CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure HuntOne lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.
EditorsJul 21, 2011
Tracking down the Taylor-Burton
The March death of screen stunner, fervent AIDS activist and jewelry collector Elizabeth Taylor turned my thoughts to one of the most astonishing stones to pass through this star’s hands--the 69.42-carat, pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond. Before I even started working on...
The March death of screen stunner, fervent AIDS activist and jewelry collector Elizabeth Taylor turned my thoughts to one of the most astonishing stones to pass through this star’s hands--the 69.42-carat, pear-shaped Taylor-Burton diamond.
Before I even started working on this blog, I had an idea that this diamond no longer was in Taylor’s collection and thus wouldn’t be part of the December auction of her pieces, which is bound to include some incredible items given the Oscar winner’s well-documented love affair with jewelry.
Still, I was curious what happened to this headline-making stone and, while I didn’t get a definitive answer, the research was well worth it. The who’s who of who had their hands on this diamond reads like the guest list at a very posh, and very exclusive, industry party.
According to Famous Diamonds by Ian Balfour--one of the best books I inherited when I started at National Jeweler about four years ago--the stone that eventually came to be known as the Taylor-Burton diamond emerged from the Premier Mine in 1966. The famous diamantaire Harry Winston himself had it cleaved from 240.80-carat piece of rough.
Harriet Annenberg Ames, sister of media mogul Walter Annenberg, bought it from Winston. (Annenberg seemingly spent his life surrounded by jewelry-loving women who weren’t afraid of a little self purchase. His wife, Leonore “Lee” Annenberg, bought herself a 32.01-carat D-flawless diamond ring on her 90th birthday in 2008. She died the following year at the age of 91, and Christie’s sold her stone, the “Annenberg Diamond” for an incredible $7.7 million.)
In 1967, Ames sent the pear-shaped stone to Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. in New York for auction. Cartier paid $1.05 million for the diamond at that auction and sold it to Burton for $1.1 million four days later, Balfour notes in his book. Taylor, in turn, sold the stone 11 years later, in 1978, two years after the end of her second marriage to Burton.
In Famous Diamonds, the Taylor-Burton trail ends in 1979, with New York jeweler Henry Lambert buying the diamond for about $3 million and selling it by the end of the year, with the diamond “last reported to be in Saudi Arabia.”
Further research, though, revealed that it was Robert Mouawad who scooped up the stone in 1979, with a number of sources indicating that he had the stone re-cut to 68 carats.
During his lifetime, the Lebanese diamond dealer has had his hands on many of the world’s most renowned diamonds, including the 69.68-carat pear-shaped Excelsior I, the 245.35-carat antique cushion-cut Jubilee and the Premier Rose, a 137.02-carat pear-shaped diamond.
Today, Mouawad no longer owns the Taylor-Burton, a spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler. She said Mouawad sold the Taylor-Burton to a private collector, though the company declined to reveal when the stone was sold or give any specifics on the seller.
While I’m fairly certain this pear-shaped stunner won’t be making an appearance at the auction of Taylor’s jewelry slated for later this year, it’s likely to pop up again on the auction market at some point in time.
Famous diamonds always do.
More on Editors
The Latest
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of BuyingSamantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award FinalistsTen chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.
Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its BoardDana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing RobbersThe suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYCThis fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into DiamondsThe new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-LongThe Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJAThe artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in NebraskaThe new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq DelistingThe retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional SellingWhether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ GalaThe gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago AreaThe trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown DiamondsThe jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is SoldGrosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in OctoberA more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design StudentsThe funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security AllianceJennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry WeekThis year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2MThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and LoveThe ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.
