Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry sells for $115 million

Richard Drew  /  AP

Elizabeth Taylor's "La Peregrina," an early 16th century pearl, ruby and diamond necklace by Cartier, given to the late actress by Richard Burton, sold at auction for $11,842,500.

 

NEW YORK — Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection fetched a record-setting $115 million — including more than $11.8 million for a pearl necklace and more than $8.8 million for a diamond ring given to her by Richard Burton — at an auction of gems and other memorabilia amassed by the late actress.

The 33.19-carat diamond ring given to Taylor by the actor she married twice sold for $8,818,500.
The pearl, diamond and ruby necklace, known as "La Peregrina," purchased at auction for $37,000 in 1969 by Burton for Taylor reached the world record price of $11,842,500. It was estimated to sell for $2 million to $3 million. The price surpassed the previous auction record for a pearl, set in 2007 at Christie's auction house in New York City with the sale of The Baroda Pearls for $7,096,000.

Elizabeth Taylor Hospitalized

Dame Elizabeth Taylor is being treated in a Los Angeles hospital for symptoms related to congestive heart failure, a condition she reported publicly back in 2004.

The 78-year-old acting legend and AIDS activist has been at Cedars-Sinai hospital for at least a few days and it's not clear how long she will remain because she is under observation.

Of course many in the know all to well remember all of the marriages, some of the scandels, some of the health problems she has had on and off.  For me she alone stands at the very for front of what the AIDS epidemic was, has been, is and will be.  Without Dame Elizabeth Taylor the AIDS arena would not be what it is today.

I had the distinct honor of meeting Elizabeth Taylor at Parma Town Mall at Higbee's for a White Diamonds promotion twenty years ago when I was first diagnosed with HIV.  I had a chance to talk with her publicly, and thank her on behalf of all of us living with AIDS for what she was doing for all of us.  I was the only decent comment or question she go that day from the crowd.

I'll never forget it, Elizabeth came off the stage walk right over to me--hugged me and kissed my left cheek, tears in her eyes and said "Thank you for knowing I really care", I cried as well and said "Ms. Taylor we love you for it".  Please join me in praying for Dame Liz and I will try to keep you all posted.