TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and Center
Iconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
The music video for Taylor Swift’s song “Elizabeth Taylor,” released this week, is a montage of on- and off-screen clips of the Hollywood icon, many of which feature opulent jewelry. The screenshot pictured shows the actress in a scene from 1968’s “Boom!” (Screenshot courtesy of @TaylorSwift YouTube channel)
Editor’s Note: This story was altered post-publication to correct information about the 29.4-carat emerald-cut diamond Elizabeth Taylor received from Mike Todd and likely was wearing in one of the clips included in Taylor Swift’s “Elizabeth Taylor” music video.
New York—Taylor Swift’s new music video for her song, “Elizabeth Taylor,” is a tribute to the actress, activist, and jewelry connoisseur.
The song, track 2 on Swift’s 12th album “The Life of a Showgirl,” explores themes of love and fame, taking inspiration from Taylor’s glamorous and scandalous life in the public eye at the height of her fame.
The video is a montage composed entirely of clips of Taylor, including scenes from films she starred in such as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958) and “Cleopatra” (1963), as well as archival footage from her real-life outings and public appearances.
Pieces from her extravagant jewelry collection can be seen throughout the video, including the diamond tiara she received as a gift from her third husband, producer Mike Todd, whom she was married to from 1957 until his death in a plane crash in 1958.
When Christie’s held its massive sale of Taylor’s estate in December 2011, the tiara sold for more than $4 million, blowing away its pre-sale estimate of $80,000.
Perhaps the most striking jewelry moment in the music video comes during the song’s bridge.
When Swift sings “all my white diamonds and lovers are forever,” the video cuts to a close-up of a large diamond ring on Taylor’s left hand and later zooms out to reveal an equally flashy diamond bracelet.
The scene is from the 1968 film “Boom!”
The ring is believed to be the 29.4-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring Todd gave her in 1956, which she continued wearing on her right hand after Todd’s death, according to jewelry historian and author Marion Fasel.
Fasel did her own story on the jewelry in the “Elizabeth Taylor” video on her Substack, The Adventurine.
Interestingly, one of the most famous white diamonds in Taylor’s collection—the 69.42-carat pear-shape diamond Richard Burton gifted her in 1969, later known as the “Taylor-Burton” diamond—does not appear in the video.
Had it been up to Fasel, she would have slotted in a clip of Taylor wearing the diamond while presenting the “Best Picture” award at the 1970 Oscars.
New York—Taylor Swift’s new music video for her song, “Elizabeth Taylor,” is a tribute to the actress, activist, and jewelry connoisseur.
The song, track 2 on Swift’s 12th album “The Life of a Showgirl,” explores themes of love and fame, taking inspiration from Taylor’s glamorous and scandalous life in the public eye at the height of her fame.
The video is a montage composed entirely of clips of Taylor, including scenes from films she starred in such as “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958) and “Cleopatra” (1963), as well as archival footage from her real-life outings and public appearances.
Pieces from her extravagant jewelry collection can be seen throughout the video, including the diamond tiara she received as a gift from her third husband, producer Mike Todd, whom she was married to from 1957 until his death in a plane crash in 1958.
When Christie’s held its massive sale of Taylor’s estate in December 2011, the tiara sold for more than $4 million, blowing away its pre-sale estimate of $80,000.
Perhaps the most striking jewelry moment in the music video comes during the song’s bridge.
When Swift sings “all my white diamonds and lovers are forever,” the video cuts to a close-up of a large diamond ring on Taylor’s left hand and later zooms out to reveal an equally flashy diamond bracelet.
The scene is from the 1968 film “Boom!”
The ring is believed to be the 29.4-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring Todd gave her in 1956, which she continued wearing on her right hand after Todd’s death, according to jewelry historian and author Marion Fasel.
Fasel did her own story on the jewelry in the “Elizabeth Taylor” video on her Substack, The Adventurine.
Interestingly, one of the most famous white diamonds in Taylor’s collection—the 69.42-carat pear-shape diamond Richard Burton gifted her in 1969, later known as the “Taylor-Burton” diamond—does not appear in the video.
Had it been up to Fasel, she would have slotted in a clip of Taylor wearing the diamond while presenting the “Best Picture” award at the 1970 Oscars.
@theelizabethtaylor Elizabeth presenting Best Picture at the 1970 Academy Awards. Congratulations to all of the 2023 nominees! #ElizabethTaylor #AcademyAwards #film ♬ original sound - Elizabeth Taylor
“There’s video of that, and it’s gorgeous,” she said. “To me, that would have been the obvious choice.”
Another clip not included in “Elizabeth Taylor,” to Fasel’s surprise, is the popular video of Todd giving Taylor a suite of Cartier ruby and diamond jewelry while on vacation. In the footage, she proceeds to put it on and go for a swim.
However, the suite does make a cameo, aptly synced with the lyrics, “I would trade the Cartier for someone to trust.”
Related stories will be right here …
Another clip not included in “Elizabeth Taylor,” to Fasel’s surprise, is the popular video of Todd giving Taylor a suite of Cartier ruby and diamond jewelry while on vacation. In the footage, she proceeds to put it on and go for a swim.
However, the suite does make a cameo, aptly synced with the lyrics, “I would trade the Cartier for someone to trust.”
The music video, which Swift does not appear in at all, is a departure from the highly theatrical productions the singer/songwriter is known for.
Fasel said the montage concept thrilled her.
“Elizabeth Taylor has been a beacon in my career from the beginning. I always say, as an American jewelry historian, we don’t have royalty. We have Hollywood,” she said.
Parallels can be drawn between the two performers, and it is easy to see why Swift may have found a muse in Taylor for her showgirl-themed album.
However, while Swift, also a jewelry lover, likes to embed clues via her looks for her fans, Taylor’s approach was much simpler.
“I think that there was one overall message for Elizabeth Taylor with her jewelry, and that was simply the glamour of Hollywood,” Fasel said.
“She loved [jewelry] in the true sense of a person who is just passionate about the beauty of jewelry, but she also shared it in the way that she shared her life with us, her fans, to whatever degree. In the same way that Taylor Swift, shares, to whatever degree she’s going to share, with us about her life.”
Fasel continued, “I think that they view that as their responsibility. It is their job. I think that’s how Taylor [Swift] views it, and I think that’s how Elizabeth Taylor viewed it: It is my job to be glamorous. You expect that of me. That’s my role as a movie star, on screen and off.”
Originally released on Apple and Spotify only, the “Elizabeth Taylor” music video is now available to view on YouTube.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardJeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.
TrendsMay 11, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Lucky May May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.
TechnologyMay 11, 2026
Clientbook’s New Tool Helps Jewelers Plan In-Store EventsThe new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
