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Lot Essay
Few women have so seamlessly united the worlds of cinema, glamour and personal adornment as Elizabeth Taylor. More than just a screen legend, she was a woman of remarkable complexity. She was an exceptional actress, a passionate humanitarian and a symbol of timeless beauty and strength.
Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born in London in 1932 to American parents. She was brought to California at the beginning of World War II, where her violet eyes immediately drew attention from the film studios. Signed at the age of ten she was raised in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Taylor screen debuted in the 1942 comedy There's One Born Every Minute then was cast in her first starring role at the age of 12 in National Velvet (1944). By the early 1950s, she had become a luminous star.
By the 1960s, Taylor surpassed the boundaries of the studio system and became a force of her own. Her performance in Cleopatra (1963) was more than a role, but a declaration of her independence. The movie was more than a cinematic event, it was a cultural phenomenon. The film's lavish production and her romance with Richard Burton brought Taylor into a new realm of celebrity status, while her commanding presence on screen revealed her as both artist and modern celebrity.
Taylor’s true legacy extends far beyond the camera. In her later years, she transformed her fame into a platform for purpose. She used her influence to champion causes close to her heart, best known for her pioneering work of HIV/AIDS awareness. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research and later established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991. Her activism added a new dimension to her legacy, one defined not only by cinematic brilliance but by compassion and courage.
Taylor also became renowned for her discerning eye as a collector of exquisite jewelry. From a young age, she was fascinated by color and craftsmanship, captivated by the beauty of a gemstone. Over time, this fascination evolved as she studied design, learned the provenance of historic pieces and developed relationships with the great houses of jewelry, Bulgari, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Her jewels were more than accessories, they were intimate companions that marked the milestones of her life. She received them as tokens of love from her husbands, but she also acquired them for herself, celebrating moments of independence and resilience.
Through her performances, activism and her personal resilience, Elizabeth Taylor redefined what it meant to be a star. She became a reminder that true artistry lies not only in talent but in the capacity to transform, to endure and to move audiences across generations.
The present ring was a gift from Eddie Fisher on the occasion of Elizabeth Taylor's 30th birthday on February 27, 1962. Christie’s had the pleasure of offering this ring in the 2011 record breaking auction “The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor”. Christie’s is honored to once again present this beloved Bulgari colored diamond and diamond ring formerly from the magnificent jewelry collection of Elizabeth Taylor.
Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born in London in 1932 to American parents. She was brought to California at the beginning of World War II, where her violet eyes immediately drew attention from the film studios. Signed at the age of ten she was raised in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Taylor screen debuted in the 1942 comedy There's One Born Every Minute then was cast in her first starring role at the age of 12 in National Velvet (1944). By the early 1950s, she had become a luminous star.
By the 1960s, Taylor surpassed the boundaries of the studio system and became a force of her own. Her performance in Cleopatra (1963) was more than a role, but a declaration of her independence. The movie was more than a cinematic event, it was a cultural phenomenon. The film's lavish production and her romance with Richard Burton brought Taylor into a new realm of celebrity status, while her commanding presence on screen revealed her as both artist and modern celebrity.
Taylor’s true legacy extends far beyond the camera. In her later years, she transformed her fame into a platform for purpose. She used her influence to champion causes close to her heart, best known for her pioneering work of HIV/AIDS awareness. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research and later established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991. Her activism added a new dimension to her legacy, one defined not only by cinematic brilliance but by compassion and courage.
Taylor also became renowned for her discerning eye as a collector of exquisite jewelry. From a young age, she was fascinated by color and craftsmanship, captivated by the beauty of a gemstone. Over time, this fascination evolved as she studied design, learned the provenance of historic pieces and developed relationships with the great houses of jewelry, Bulgari, Cartier, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Her jewels were more than accessories, they were intimate companions that marked the milestones of her life. She received them as tokens of love from her husbands, but she also acquired them for herself, celebrating moments of independence and resilience.
Through her performances, activism and her personal resilience, Elizabeth Taylor redefined what it meant to be a star. She became a reminder that true artistry lies not only in talent but in the capacity to transform, to endure and to move audiences across generations.
The present ring was a gift from Eddie Fisher on the occasion of Elizabeth Taylor's 30th birthday on February 27, 1962. Christie’s had the pleasure of offering this ring in the 2011 record breaking auction “The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor”. Christie’s is honored to once again present this beloved Bulgari colored diamond and diamond ring formerly from the magnificent jewelry collection of Elizabeth Taylor.