Taylor Burton Diamond
The Taylor Burton Diamond. Just the name evokes images of Hollywood glamour, passionate romance, and a dazzling display of wealth. This legendary 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond, once owned by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, remains one of the most iconic and celebrated gemstones in history. Its story is a captivating blend of geological wonder, expert craftsmanship, and the fiery love affair that captivated the world.
A Geological Marvel: The Birth of a Legend
Our journey begins deep within the earth’s mantle, where immense heat and pressure forged a rough diamond crystal of exceptional size and clarity. Discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa in 1966, this rough stone weighed a staggering 241 carats. Its sheer size and brilliance immediately marked it as a diamond of extraordinary potential.
The Premier Mine, known for producing some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Cullinan, provided the raw material for what would become the Taylor Burton Diamond. The process of transforming a rough diamond into a polished gem is a meticulous and demanding one, requiring the skill and expertise of master cutters.
The Cutting and Polishing of the Taylor Burton Diamond From Rough Stone to Dazzling Gem
The rough diamond was entrusted to Harry Winston, the renowned New York jeweler. Winston’s team of expert cutters carefully planned the cutting process to maximize the diamond’s brilliance and size. After months of painstaking work, the rough stone was transformed into a magnificent 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond. This shape, known for its elegant teardrop form, perfectly showcased the diamond’s exceptional clarity and fire.
The cutting process itself was a feat of precision. Each facet had to be carefully placed and polished to ensure that light would enter and reflect within the diamond, creating a dazzling display of brilliance. The finished gem was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a testament to the skill and artistry of the diamond cutters.
The Auction and the Burtons’ Pursuit: A Bidding War for Love
In 1969, the of the Taylor Burton Diamond was put up for auction at Parke-Bernet Galleries in New York. The auction attracted a frenzy of interest from wealthy collectors and diamond enthusiasts around the world. Richard Burton, determined to acquire the diamond for Elizabeth Taylor, was among the bidders.
The bidding war was fierce, with prices escalating rapidly. Burton, who was in Puerto Vallarta at the time, instructed his lawyer to bid on his behalf. However, he was outbid by Robert Kenmore, the president of Cartier.
Despite losing the initial bid, Burton was undeterred. He immediately contacted Kenmore and negotiated a deal to purchase the diamond for a reported $1.05 million. This astronomical sum, at the time, made it the most expensive diamond ever sold.
The Taylor Burton Diamond: A Symbol of Love and Glamour
Burton’s acquisition of the diamond for Taylor was a grand gesture of love and devotion. He presented the diamond to her as a gift, and she wore it proudly on numerous occasions, including the 42nd Academy Awards in 1970.
The Taylor Burton Diamond became a symbol of their passionate and tumultuous relationship. It was a testament to their extravagant lifestyle and their unwavering commitment to each other. The diamond was not just a piece of jewelry; it was an emblem of their love story, a story that captivated the world.
Taylor, known for her love of jewelry, cherished the diamond. She wore it in a variety of settings, from formal events to casual gatherings. She even had it set in a necklace with smaller diamonds, creating a stunning piece of jewelry that perfectly complemented her beauty and style.
The of the Taylor Burton Diamond’s Journey After the Burtons: A Legacy of Brilliance
After their divorce in 1978, Taylor sold the diamond in 1979 for a reported $2.8 million. The proceeds from the sale were used to build a hospital in Botswana.
The diamond was then purchased by a private collector in Saudi Arabia. It remained in private hands for many years, its whereabouts largely unknown.
In 2011, the Taylo Burton Diamond resurfaced when it was featured in an exhibition at the Gem Palace in Jaipur, India. The exhibition provided a rare opportunity for the public to view this legendary gemstone.
The Diamond’s Significance: More Than Just a Gemstone
The Taylor Burton Diamond is more than just a beautiful gemstone. It is a symbol of love, glamour, and the enduring allure of diamonds. Its story is intertwined with the lives of two of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, and it continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world.
The diamond’s significance extends beyond its aesthetic beauty. It represents the power of love, the extravagance of wealth, and the enduring appeal of celebrity. It is a reminder of a bygone era, a time when Hollywood was at its most glamorous and romantic.
The Enduring Legacy of the Taylor Burton Diamond
The Taylor Burton Diamond remains a symbol of extraordinary beauty and a testament to the enduring power of love. Its story is a captivating blend of romance, glamour, and the timeless allure of diamonds. While its current location may be a mystery to many, its legacy continues to shine brightly, reminding us of a time when Hollywood royalty reigned supreme. The Taylor Burton Diamond will forever hold a place in the annals of jewelry history, a dazzling reminder of a love story that captivated the world.