I, Elizabeth: Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Auction Brings in Record Amount

"I may have only played Cleopatra in a movie, but my life was just as spectacular and fiery..."

Christie's Auction House in New York City was the location for one of the most sought-after and anticipated auctions in memory... the fabulous jewelry collection of the superstar film and stage actress Elizabeth Taylor.

The beautiful Cat on a Hot Tin Roof star died earlier this year at the age of 79. Over the years, Taylor had collected a stunning array of jewelry that would even give Great Britain's Royal House of Windsor's Crown Jewels a run for its money. The eight-times married actress possessed two of the most coveted items of jewelry in the world, the Krupp diamond, an incredible 33.19 carat ring that was given to her by actor Richard Burton, as well as the La Peregrina - an early 16th century pearl, ruby and diamond necklace by Cartier, also a gift from Burton, who Taylor married, twice. The necklace was expected to bring in around $3 million, but sold for an astonishing $11 million. The Krupp diamond ring fetched a staggering $8,818,500. 


A large collection of the always-fashionable Taylor's designer haute couture gowns and dresses, many worn in films or to exclusive movie premieres, was also on display. All-in-all, the auction broke all records for a private collection, bringing in a beyond-belief $150 million, with a majority of the proceeds going to a cause close to her heart, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, for which the star helped millions of people around the world suffering from the disease.

Taylor's LaPeregrina pearl, ruby and diamond necklace sold for $11 million at Christie's Auction House in New York City.