Margot Robbie turned heads at the Wuthering Heights premiere this week, but it wasn’t just her couture gown that stole the spotlight. The Oscar-nominated actress, 35, stepped onto the red carpet wearing one of Hollywood’s most legendary jewelry pieces: Elizabeth Taylor’s Taj Mahal diamond necklace, valued at $8 million.
The necklace, gifted to Taylor by her fifth husband Richard Burton on her 40th birthday, remains a centerpiece of the late star’s $137 million jewelry collection, demonstrating how Taylor’s legacy continues to shine decades after her passing.
While Robbie’s appearance brought the necklace back into the public eye, it also raised renewed interest in the fate of Taylor’s vast collection, which has been dispersed across auctions, private collections, and celebrity red carpets. Many of her jewels, including other Burton gifts and historic pieces, are now loaned to stars to showcase on high-profile occasions, keeping Taylor’s spirit alive in Hollywood.
Elizabeth Taylor dazzles in her Bulgari emerald necklace, a gift from Richard Burton, showcasing the timeless elegance of her legendary jewelry collection.
A Legendary Gift: The Taj Mahal Diamond Necklace
The Taj Mahal diamond necklace carries not only immense value but also a storied history. Believed to have once belonged to Shah Jahan, the emperor who commissioned India’s iconic Taj Mahal, the gem was presented to Taylor in 1972.
Burton famously quipped, “I would have liked to buy her the Taj Mahal but it would cost too much to transport.”
In December 2011, the necklace sold at auction for $8.8 million, though the sale was temporarily canceled when the buyer disputed the gem’s provenance. Court documents later confirmed a settlement, and the piece was resold at auction, cementing its status as one of the most recognized diamonds in the world.
Taylor cherished her jewelry intimately, often arranging pieces to admire them during sleepless nights. Photographer Catherine Opie recalled in 2015, “Her jewelry wasn’t locked away. Elizabeth would often go into the jewelry closet to make different arrangements to look at.” That same love for display is evident in Robbie’s recent red carpet appearance, bridging past and present.
Elizabeth Taylor dazzles in a legendary display of her iconic diamonds, showcasing the timeless glamour of her $137M jewelry collection.
Other Iconic Gems in Taylor’s Collection
Elizabeth Taylor’s collection extended far beyond the Taj Mahal necklace. Richard Burton’s other gifts included the 69.4-carat Taylor-Burton diamond, purchased in 1969 and now owned by Robert Mouawad, though it has not been publicly displayed since 1979.
He also gifted Taylor an emerald Bulgari necklace, which was repurchased by Bulgari during the 2011 Christie's auction and has since been lent to celebrities for red carpet events.
Another storied piece, the La Peregrina Pearl, discovered in 1516 and once part of the Spanish Crown Jewels, sold in 2011 for $11.8 million and now resides in a private collection. Similarly, a Cartier ruby-and-diamond necklace, a gift from Taylor’s third husband Mike Todd, was bought back by Cartier for $3.8 million and has appeared in exhibitions and celebrity showcases.
The Krupp diamond, later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor diamond, set a record price per carat when purchased by the Korean E-Land Group for $8.8 million. Pieces like these illustrate the scale, rarity, and historical significance of Taylor’s collection.
Margot Robbie stuns on the red carpet in Elizabeth Taylor’s $8M Taj Mahal diamond necklace, bringing Hollywood history and glamour to the Wuthering Heights premiere.
Modern Celebrities Wearing Taylor’s Jewels
Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry continues to influence red carpet fashion. Last year, Kim Kardashian made headlines wearing the late star’s chandelier earrings, valued at $400,000 and loaned from designer Lorraine Schwartz, to Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week.
Kardashian’s cream satin slip dress echoed Taylor’s look in the 1958 film Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, highlighting the timeless connection between Taylor’s glamour and modern Hollywood style.
Robbie’s use of the Taj Mahal diamond necklace follows in these footsteps, showing how historic pieces can carry contemporary significance. These loans not only preserve Taylor’s legacy but also maintain the cultural relevance of her jewelry in the public eye.
Kim Kardashian channels Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary style in Taylor’s chandelier diamond earrings, blending Hollywood glamour with modern haute couture.
The Auction Legacy: $137 Million and Counting
Elizabeth Taylor’s estate partnered with Julien’s Auctions in 2019 to showcase a multi-day auction celebrating the actress’ life. Items included not only her jewelry but also film costumes, luxury clothing from Dior, Gucci, and Oscar de la Renta, and personal memorabilia. The $137 million haul reflects Taylor’s status as both a Hollywood icon and a collector of some of the most exquisite jewelry and luxury items in the world.
Houses like Cartier and Bulgari repurchasing items demonstrate the enduring commercial and historical value of her collection. Meanwhile, celebrity loans keep Taylor’s pieces in the public eye, continuing to draw attention, admiration, and media coverage decades after her death in 2011 from congestive heart failure at the age of 79.
Key Questions About Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry Legacy
How are Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry pieces authenticated for auctions and celebrity loans?
Auction houses and jewelers verify provenance through certificates, historical records, previous sales, and expert appraisals to confirm authenticity before resale or loans.
Can modern celebrities permanently purchase Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry?
Some pieces remain in private collections or with luxury houses, while others are exclusively loaned for red carpet appearances, making permanent purchases rare.
How does the value of Taylor’s jewelry appreciate over time?
Taylor’s collection gains value due to historical significance, rarity, celebrity provenance, and the continuous media attention generated by public appearances and auctions.
