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.
More on Collections
The Latest
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 02, 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.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
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.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
