Unveiling the Mystery: Who Owns Elizabeth Taylor's Iconic Diamond Ring Now?
Hello there, jewelry enthusiasts and history buffs! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of Hollywood's most legendary diamonds, specifically, the one that once adorned the finger of the enchanting Elizabeth Taylor. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let's explore the captivating journey of Elizabeth Taylor's diamond ring and find out who owns it now. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who owns elizabeth taylor's diamond ring now.
The Birth of a Legend: The Taylor-Burton Diamond
Our story begins in the 1960s, when a 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond was discovered in the Premier No. 2 mine in South Africa. This stunning gem would eventually become known as the Taylor-Burton Diamond, a name that echoes the romance and glamour of its most famous owner, Elizabeth Taylor.
The diamond was purchased by Richard Burton, the Welsh actor and Taylor's then-husband, as a Valentine's Day gift in 1969. The astronomical price tag of $1.1 million (around $7.8 million today) didn't deter Burton, who famously quipped, "I couldn't afford it, but I had to have it." The diamond was then set in a ring designed by Cartier, and thus, one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry in history was born.
Elizabeth Taylor: The Queen of Diamonds
Elizabeth Taylor was no stranger to stunning jewels. Her third husband, Mike Todd, had gifted her a 29.4-carat Krupp diamond, which she famously wore to the 1953 Academy Awards. But the Taylor-Burton diamond was different. It was larger, rarer, and came with a love story that captured the imagination of the world.
Taylor wore the ring proudly, often flaunting it at red carpet events and social gatherings. She even wore it during her fourth wedding to Burton, a testament to the couple's enduring love and the diamond's status as a symbol of their relationship.
The Ring's Disappearance and Reappearance
In the 1970s, amidst Taylor and Burton's tumultuous relationship, the diamond ring went missing. It was later revealed that Taylor had sold it at a Christie's auction in 1978 for $5 million. The buyer was Henry Lambert, a New York jeweler, who had purchased it on behalf of an anonymous client.
The ring resurfaced in 1987 when it was put up for sale again at Sotheby's. This time, it was bought by a Saudi businessman for $12.9 million. However, the ring's journey was far from over.
The Current Owner: A Mystery Unveiled
So, who owns Elizabeth Taylor's diamond ring now? After years of speculation and mystery, the ring was put up for auction again in 2011. The buyer was revealed to be a Swiss businessman, who purchased it for $8.8 million. The ring was then put on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., allowing the public to marvel at its beauty once again.
The Swiss businessman, while not a household name like Elizabeth Taylor or Richard Burton, is said to be a passionate collector of rare diamonds. He has chosen to remain anonymous, adding another layer of intrigue to the ring's already captivating story.
The Legacy of Elizabeth Taylor's Diamond Ring
Regardless of who owns it now, Elizabeth Taylor's diamond ring remains an icon of Hollywood glamour and romance. Its journey from a South African mine to the fingers of one of the world's most beloved actresses is a testament to the power of love, passion, and the allure of a truly extraordinary diamond.
As we bid farewell to this fascinating tale, we're left with a sense of wonder and a question: what other incredible stories lie hidden within the sparkling depths of the world's most precious gems? Until next time, jewelry lovers! Keep shining!