Some things are worth waiting for, and standing in long lines to view Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels is one of them!
I was among the first admitted to the viewing when it opened on Saturday (thanks to my being a “regular” at Christie’s for 30 years and having been given a VIP pass), and it made it much easier for me to take my time and really view things carefully. While there were many pieces that were not really anything special, there were some that truly filled me with joy and made me feel privileged to have been able to see them. There were four lots in particular — 11, 12, 26, and 77 — which rank among the finest and rarest I’ve ever seen at auction or elsewhere in my lifetime!
Lot 11 is a pair of natural pearl earrings that are amazing for their design, their size, and their spectacular quality — the surfaces were almost flawless, they exude an exceptional deep, intense luster, and their shapes are incredibly symmetrical and perfectly balanced. I can’t recall ever seeing another pair of natural pearl earrings of such near-perfection. And I also liked the fact that the tops were round “button” shapes; the somewhat flattened bottom portion allowed the pearl to fit closer to the ear so that the pear-shape drops hung more elegantly. The round button tops are approximately 15 mm in diameter; the pear-shape drops measure approximately 12 x 12 x 18 mm for the slightly longer of the 2, and 12 x 12 x 16 for the shorter….and the slight difference in length doesn’t bother me in the least!
Lot 12 is the famous “La Peregrina” pearl necklace made by Cartier. As many of you may know, I talk about this pearl and its famous history in my book, The Pearl Book, so to actually see it first hand was a powerful experience for me. The other natural pearls were also exceptional for their color, lustrousness, and size. And for me it was fascinating to learn that there are 3 CULTURED pearls among the pearls in the necklace. The point for me being that this — Cartier NOT being able to find 3 more natural pearls of the size, shape, color to match the others — clearly underscores the the rarity of such pearls. And one almost forgets the rubies — which are also exceptional — and diamonds!
Elizabeth clearly loved emeralds, and there are many emerald pieces on display, but only one emerald captured my attention — Lot # 26. The color represents the finest color to be found in an emerald! Classified on the lab report from AGL as “Classic Colombian” material, its color evokes images of the emeralds from Muzo or Chivor that were shipped to European royalty for centuries, but I suspect it would be difficult to find another, even among the Crown Jewels, that rivals this one for color, size and clarity. In terms of clarity, while some inclusions can be seen with the eye, there is evidence of “insignificant to faint” ‘oil only, making it exceptional for that reason as well. Its measures 19.38 x 15.36 x 8.23 mm.(no weight was given due to the difficulty of estimating the weight when a stone is cut the way this one is cut on the pavilion–very “full”) and this, combined with its mesmerizing color, is the type of gem that simply jumps out at you from across the room.
And I’ve saved the best for last. Lot #77. A natural, untreated, Burma ruby weighing 8.24 carats. This is the finest ruby I’ve ever seen, and sets a new standard for the term “Regal Ruby”! As a gem associated with passion and women of strength, what could be more fitting than its belonging to Elizabeth Taylor. And when Richard Burton said he was going to find the most perfect ruby in the world, he succeeded! It’s color is the ideal, it’s flawless to the naked eye, it’s oval shape is beautifully cut, resulting in a ruby with unusual overall brilliance. The ruby is surrounded by very fine oval-shape diamonds, in a classic design. My only regret is that I am not a contender to own it….I’m betting this ruby ring sets an all-time record for any ruby….and one that will not be matched again in my lifetime!
So for those of you who can…don’t miss this amazing exhibition. And the clothing and art are nice, too!
Latest posts by antoinettematlins (see all)
- Great New Book — A “Must Have”! - February 14, 2013
- The Allure Of Gemstones – Keeping The Sparkle In Your Asset - August 30, 2012
- The Gem Merchant by David Stanley Epstein - July 20, 2012
Latest posts by antoinettematlins (see all)
- Great New Book — A “Must Have”! - February 14, 2013
- The Allure Of Gemstones – Keeping The Sparkle In Your Asset - August 30, 2012
- The Gem Merchant by David Stanley Epstein - July 20, 2012
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my friend were just preparing to do a little research on this. We grabbed a book from our local library but I think I learned better from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there…
Dear Freddie:
Thanks for the kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy them, and that it is helpful to you!
Best regards,
Antoinette
I certainly did not realize that. Learnt something new right now! Thanks for that.
Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the fantastic work!
Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and certainly not seem to get something done.
We’re a crowd of volunteers and also initial a whole method in our online community. Your own webpage offered us using helpful information for you to work upon. You will have performed an outstanding progression as well as our own entire local community is going to be grateful to you.
Now I know who the brnaiy one is, I’ll keep looking for your posts.
Thank you Giovanni — and as someone as passionate about natural pearls as I am, I know you understand what I mean about this pearl.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and as you said of the pearl, focused on the “true meaning” of this special season!
Antoinette, your descriptions of jewels brings back to them the meaning, and the light they where made with.
Some times the monetary value of things eclipses the light (the soul)
that material is made of.
Ho… the glow of a vintage pearl…
giovanni
Thanks, Ellen. I’m delighted that you discovered this blog, and appreciate your encouragement to “keep on blogging.”
I hope you get a chance to see the Elizabeth Taylor jewels first hand at Christies…and then you can let me know which you like most so I can let Neil know! I’d be happy to bid on your behalf…
I love this new way to learn and experience gems with you. Keep on blogging. You have my attention.
I love this new way to learn and experience gemology and jewelry. Almost as good as our visits and excursions, Keep on blogging. You have my attention.
That’s exactly what I mean! I have very little experience with pearls but yes, I think I saw what you are referring to – towards the tapering part of the pearl at the top, right? Anyway, not a problem in my book. Awesome pearl. And no disrespect to Mr. Graff, I have to admit that he achieved improvements in colour and clarity on paper for both the Wittelsbach and the ‘Graff Pink’ whilst losing surprisingly little weight by NOT taking the obvious solutions (which would have been to close the culet of the Wittelsbach completely and to give the Graff Pink a radiant-cut pavilion). Widening the table of the Wittelsbach was a stroke of evil genius! Great blog, by the way, have bookmarked it, congratulations…
You mean, just because he insisted that the Wittelsbach blue diamond be re-cut to enhance it’s appearance….and perhaps so there was a reason to re-name it “The Wittelsbach-Graff”?! If he “peels” La Peregrina he’ll be in for a shock — he’ll have to deal with some sub-surface issues (which might not be apparent unless you know how to look with proper lighting). This is not unusual in natural pearls, and in the case of La Peregrina, not readily noticeable, but if he were to “peel” it, then they would be VERY noticeable, and he’d have to keep peeling, in the hope of removing them, but the pearl could end up much smaller….and that’s assuming he doesn’t encounter any other problems!
The beauty, history and prestige of La Peregrina stands alone, and it would be truly criminal to try to “improve” it!
Couldn’t agree with you more on the pearls. I saw the earrings in the Bulgari exhibition in Paris and I thought they were stunning. The Peregrina is also simply ‘Wow’. Absolutely huge (I had to persuade my mother that it was a GIANT – we are so spoilt with cultured pearls nowadays), lovely shape, and the fact that it’s unbleached just makes it more interesting to me. I just pray that Mr. Graff doesn’t ‘peel’ it and soak it in toilet cleaner to make a quick buck.
Glad to know that this was helpful. Allow plenty of time to get in — the lines Saturday were incredible!
Have fun and enjoy the visual stimulation!
I am going soon, so thank you for the info on these lots. I am sure it will heighten my experience!