Editor’s Note
This article explores the storied history of the Taylor-Burton Diamond, a gemstone as famous for its extraordinary size and quality as for the legendary romance and celebrity drama it represents.
The Taylor-Burton diamond is one of the world’s most iconic jewels, not only for its dazzling size and perfection but also for the drama and fascination surrounding its history. Acquired by actor Richard Burton for his wife, the iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor, this diamond has left an indelible mark on the world of high jewelry and celebrities.
In 1966, at the legendary Premier Mine in South Africa, a rough diamond weighing 240.80 carats was found. This mine, famous for being the source of some of history’s most impressive diamonds, produced a stone that would soon capture the attention of the entire world.
The renowned New York jeweler, Harry Winston, was tasked with transforming this monumental stone. After a delicate cutting and polishing process, Winston succeeded in dividing the diamond into two main pieces, of which the Taylor-Burton, with a final weight of 69.42 carats (13.884 grams), became the largest and most notable. Its pear shape and immaculate clarity positioned it as one of the most coveted gems of its era.
In 1969, the diamond was put up for auction by the Parke-Bernet Galleries. Cartier, the prestigious jewelry firm, managed to secure the gem for the record sum of $1,050,000. However, Richard Burton, determined to give Elizabeth Taylor a piece that matched his love and her status, later negotiated the purchase directly with Cartier, paying an additional sum to ensure he obtained the diamond.
Elizabeth Taylor quickly made the diamond a centerpiece of her legendary collection. Although initially set in a platinum ring flanked by two smaller diamonds, Taylor found it too heavy to wear on her finger. She opted to commission a custom necklace costing $80,000, designed to enhance the stone while also covering a tracheotomy scar she had had since 1961.
The Taylor-Burton made its public debut on the glamorous stage of Princess Grace of Monaco’s fortieth birthday, and also shone during the 1970 Academy Awards ceremony. With each appearance, Taylor solidified the diamond’s status as a symbol of luxury and power.
The relationship between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor was as passionate as it was tumultuous. They married twice, in 1964 and 1975, and their divorces were equally media-saturated. In 1979, after their separations, Elizabeth Taylor decided to sell the diamond, dedicating the proceeds to building a hospital in Botswana, a gesture that reflected her generosity and commitment to humanitarian causes.
The new owner was jeweler Harry Lambert, who later sold the gem to magnate Robert Mouawad. This world-famous collector added the Taylor-Burton to his extraordinary jewelry collection, where it remains to this day, shielded from the public eye but immortalized by its rich history.
The Taylor-Burton is a Type IIa diamond, considered one of the most chemically pure types with exceptional clarity. Its pear shape, the result of meticulous cutting, reflects light spectacularly, giving it an unmatched brilliance. The setting of the custom necklace complemented its splendor, with a design that balanced elegance and functionality.
Beyond its size, the diamond stood out for its symbolism. For Richard Burton, it was a reflection of his love for Taylor and his desire to give her the best. For Elizabeth Taylor, it was an extension of her vibrant and glamorous personality, a jewel that captured attention and told a story of passion, generosity, and extravagance.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor symbolized the splendor of Hollywood’s golden age. Their relationship, full of ups and downs, also reflected their love for grand gestures. Burton also gave Taylor other iconic pieces, such as the Krupp diamond, which became one of the actress’s favorite jewels.
For her part, Taylor was a jewelry lover who saw in each piece an expression of art and passion. Her collection included pieces with fascinating stories, and the Taylor-Burton stood out as one of the most memorable.
Today, the Taylor-Burton diamond remains one of the world’s most legendary jewels, not only for its material value but for the narrative that surrounds it. It represents a moment in time where luxury, celebrities, and a passion for jewelry converged to create an unforgettable legacy. Every facet of this stone shines with stories of love, extravagance, and glamour, ensuring its place in history as a truly unique jewel.
