Christie's to Auction Elizabeth Taylor's $150 Million Jewelry Collection

Jewelry hounds? This is one of those times when I wish I had a few $mil burning a hole in my pocket. OK. That's not an 'uncommon' thought, but the news that Christie's is auctioning Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection is sending my blingy consumption habit into orbit!

Yes, it's true. People.com reports the famed auction house will be putting Dame Liz's baubles on the block - and yes, the stash includes all of her 'big hits' - including Taylor's rumored favorite, The Krupp Diamond(!!!)

Christie's declined to comment on the story, and there is no word yet if the proceeds will benefit Elizabeth Taylor's charity, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation - but you can be sure jewelry lovers the world over will be pushing the paddle hard to get their paws on a little piece of jewelry perfection.

In the meantime, I'm loving all of the jewelry-related tidbits that keep trickling out as the world mourns the loss of an icon. Lorraine Schwartz (famed red carpet jeweler and friend of Taylor's) told People that magnificent gems were a natural part of Taylor’s day-to-day life.

“People always gave her gifts … it was something that she learned to love.” And she took great care of them, too. “She [had] collections and collections, and rooms. She [knew] where every single piece was. [It was] amazing.”

In fact, Schwartz remembers receiving a phone call one morning in 2003 after Taylor had taken a fall. “She was like, ‘I don’t feel good, my hair is dirty but I’m wearing my bracelet,’” she recalls. “I mean, fabulous."

Elizabeth Taylor's 'White Diamonds' still best-selling celeb fragrance

Elizabeth Taylor's 'White Diamonds' remains the world's best-selling celebrity fragrance of all time - 20 years after it first launched.

It is estimated that the global sales of the scent, which is manufactured by Elizabeth Arden, reached 61.3 million pounds in 2010.

The Oscar-winning actress, who died on Wednesday at the age of 79, was one of the first stars to launch a signature fragrance with any success, reports the Daily Mail.

Follow-up perfumes, which include ‘Diamonds and Emeralds’, ‘Diamonds and Rubies’ and ‘Black Pearls’ also continue to enjoy retail success, with sales of 76.9 million pounds in 2010.

‘White Diamonds’ sold for 200 pounds an ounce when it first launched in 1991 at the Marshall Field and Co department store in New York.

A private tea with the actress was on offer to the first 150 customers who bought a 300-an-ounce pounds limited edition.

Elizabeth Arden chairman E. Scott Beattie reassured consumers that the perfume range would not be discontinued.

“White Diamonds remains a best seller almost 20 years after its 1991 introduction, a testimony to her transcendent and enduring appeal,” he said.

“Our best tribute to Elizabeth Taylor will be to continue the legacy of the brands she created and loved so much,” he added.

Boasting 10 fragrances, Taylor launched her first ‘Passion’ in 1987 and released Violet Eyes in 2010.

With no major acting work in the last 10 years, the star''s fragrance sales enabled her to give generously to charity and maintain her lavish lifestyle.

A year after its launch, ‘White Diamonds’ won Women''s Fragrance of the Year and Best National Advertising TV Campaign for a Women''s Fragrance at The Fragrance Foundation''s FiFi Awards.

In 2009, it came first in the Fragrance Hall of Fame along with ‘Davidoff Cool Water’.

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Fearless, Fashion Leader, Diva, Humanitarian, A Hollywood Fashion Star

Draped Queen: Elizabeth Taylor as "Cleopatra" draped in rust-colored jersey and blue key-hole neckline dresses designed by Costume Designer Irene Sharaff (1963)

We were all saddened to find out of the passing of the LAST Hollywood Goddess: Elizabeth Taylor. She lived a life, that's for sure. I am certain that tributes will pour in for all that she did through her life--from her acting, her marriages, her men...to being a Champion against AIDS. They do not make women like Elizabeth Taylor any more. Of course, I wanted to do my own little "photo" tribute in terms of her FASHION! To me--and I'm sure to others--she was also a FABULOUS Fashion Icon. And these photos certainly prove it! From what she wore on screen--as well as off--to Academy Awards Shows, red carpet premieres, her many weddings, or just being caught by the paparazzi, Miss Taylor WORKED it OVERTIME!

Here's a Look Back:

50's Elegance: Elizabeth Taylor in a draped bust and fitted corseted dress

70's Hippie Chick: Elizabeth Taylor arriving at Heathrow Airport in London 1970, and her white hot pants ensemble and matching boots

The 90's: Elizabeth Taylor, in lemon-yellow silk crepe gown with "Devore" sleeve and neckline detail, holding her Humanitarian Oscar in 1997 Academy Awards

Dynasty Shoulders: Elizabeth Taylor in blue velvet gown with Leg o' Mutton exaggerated sleeves

Going To The Ball: Elizabeth Taylor (with Larry Forstensky in the background) wearing a canary yellow silk ball-gown skirt and silver v-neck top and shawl, 1991

Miss Taylor Never Met A Turban She Didn't Like...

Diva Sheikha: No one worked the Turban look of the late 1960's and early 70's more than Elizabeth Taylor. It was the perfect accessory to highlight and frame her STUNNING face, those eyes, and of course, once in a while, one of those priceless diamonds she owned...

Pink Turban: With Richard Burton, in pink sequin and silk gown

Seriously, this has got to be one of the MOST FABULOUS Elizabeth Taylor looks EVER--From "Boom!", a 1968 film adapted from a Tennesse Williams play where she plays an aging actress. The Fashions--designed by Tiziani of Rome-- were the actual STARS of this film--next to Elizabeth Taylor. The plunging neckline sequined gown, THAT headdress, the diamonds, the emeralds, the cigarette and then...a glass of beer! Fearless Liz! Seriously.

Fashion Diva with Her Men:

1950 Wedding to Hotel Heir Conrad "Nicky" Hilton: Elizabeth Taylor in her timeless silk duchesse wedding gown with a fitted corset and full ball gown skirt

1959 Wedding To Eddie Fisher: Wearing an emerald green silk chiffon dress and veil (love the matching flowers!)

1960 Academy Awards: Elizabeth Taylor wins Best Actress Oscar for "Butterfield 8"--with husband Eddie Fisher, wearing an ivory silk embroidered ball gown skirt with waist rose-and-sash detail and see-through high neck top

1962 Fashionista: Elizabeth Taylor with husband Eddie Fisher, making an entrance in a draped open-necked gown that could be THE Epitome of CHIC in 2011--almost 50 years later!!!

Bow To The Lady: Now this is how all actresses should be "caught" by the paparazzi: Elizabeth Taylor--with Richard Burton--wearing a flower hat, elegantly tailored coat, pointed heels and a crocodile purse. Effortless.

One Shoulder Grecian: Elizabeth Taylor, in a one-shouldered draped gown with diamond brooch at shoulder and flowers accenting her jet-black hair, with Richard Burton

The ORIGINAL Brad and Angelina: In 1971, with Richard Burton--wearing turquoise blue open-necked (of course!) dress and THAT 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond!

Valentino Lace: The infamous Elizabeth Taylor/Larry Fortensky Wedding at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. The Bride wore a custom pale yellow Chantilly Lace tiered gown by Valentino. The entire wedding was estimated to cost $2 Million and is on the list of Forbes 20 Most Expensive Weddings! I'm sure her haute Couture Valentino gown didn't help (the budget, that is)

We'll Miss You Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Taylor: Jewelry Lover, Movie Legend

I was deeply saddened to hear of Elizabeth Taylor's passing today. Not only was she a groundbreaking movie star and a noted philanthropist (I actually named my beloved cat, Taylor, after her. Yeah. I'm that person.) -  she shared a passion all of us here hold near and dear to our hearts.

Jewelry.

No one personified the "lower jaw drop' jewelry moment quite like Dame Liz, so in honor of her memory here's a list of what I consider to be her top 5 gob-smacking glitter possessions for your drooling pleasure.

And for those of you moved by her life to reach out, I read that fans are encouraged to make donations to her beloved charity, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, a cause for which she raised over $50 million throughout her life. Wow.

1. Cartier Ruby and Diamond Necklace

Elizabeth Taylor was given this stunning Cartier creation by her third husband, Mike Todd, who tragically died in a plane crash thirteen months into their marriage. She writes of the piece in her book "Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewelry"

"I'd never seen anything like that in my life. I probably never will again. He was so generous, and he just took such care of me.  I felt so protected. And loved."  (Indeed!)

2. The Taj Mahal Diamond

For Elizabeth's 40th birthday, Richard Burton presented her with the historical Taj Mahal diamond - a flat heart shaped stone with inscribed Arabic, surrounded by rubies and diamonds and a yellow-gold necklace.

"I would have liked to buy the Taj Mahal for Elizabeth", joked Burton, "but it would have cost too much to transport it."

3. La Peregrina Pearl

Another gift from Burton, the Peregrina Pearl is thought to be the finest example of a pear-shaped natural pearl, weighing in a 55.95 carats. 

The stone was once owned by the infamous Queen Mary Tudor of England and was set in a stunning necklace by Cartier in 1969.

 

4. The Krupp Diamond

Richard Burton's first big purchase for his wife was the 33.19 carat Asscher-cut Krupp Diamond. Originally belonging to the Krupp estate, it was given to Miss Taylor in 1968 and was mounted on a ring, which made frequent public appearances.

The Krupps were a German family that supplied munitions to the Nazis and "helped knock off millions of Jews", Taylor writes in her book. "How perfect it would be if a nice Jewish girl like me were to own it."

Meow!

5. The Taylor-Burton Diamond

Last but certainly not least is the record-breaking rock Burton purchased for Taylor that was the most expensive stone in the world back in the day clocking in at $1.1 million.

He acquired the 69.42-carat diamond from Cartier - the jeweler who also set the stone in a necklace for Taylor to wear to the 1970 Oscars. (see my rave about the piece here for more on that).

Taylor later sold the diamond treasure to raise money for a children's hospital.

There are certainly many other jaw-dropping jewels associated with Elizabeth Taylor - the Bulgari emeralds, the bejeweled headresses, the tiaras - but these are my top 5.

Please weigh in with other Elizabeth Taylor jewelry thoughts you'd like to share. And raise a glass tonight in honor of Dame Elizabeth Taylor Hilton Wilding Todd Fisher Burton Burton Warner Fortensky. What a life.

Elizabeth Taylor| English-American actress

Elizabeth Taylor is a long time English-American actress, known by many as one of the all time great actresses in showbiz.

36 Karat Precious Diamond Watch

Elizabeth Taylor said that “many women need big diamonds”! Perhaps in this case in terms of carat size is less important but the effect will be as safe! We are talking about the last born in our firm, known for high jewelry house that has launched precious diamond watch whose name is symptomatic: Crazy Flower, or Flower Crazy! We do not know whether it is more “crazy” who will sign the check or who will wear it but it is to gape.

The 36 Karat Precious Diamond Watch structure looks like a flower whose petals are broken down by the wind, which gives it a touch and a feeling of movement and life
.

The petals, finely decorated, are composed of 116 diamonds baguette cut. Cascade gemstones also true for the dial which are housed in 206 diamonds with 66 stones to decorate the outer crown. While the hands which do not occupy the entire quadrant are “protected” by a slightly elliptical barrier composed of 20 baguette-cut stones.

The 36 Karat precious diamond watch is winding mechanical movement. In a joke, having seen an object like this, the true lovers of diamonds and watches can only “looking forward” to have him on the wrist!

Color-Changing Sapphires, A Love Story

Sapphires aren't just the blingy blue bauble often likened to the color of Elizabeth Taylor's eyes - they're crazy chameleons that wear a coat of many colors. While deep blue is certainly what most of us think of when it comes September's birthstone, the gem also comes in a rainbow of hues - from pink and green to yellow and red (also known as - a ruby!) Cool, right?

But sapphires have a special shade that I recently discovered, and it's downright drool-worthy: the color-changing sapphire.

Not quite purple, not quite red, not quite blue - the ever-elusive color changer is a slippery little devil that injects some much needed intrigue into the gemstone world. I admittedly just came across the 'c-c sapph', when writing about the gorgeous 'Royal Butterfly' brooch a few days ago - and decided to do some digging to find out more.

Here's the skinny:

While many sapphires may exhibit faint color changes upon exposure to incandescent or fluorescent lights, the 'c-c sapph' is a dramatic diva, bless her heart. Most color change sapphires belong to one of two groups depending on their color change: the green to red (alexandrite), and the blue to purple kind.

Most alex type color change sapphires are from Songea, Tanzania while the blue-purples occur in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Burma, and other parts of East Africa and Tanzania.  In all color change stones, the strength of the change is probabably the most important factor affecting their value - but the blue to purple variety tend to be the more pricey option.

Do any of you designers out there have a color-changer in your coffers you'd like to share? Make a comment here or send me a Twitpic with a link to an image/description, and I'll post it here.

In the meantime, here's a one-of-a-kind engagement ring featuring a color changer from The Jewelry Experts to whet your whistle.