AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sAuctionsJan 31, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Bracelet Outshines Estimate at U.K. Auction
The auction also featured the sale of a Cartier necklace made when Egyptomania was sweeping Great Britain.
This yellow diamond line bracelet (left), which Michael Jackson gifted to Elizabeth Taylor, sold for $147,480 at Woolley & Wallis’ recent jewelry sale, while the Cartier necklace seen at right sold for $85,218. (Photos courtesy of Woolley & Wallis).
Salisbury, England—A diamond line bracelet that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor, gifted to her by Michael Jackson, sold for £118,750 ($147,480) Thursday at a jewelry auction in the United Kingdom.
Auction house Woolley & Wallis said the piece, which was estimated to sell for £50,000 to £70,000 (approximately $61,000-$86,000), attracted competitive bidding both on the phones and online, ultimately going to a phone bidder.
Said to be one of the Oscar-winning actress’ favorite pieces, the bracelet features 27 graduated step-cut yellow diamonds.
“It was a strong sale, and we are delighted that many pieces exceeded their higher estimates, demonstrating that high quality jewelry is still in demand and the market is buoyant,” said Marielle Whiting, jewelry specialist at Woolley & Wallis.
Related stories will be right here …
Auction house Woolley & Wallis said the piece, which was estimated to sell for £50,000 to £70,000 (approximately $61,000-$86,000), attracted competitive bidding both on the phones and online, ultimately going to a phone bidder.
Said to be one of the Oscar-winning actress’ favorite pieces, the bracelet features 27 graduated step-cut yellow diamonds.
“It was a strong sale, and we are delighted that many pieces exceeded their higher estimates, demonstrating that high quality jewelry is still in demand and the market is buoyant,” said Marielle Whiting, jewelry specialist at Woolley & Wallis.
Also featured in the sale was an Art Deco necklace from a limited-edition Cartier collection of Egyptian Revival pieces.
The piece, featuring rubies and diamonds, sold for £68,750 ($85,218), more than twice its highest pre-sale estimate of £30,000 (approximately $37,189).
The necklace was rediscovered after being privately owned for a century.
The Cartier necklace features a pendant pavé set with circular-cut diamonds holding an abstract floral arrangement of cabochon rubies mounted in platinum and gold. It hangs from a chain of black onyx beads.
In their research, specialists from Woolley & Wallis matched the pendant to a Cartier necklace from a 1920s print ad for the special collection.
The jeweler had created the pieces in reaction to the wave of Egyptomania sweeping Great Britain at that time, the auction house said.
Two years earlier, British archaeologist Howard Carter had discovered of the tomb of Tutankhamun, the famous ancient Egyptian pharaoh better known as King Tut, inspiring interest in Ancient Egypt.
The ad ran alongside information about the discovery in a January 1924 edition of The Illustrated London News.
The specialists confirmed the necklace bore the same Cartier Londres signature and a similar number sequence (S.L7352) as two other pieces from the same ad that went up for auction in New York in 2013 (S.L7358 and S.L7353).
In the ad, the necklace features an Egyptian faience figurine of Nefertem. The distinctive U-shaped base with hooked motifs at each side was designed to resemble the silhouette of the beaded usekh necklaces that adorn mummies and sarcophagi, the auction house said.
While the pendant in the ad shows the necklace set with a figurine of Nefertem, the one offered at the U.K. auction features an abstract floral arrangement.
There are many reasons Cartier may have changed it, the auction house said, but it could have been an effort to tone down the Egyptian influence as desire for the style dissipated.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
