The Taylor-Burton Diamond is an iconic gemstone with a fascinating history that has captivated jewelry enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Weighing 68 carats and named after its famous owners, the renowned actress Elizabeth Taylor and the actor Richard Burton, this diamond has become a symbol of glamour, romance, and luxury.
The story of the Taylor-Burton Diamond begins in 1969, when Richard Burton purchased the diamond at an auction for a staggering $1.1 million, the highest price ever paid for a diamond at a public auction at that time. He acquired the diamond as a gift for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, during the peak of their tumultuous love affair. The diamond was originally known as the “Cartier Diamond” as it was sold by Cartier at the auction.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond is a pear-shaped diamond, also known as a pear-cut or teardrop-shaped diamond, which is a classic diamond shape characterized by its rounded end and pointed tip. This shape is renowned for its elegance and is often used in high-end jewelry designs. The diamond is classified as a Type IIa diamond, which is known for its exceptional clarity and purity. Type IIa diamonds are extremely rare and are prized for their lack of nitrogen, which gives them their remarkable transparency.
One of the most notable features of the Taylor-Burton Diamond is its impressive size. Weighing 68 carats, the diamond is a substantial and awe-inspiring gemstone. It measures approximately 1.61 inches in length and 0.98 inches in width, making it a significant and eye-catching piece of jewelry. The diamond is also graded as a D-color diamond, the highest grade on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) color scale, indicating that it is completely colorless, adding to its rarity and value.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond gained significant attention due to its celebrity owners and their extravagant lifestyle. Elizabeth Taylor, known for her love of jewelry, was often seen wearing the diamond on various occasions, including red carpet events and public appearances. The diamond became a symbol of their opulent love affair, making headlines in the media and sparking the public’s imagination.
However, the Taylor-Burton Diamond’s journey has not always been smooth. After Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s divorce in 1978, the diamond was sold to raise funds for a charitable cause. Elizabeth Taylor decided to sell the diamond at a private auction, and the proceeds were used to build a hospital in Botswana. The diamond was eventually sold for $5 million, fetching a substantial profit compared to its original purchase price.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond changed hands several times after the Burtons’ divorce. It was eventually purchased by a private collector who decided to have it re-cut to improve its clarity and brilliance. The diamond was recut into a 68.07-carat, pear-shaped diamond, slightly reducing its weight but enhancing its overall appearance. The diamond was then sold at a Christie’s auction in 1979 for $3 million, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction at that time.
Despite changing owners over the years, the Taylor-Burton Diamond continues to be a symbol of elegance and luxury. Its remarkable size, exceptional quality, and intriguing history make it a highly coveted gemstone among collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. The diamond has been featured in numerous exhibitions, publications, and documentaries, further adding to its legendary status.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond represents the timeless allure and enduring value of diamonds. Its story, from the auction block to the red carpet, is a testament to the mystique and fascination that surrounds rare and exquisite gemstones. It remains a symbol of love, romance, and opulence, and its legacy as one of the most famous diamonds in the world continues to captivate the imagination of jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Taylor-Burton Diamond has transcended its status as a mere gemstone and has become a cultural icon, forever associated with the glamorous and extravagant lifestyle of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Beyond its celebrity ownership, the Taylor-Burton Diamond has also been admired for its exquisite beauty and exceptional quality. The diamond’s pear shape, D-color grade, and Type IIa classification are all factors that contribute to its outstanding value and desirability. Its unique combination of size, clarity, and color make it a truly rare and precious gemstone.
The diamond’s impact goes beyond its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. The charitable efforts associated with the Taylor-Burton Diamond are also noteworthy. When Elizabeth Taylor decided to sell the diamond to raise funds for the construction of a hospital in Botswana, it demonstrated her commitment to philanthropy and her desire to use her wealth for a greater good. The diamond’s sale and subsequent donations for charitable causes added another layer of meaning to its legacy, making it a symbol of generosity and social responsibility.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond has also inspired jewelry designers and jewelers around the world to create their own interpretations of this iconic gemstone. Its distinctive pear shape has been replicated in countless jewelry designs, and its fame has sparked interest in other pear-shaped diamonds in the market. Jewelry connoisseurs continue to seek pear-shaped diamonds as a result of the Taylor-Burton Diamond’s enduring influence, further solidifying its status as a trendsetter in the world of fine jewelry.
In recent years, the Taylor-Burton Diamond has been exhibited at various museums and galleries, allowing the public to catch a glimpse of its magnificence up close. Its allure has not waned, and it continues to draw attention and admiration from all corners of the world. The diamond’s remarkable story, from its purchase at a record-breaking auction to its charitable contributions and lasting impact on the world of jewelry, is a testament to its enduring legacy.
In conclusion, the Taylor-Burton Diamond is a legendary gemstone that has left an indelible mark on the world of jewelry and popular culture. Its size, quality, and history have made it one of the most famous diamonds in the world, and its association with the glamorous lives of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton has further enhanced its allure.
From its record-breaking auction price to its charitable contributions and influence on jewelry design, the Taylor-Burton Diamond continues to be a symbol of love, romance, and opulence. Its legacy as a cultural icon and a remarkable gemstone will undoubtedly endure for generations to come, continuing to captivate the hearts and minds of jewelry enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond is popular for several reasons. Firstly, its association with the famous celebrity couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and their extravagant love affair, has captured the public’s imagination and made it a symbol of glamour and romance. Secondly, its exceptional size, weighing 68 carats, and remarkable quality, including its pear shape, D-color grade, and Type IIa classification, make it a highly coveted gemstone among collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. Lastly, its charitable contributions, with proceeds from its sale being used to build a hospital in Botswana, add to its legacy as a symbol of generosity and social responsibility.
At Truoosh, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Truoosh may earn commission.
