Margot Robbie captured attention at the Wuthering Heights premiere on Wednesday by wearing one of the most famous jewels once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, spotlighting Margot Robbie Elizabeth Taylor jewelry on the red carpet in New York. The $8 million Taj Mahal diamond necklace, a significant part of Taylor’s legendary collection, became the centerpiece of Robbie’s striking appearance.
Margot Robbie’s Show-Stopping Appearance with Iconic Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry
The 35-year-old Oscar nominee impressed guests with a custom-made couture gown by Schiaparelli, but the true highlight was Taylor’s Taj Mahal diamond necklace adorning Robbie’s neck. This exquisite piece was gifted to Taylor by her fifth husband, Richard Burton, 54 years ago on her 40th birthday, making its red carpet debut alongside an actress known for her film and fashion prowess. The necklace, valued at approximately $8 million, remains one of the most recognizable treasures from the deceased Hollywood legend’s collection.
The Legacy and Whereabouts of Elizabeth Taylor’s Legendary Jewelry
Elizabeth Taylor’s priceless gemstones, worth an astounding $137 million at auction after her passing, have since found new homes, fueling fascination about their whereabouts. While certain items were repurchased by famed jewelry houses like Cartier and Bulgari, numerous pieces entered private collections, with many loaned to contemporary celebrities for high-profile events. Taylor’s joy in her jewels was well documented, reflecting her deep personal connection to them even during restless nights.
“Her jewelry wasn’t locked away,” photographer Catherine Opie commented in 2015.
“When Elizabeth had insomnia, she’d often go into the jewelry closet to make different arrangements to look at.”
— Catherine Opie, Photographer
The History and Stories Behind the Taj Mahal Diamond Necklace
The Taj Mahal diamond necklace gets its unique name due to its association with Shah Jahan, the Mughal ruler behind the Taj Mahal mausoleum in Agra, India. Legend had it that the diamond had once belonged to him, a backstory that added to its mystique and allure. When presenting it to Taylor in 1972, Richard Burton famously joked,
“I would have liked to buy her the Taj-Mahal but it would cost too much to transport.”
The necklace was auctioned in New York in December 2011 for $8.8 million, yet controversy followed the sale. The buyer requested a refund, claiming the jewel did not actually belong to a Mughal emperor. Following this dispute, Christie’s canceled the sale and demanded the return of $7.2 million paid by the buyer to Taylor’s estate. Both parties eventually settled the matter amicably, agreeing to dismiss all claims, with plans to resell the diamond at auction.
Other Notable Treasures from Burton and Taylor’s Collection
Richard Burton’s lavish gifting extended beyond the Taj Mahal diamond, enriching Taylor’s collection with other extraordinary pieces. Among these was the 69.4-carat Taylor-Burton diamond, purchased in 1969, which is now held by Robert Mouawad and has not been publicly displayed since 1979. Burton also bought Taylor an emerald Bulgari necklace, reacquired by Bulgari during the 2011 auction. This necklace was famously worn by Julianne Moore in 2013 and has been loaned out by the jewelry house to multiple celebrities since.
Another remarkable gift from Burton was the La Peregrina Pearl, a 56-carat gem unearthed in 1516, previously part of the Spanish Crown Jewels and worn by royalty including Mary I of England. This pearl fetched $11.8 million at auction in 2011 and has remained in a private collection since its sale.
Taylor’s third husband, Mike Todd, gifted her a Cartier ruby-and-diamond necklace, which was reacquired by Cartier during the 2011 auction for $3.8 million. Taylor revered this piece, describing it vividly:
“Like the sun, lit up and made of red fire.”
Burton complemented this set by purchasing matching Cartier earrings and a bracelet for her.
Famous Gems: The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond and More
Among Taylor’s renowned jewels is the Krupp diamond, later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor diamond. It was acquired by the Korean E-Land Group for $8.8 million, breaking records for colorless diamonds on a per-carat basis. This diamond remains a highlight of the collection, symbolizing Taylor’s status as a Hollywood icon.
The Bulgari Sautoir, a necklace of dazzling diamonds and sapphires gifted by Burton on Taylor’s 40th birthday, sold for nearly $6 million at Christie’s. Another standout piece was the Prince of Wales Brooch, presented by the Duchess of Windsor, which fetched over $1.3 million. Van Cleef & Arpels’ Daisy Parure necklace, worn by Taylor at the 1993 Oscars, also ended up under the hammer for $746,500.
Taylor’s collection was vast and varied, including unique items such as the Massoni monkey necklace and earrings, which she wore alongside Michael Jackson in 2000 at the Carousel of Hope gala. These fetched nearly $300,000 at auction.
Modern Celebrities Carrying Forward Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewelry Legacy
The enduring allure of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry was evident when Kim Kardashian wore some of the late star’s pieces at Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week show last year. Kardashian’s glittering appearance featured Taylor’s chandelier diamond earrings, loaned by the illustrious jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz. These earrings, originally a gift from Mike Todd in 1957 shortly before his death, are estimated to be worth $400,000.
For her ensemble, Kardashian chose a cream satin slip dress reminiscent of one Taylor wore in the 1958 film Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, bridging Hollywood’s golden past with present-day glamour.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Enduring Influence in Hollywood and Fashion
Elizabeth Taylor first rose to prominence as a child actress in the 1940s and solidified her legacy through iconic roles in the 1950s and 60s, including her memorable portrayal of Cleopatra. Her influence extended beyond cinema, as she was named the seventh-greatest female screen legend by the American Film Institute, acknowledging her impact on Hollywood’s landscape well into the 1990s.
Throughout her career, Taylor amassed not only a monumental jewelry collection but also an impressive array of designer clothing, accessories, and personal memorabilia. Following her death in 2011 from congestive heart failure at age 79, her vast collection has continued to captivate collectors and fans alike.
Preserving Elizabeth Taylor’s Legacy Through Auctions and Exhibits
In 2019, Julien’s Auctions partnered with the House of Taylor for a three-day event celebrating the late actress’s remarkable legacy by auctioning her iconic clothing, jewelry, and personal effects. The sale featured film costumes and pieces created by luxury designers such as Christian Dior, Edith Head, Gucci, and Oscar de la Renta, offering a glimpse into Taylor’s glamorous life and style.
The continuing fascination with Margot Robbie Elizabeth Taylor jewelry and Taylor’s legendary pieces underscores the timeless allure of the Hollywood icon’s collection, which not only defined a glamorous era but also continues to influence fashion and celebrity culture today.
