Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor was a notorious collector of extravagant jewelry.
Elizabeth Taylor's life in jewels —
Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor was a notorious collector of extravagant jewelry.
Her passion for jewels dated from childhood but it was third husband, movie and Broadway producer Mike Todd, who kick-started her collection of serious rocks. <br /><br />In 1957 Todd bought Taylor a diamond tiara, claiming that she was his "Queen" and therefore needed one. <br /><br />The tiara is estimated to sell for between $60,000 and $80,000 at an auction of the star's jewels at Christie's, New York, in December.
Her passion for jewels dated from childhood but it was third husband, movie and Broadway producer Mike Todd, who kick-started her collection of serious rocks.

In 1957 Todd bought Taylor a diamond tiara, claiming that she was his "Queen" and therefore needed one.

The tiara is estimated to sell for between $60,000 and $80,000 at an auction of the star's jewels at Christie's, New York, in December.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's tempestuous relationship, which resulted in two marriages, was also marked with extravagant gifts of jewelry.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's tempestuous relationship, which resulted in two marriages, was also marked with extravagant gifts of jewelry.
This diamond and emerald Bulgari brooch was one of a suite of dazzling gifts Burton made to Taylor.
This diamond and emerald Bulgari brooch was one of a suite of dazzling gifts Burton made to Taylor.
Burton would go on to buy Taylor the matching necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings.
Burton would go on to buy Taylor the matching necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings.
Burton also bought her a 16th century pear-shaped pearl, known as "La Peregrina," which was once part of the crown jewels of Spain. <br /><br />It is estimated to fetch between $2 million and $3 million at auction in December.
Burton also bought her a 16th century pear-shaped pearl, known as "La Peregrina," which was once part of the crown jewels of Spain.

It is estimated to fetch between $2 million and $3 million at auction in December.
The spectacular Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a rectangular cut of 33.19 carats, is estimated to fetch between $2.5 million and $3.5 million at auction in December.<br /><br />It was also given to the actress by husband Richard Burton.
The spectacular Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a rectangular cut of 33.19 carats, is estimated to fetch between $2.5 million and $3.5 million at auction in December.

It was also given to the actress by husband Richard Burton.
On display at Christie's in London, alongside the famous jewels, are Taylor's costumes and couture gowns, including this Tiziani Kimono, made for her to wear as Flora 'Sissy' Goforth in the 1968 film, "BOOM!"
On display at Christie's in London, alongside the famous jewels, are Taylor's costumes and couture gowns, including this Tiziani Kimono, made for her to wear as Flora 'Sissy' Goforth in the 1968 film, "BOOM!"