It will be interesting to see how the rest of her property performs at auction and if the strong interest in her life continues to increase the value of the sale items. I will post more on the sales as the results become available. I always like to post sale content from celebrities as it is a good method calculating items when a documented premium is paid based upon the ownership history.
Chrsitie's reported on the sale
President of Christie's Americas.
“The extraordinary results of the first jewelry sale are a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor's expert eye for fine gemstones and jewels, as well as her stature as a legendary star and inspiring philanthropist. During the international pre-sale exhibition tour, which travelled all the way to Hong Kong, via Moscow, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva and Paris, before arriving in New York, thousands of collectors and admirers braved long lines to get a glimpse of one of the greatest collections of all time,” noted François Curiel, International Jewelry Director and President of Christie’s Asia. “For many, there was both the desire to share in the stories behind Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic jewels and to dream of perhaps acquiring one. For others, the sale provided the opportunity to purchase unique jewels, which brought Elizabeth Taylor such joy and reflect her remarkable taste and connoisseurship. I know she would be thrilled that her passion has inspired others through this landmark event. Being the auctioneer for this sale was one of the most memorable auctioneering events of my life.”
From the start of the sale, conducted by Francois Curiel and Rahul Kadakia - Head of Christie’s Jewelry Americas - the atmosphere was electric; the palpable sense of drama, intensity and passion appropriately reflecting the iconic collection of diamonds, pearls, gemstones, historic jewels, one-of-a-kind creations and storied gifts which accompanied Elizabeth Taylor’s remarkable lifetime and great moments. The first showstopper was The Edith Head Necklace which realized $314,500 (£201,280/€242,165). This one-of-a-kind gold necklace with ivory opera passes, circa 18th and 19th centuries, captivated the imagination of clients around the globe and attracted fierce competition. Having been bequeathed to Elizabeth Taylor by her dear friend, the renowned Hollywood costume designer, Edith Head - whom she often described as being like a second mother to her – it was one of Miss Taylor’s most cherished possessions.
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, of 33.19 carats, D color, potentially internally flawless, realized $8,818,500 (£5,643,840/€6,790,245), setting a record price per carat ($265,697). This far exceeds the $240,000 per carat paid for The Annenberg Diamond of 32.01 carats when it sold at Christie’s New York in 2009. A gift from Richard Burton in 1968, The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond was a constant in Ms. Taylor’s life and became the ring that she wore virtually every day for more than three decades. Bought at auction as the Krupp diamond, for $300,000, it was renamed in homage to this spectacular gem’s most glamorous owner.
Another favourite of Ms. Taylor’s, The JAR Sapphire Ear Clips sparked a frenzied bidding war selling for $602,500 (£385,600/ €463,925). Perhaps best known for her affinity for the storied jewelry houses of BVLGARI, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, these diamond and multi-colored sapphire “ball” ear clips, by the celebrated jewelry designer Joel Rosenthal (known by his initials JAR) illustrate that Elizabeth Taylor also had her finger on the pulse of contemporary jewelry design. Purchased in Paris, 2001, they were custom-designed to evoke the elusive hue of her eyes. A diamond and platinum ring by JAR which was a gift to Elizabeth Taylor from the designer on her 70th birthday also secured a strong price fetching $158,500 (£101,440/€122,045).
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