Timeless Treasures: The Enduring Allure of Elizabeth Taylor's Iconic Jewelry

From Elizabeth Taylor's Glamorous Legacy to Modern Icons: A Dazzling Journey of Timeless Jewelry and Hollywood Romance

The world of celebrity is often intertwined with glamour, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of extravagant jewelry. For stars like Margot Robbie, wearing a piece from the legendary Elizabeth Taylor's collection is nothing short of a sparkling moment. Known for her breathtaking array of jewelry, Taylor was often just as famous for her lavish baubles as she was for her illustrious acting career and enchanting violet eyes. With her death in 2011, her collection fetched an astonishing $131 million, cementing her legacy not just as an actress but as a connoisseur of fine jewelry.

Margot Robbie recently appeared in a dazzling piece from Taylor's treasure trove, underscoring the timeless allure of these iconic designs. Taylor’s jewelry was more than mere adornment; they were significant gifts that marked various moments in her life, particularly from her two-time husband, Richard Burton, who had a penchant for presenting her with breathtaking engagement rings and extravagant pieces. Among her most memorable items is a striking Bulgari emerald pendant, featuring a remarkable 23-carat center stone. Burton gifted this standout piece to Taylor as an engagement present, only for Bulgari to later buy back the set for a staggering $12 million. In a showcase of Taylor's legacy, Julianne Moore sported the jewel during a special exhibition in 2013, allowing another generation to experience the glamor of "La Liz's" jewelry.

Kim Kardashian, another luminary who has worn Taylor's jewelry, has been vocal about her admiration for the iconic star. In a memorable interview for *Harper's Bazaar* in 2011, she expressed her admiration for Taylor’s life, quipping, “You are my idol. But I’m six husbands and some big jewels behind." This playful exchange lays the foundation for Kardashian's upcoming docuseries about Taylor, which she announced for 2024. In preparation, she debuted a stunning pair of diamond chandelier earrings, originally a gift from Taylor's third husband, Mike Todd, on the Balenciaga runway in 2025. Notably, those earrings were initially made with costume stones, but Todd replaced them with genuine diamonds, showcasing his love for Taylor in the most extravagant way. The earrings have become a part of Kardashian's own collection of Taylor's jewelry — a testament to the enduring fascination with and legacy of the legendary actress.

Jewelry fans can trace Taylor's fondness for Bulgari through anecdotes and memorable quotes. Burton once humorously remarked, "The only word Elizabeth knows in Italian is 'Bulgari,'" a clear nod to her obsession with the brand. Among Taylor's most iconic pieces was a sapphire sautoir she wore for her 40th birthday in Budapest. This stunning piece has also graced the neck of actress Jessica Chastain on the Cannes red carpet, proving that Taylor's jewelry continues to shine bright in modern fashion. The sautoir is a symbol of luxury that recalls an era of opulence and the romance of Hollywood's golden age.

Blake Lively, known for her role in *Gossip Girl*, adds to the legacy with her own magical moment borrowing one of Taylor's favorite pieces. For a Vogue photoshoot in which she portrayed a jewel thief, she wore a spectacular $3.8 million Cartier diamond-and-ruby necklace that can elegantly transition into a tiara. This was another instance of how Taylor’s love for jewelry was matched only by the stories attached to them. The necklace was a surprise gift from Mike Todd, who presented it during a romantic getaway. It’s this personal touch, coupled with the breathtaking design, that resonates with stars today and ensures that Taylor's jewelry remains an inspiration for modern icons.

As the legacy of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry continues to find its way onto red carpets and runways, one particularly memorable piece stood out during the L.A. premiere of one of Margot Robbie’s films. A striking Cartier "Taj Mahal" pendant, gifted to Taylor by Burton at her 40th birthday party, was prominently featured. This mesmerizing piece not only carries an inscription that reads “Love is Everlasting,” but it’s also steeped in romantic history that dates back to the Mughal Empire. Each diamond in Taylor’s collection tells a story, with many reflecting a timeless love; it’s no surprise that Robbie was drawn to the piece’s extraordinary heritage when she wore it on the red carpet.

The stories behind these jewels are as captivating as the pieces themselves, weaving a narrative of love, loss, and Hollywood glamour. As modern celebrities like Margot Robbie, Kim Kardashian, and Blake Lively continue to borrow from Taylor’s legendary collection, they carry forward her legacy. Every borrowed bauble adds shine not only to the wearer but also revitalizes the history and allure of Elizabeth Taylor’s life and relationships, which continue to inspire awe in the celebrity world. Each sparkle tells a story, and in the hands of today’s stars, these jewels become conduit pieces of timeless glamour, linking past and present in an enchanting dance of opulence and remembrance.