylor's diamond tiara may get most of the attention, but it was far from the only breathtaking gift she received from her third husband, Mike Todd. He had a flair for drama and romance, and nowhere was that clearer than in the unforgettable set of Cartier rubies he chose for her. The ensemble included a necklace, a bracelet and a pair of earrings, all alive with deep red rubies framed by diamonds that caught the light with every movement. The moment he presented them felt like something straight out of a movie. The couple was renting a chateau in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the sun-soaked coast of southern France. One afternoon, Elizabeth was swimming in the pool, still wearing her diamond tiara, when she noticed Mike walking toward her. In his hands were unmistakable red boxes, the kind that needed no explanation. Cartier had arrived. Elizabeth did not wait for a formal unveiling. She opened the boxes, lifted the earrings and put them on right there by the pool. There was no mirror nearby, so she leaned over the edge and looked into the water, using the surface of the pool as her reflection. It was a quiet, intimate moment, playful and luxurious all at once, and it perfectly captured the spirit of their relationship. Years later, the significance of those rubies was confirmed in dramatic fashion. When the Cartier ruby necklace went to auction at Christie's in 2011, it drew intense attention from collectors around the world. The final result stunned even seasoned experts. The necklace sold for $3.8 million, soaring well beyond its original estimate. Those Cartier rubies were not just extraordinary jewels. They were memories set in stone, reminders of a love that favored bold gestures, beautiful surprises and living life as extravagantly as possible. Number two, Diamond Tiara. In 1957, Elizabeth Taylor received a gift that felt less like jewelry and more like a declaration. Her third husband, theater and film producer Mike Todd, surprised her with a diamond tiara and framed it with a line that sounded half playful, half sincere. You are my queen, and I think you should have a tiara. It was classic Todd, extravagant, romantic and a little mischievous, and Elizabeth adored him for it. This was no costume piece or theatrical prop. Todd chose an authentic 19th century diamond diadem, rich with history and sparkle. The tiara was crafted from gold and platinum and set with old mine cut diamonds that caught the light in a softer, deeper way than modern stones. Its design mixed fleur de lis motifs with sweeping festoon patterns, alternating scroll and latticework that gave the piece both structure and whimsy. Decades later, experts would estimate its value at nearly four million dollars, a reflection of both its craftsmanship and its provenance. Elizabeth did not tuck the tiara away for private moments. She wore it proudly to the Cannes Film Festival in 1957, turning heads and quietly breaking fashion rules. At the time, tiaras were not considered appropriate for contemporary red carpet events, but she did not care. She later explained that she wore it anyway because Mike was her king. In that moment, the tiara became more than an antique jewel. It became a symbol of love worn in public, fearless and unapologetic. Photographs from Cannes show Elizabeth glowing, regal without trying, as if the tiara had always belonged to her. The piece came to represent her unique blend of movie star glamour and personal sentiment, proof that sometimes the most unforgettable jewels are the ones tied to a story, a relationship and a moment when love felt larger than convention. Number one, the Taj Mahal diamond. When Elizabeth Taylor turned 40, Richard Burton chose a gift that carried centuries of romance rather than sheer size alone. He gave her the Taj Mahal diamond, a heart-shaped stone engraved with an inscription dating back to the Mughal era. It was a jewel steeped in devotion, history and poetry, making it one of the most emotionally charged pieces she ever owned. The diamond was believed to have been created in the 17th century during the reign of the Mughal emperors, a period famous for its passion for art and love stories written in Inscribed directly onto the diamond were Persian words associated with devotion, believed to reference Shah Jahan, the emperor who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The heart shape only deepened its symbolism, turning the diamond into a literal emblem of enduring love. Burton presented the diamond to Elizabeth as a birthday gift, transforming an ancient relic into a modern love token. She immediately recognized its significance and treated it not as a museum piece, but as something deeply personal. Rather than hiding it away, she had it mounted on a gold chain and wore it openly, allowing history to rest against her chest. What made the Taj Mahal diamond so special was not just its age or rarity, but the way Elizabeth gave it new life. She connected its centuries old story of devotion with her own highly public romance, blending past and present into a single, unforgettable image. In 2011, the diamond reentered the spotlight when it went to auction. The result was staggering. It sold for eight point eight million dollars, setting a record for Indian jewelry at the time. Collectors were not just bidding on a diamond. They were bidding on history, romance and the legacy of Elizabeth Taylor herself. The Taj Mahal diamond remains one of the most poetic jewels ever associated with her name, proof that sometimes the most powerful sparkle comes from the story etched within. Thanks for taking this dazzling journey through Elizabeth Taylor's legendary jewelry collection. If you loved seeing these iconic pieces and the stories behind them, don't forget to like, share and subscribe so you never miss another glimpse into the world of unforgettable glamour.