Editors

Henry Dunay remembers Elizabeth Taylor

EditorsApr 12, 2011

Henry Dunay remembers Elizabeth Taylor

Earlier this week Christie’s confirmed what had been circulating around the World Wide Web already for weeks: that the auction house would be the one to sell the historic collections of the late, great Elizabeth Taylor, including her millions in...

Earlier this week Christie’s confirmed what had been circulating around the World Wide Web already for weeks: that the auction house would be the one to sell the historic collections of the late, great Elizabeth Taylor, including her millions in jewelry.

While no details are available at this time regarding the specifics of the auction--what pieces will be sold, estimates, etc.--iconic New York designer Henry Dunay reached out shortly after Taylor’s death last month to tell me about his experiences with the Oscar-winning actress.

In the early 1990s, Dunay said he was tapped to design a diamond mask for a charity function for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). It took him eight months to craft the mask, which he dubbed “The Lachrymosa” (a word that relates to tears and weeping) to remind those who see it of the suffering AIDS has caused globally.

Taylor, the founding national and international chairman of amfAR, donned The Lachrymosa in a 1993

photo shoot (right) designed to generate publicity for the event. A touching tribute to Taylor can be seen here on amfAR’s Web site and, though it hasn’t been confirmed, numerous reports have circulated that the money garnered from the Christie’s auction will go to AIDS charities.

Dunay, a designer to the stars who has mingled with his fair share of celebrities, said he met Taylor on three separate occasions and described her as being gracious and beautiful in person, and very dedicated to her cause. “With the passing of Elizabeth Taylor we have lost an icon of beauty and a lover of fine jewelry,” he said. “She will be missed for her elegance, her beauty and her humanitarian work.”

The diamond mask logged quite a few travel miles in the time it belonged to Dunay. In 2008, The Lachrymosa went on display at The Antwerp Diamond Museum as part of “Diamond Divas,” an exhibition of jewelry donned by famous women, including screen sirens Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Swanson and the jewelry-loving Taylor.

Sadly, after Dunay filed for bankruptcy in June 2009 the mask, along with the rest of his jewels, were sold at auction.

I’m not sure of the mask’s journey since then, but not even 24 hours after my correspondence with Dunay last month, I spotted The Lachrymosa in the display window of the Scarselli Diamonds booth at BaselWorld, accompanied by a picture of Taylor.

I

never heard back from Scarselli regarding the mask but I know what Dunay would like to see done with his diamond-encrusted creation. It’s a tribute that would make Taylor-- who spent the latter part of her life using her fame and beauty to draw attention to what was then a cause few celebrities were willing to stand up for--proud.

“It would be ideal to be able to have a piece like that at the Smithsonian, saying what it was made for and why it was made,” Dunay said.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Benjamin Clymer and the Porsche Design x Hodinkee limited-edition watch
WatchesOct 04, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Clocks Another Acquisition—Hodinkee

The company said Benjamin Clymer will return to his role as head of the watch news website, which will maintain editorial independence.

Gabrielle Grazi
MajorsOct 04, 2024
Hearts On Fire Names Gabrielle Grazi VP of Sales, North America

The industry veteran is also the president-elect of the Women’s Jewelry Association.

Ray Griffiths Double Headed Snake Ring
CollectionsOct 04, 2024
Piece of the Week: Ray Griffiths’ ‘Double Headed Snake’ Ring

Slither into spooky season with this scary snake ring that boasts two heads with tsavorite eyes.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

 Hurricane Helene
Policies & IssuesOct 03, 2024
RJO, CERF+ Join Those Offering Hurricane Helene Relief to Affected Jewelers

Plus, how to apply for emergency funds and donate to recovery efforts.

Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Forevermark store Mumbai India
SourcingOct 03, 2024
How India Became the World’s Second-Largest Market for Diamond Jewelry

A strong economy, a growing middle class with an affinity for brands, and rapid expansion of organized retail have fueled the market’s rise.

Stock image of police cars with lights on
CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery Charge

Ladell Tharpe, 39, took part in a 2022 jewelry store robbery and then posted pictures of cash on Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.”

1872x1052-Brought-to-you-By-Article-Image-Top (1).png
Brought to you by
Why You Can't Miss JA New York This Fall

Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.

Sheryl Jones
MajorsOct 03, 2024
JA Appoints New Board Director

The trade organization welcomed Sheryl Jones to its board of directors for a three-year term.

Pandora chief marketing officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsOct 03, 2024
Pandora Names 3rd CMO in Past 5 Years

New Chief Marketing Officer Berta de Pablos-Barbier has worked for LVMH’s champagne brands and Kering-owned Boucheron.

Assael earrings
TrendsOct 03, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Arrival

Transition to fall with this month’s birthstones of opal and tourmaline.

Dame Shirley Bassey’s
AuctionsOct 03, 2024
Dame Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Ready for Their Encore

Sotheby’s will auction jewelry belonging to the “Diamonds Are Forever” singer Oct. 10 in Paris.

New Lightbox campaign with Emma Breschi
Lab-GrownOct 02, 2024
Lightbox Continues as a Brand, While Supplies Last?

The De Beers-owned lab-grown diamond company is rebranding and creating new collections, though its long-term future remains unclear.

Jane Goodall Brilliant Earth Campaign
CollectionsOct 02, 2024
Brilliant Earth Debuts Jane Goodall Collection

The collection is part of the retailer’s new “Rethink Everything You Know About Diamonds” campaign.

Tom Brady and his diamond-set Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch
AuctionsOct 02, 2024
The GOAT’s Stash: Watches Owned by Tom Brady Going Up for Auction

The sale includes the custom-made, diamond-set Audemars Piguet watch the QB wore for Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady.”

Armenian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsOct 02, 2024
AJA’s Design Competition Now Accepting Entries

The Armenian Jewellers Association is hosting its design competition for the second year, with winners showcasing at GemGenève in May 2025.

Retiring Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos to Retire

The jewelry retailer has named her successor and also will expand the role of Chief Financial Officer Joan Hilson.

Woman wearing many rings
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Kay Jewelers to Revamp Brand

The Signet Jewelers-owned banner has a new campaign and plans for store redesigns.

JV Insardi Solar Campaign
CollectionsOct 01, 2024
JV Insardi Inspires Curiosity in New Collection

Creative Director Jen Insardi brings a new take on classic gold bead designs to her “Solar” collection.

Glenn Douglass Oklahoma Jewelers Association
IndependentsOct 01, 2024
Oklahoma Jewelers Association Grants Lifetime Achievement Award

The recipient, Glenn Douglass, also was inducted into the OJA Hall of Fame.

Stuller 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet
MajorsOct 01, 2024
Stuller Celebrates Long-Serving Employees

The manufacturer recognized several team members at its 2024 Milestone Anniversary Banquet.

Oscar Heyman emerald ring
AuctionsSep 30, 2024
Oscar Heyman Jewels, Paraíba Pieces Shine at Bonhams Auction

The single-owner collection sale, which took place in New York last week, achieved $4.8 million, with almost every lot finding a buyer.

Yvonne Leon Noeud Ring
TrendsSep 30, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Dainty Delights

While statement pieces always shine, it’s time for everyday staples to be the star of the show.

Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 30, 2024
JA Fly-In to DC Focuses on Russian Diamonds, Retail Crime

Jewelers of America leadership and members recently headed to D.C. to share the industry’s top concerns with lawmakers.

Graphic with headshots for My Next Question 2024 holiday season
Recorded WebinarsSep 27, 2024
Watch: Prepare to Shine This Holiday Season

Three members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.

Lalaounis Archaeological Revival Necklace
CollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological Revival

The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.

Woman wearing Rocksbox jewelry
MajorsSep 27, 2024
Signet-Owned E-Tailer Rocksbox to Launch on Amazon

Rocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy