When you think about the world’s most famous diamonds, a few names sparkle brighter than the rest. Among them, the Taylor-Burton Diamond stands out – not just for its breathtaking beauty, but for the legendary love story, drama, and glamour that followed it. This is more than a story about a gemstone; it’s a story about passion, extravagance, and a slice of Hollywood history.
The Birth of a Star: Discovery at the Premier Mine
The journey of the Taylor-Burton Diamond began in 1966 at the Premier Mine in South Africa. Miners unearthed a colossal rough diamond weighing an astounding 240.80 carats. It was an incredible find - large, pure, and full of promise. Recognizing its potential, Harry Winston purchased the rough gemstone and meticulously cut and polished it into a magnificent 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond. With its breathtaking clarity and brilliance, it was destined to become iconic.
An Early Chapter: Harriet Annenberg Ames
Before its association with Hollywood legends, the diamond had another owner. In 1967, Harriet Annenberg Ames, sister of billionaire publisher Walter Annenberg, purchased the stone. However, despite owning such a masterpiece, Annenberg Ames found herself unable to enjoy it. Living in New York City, she feared the dangers and scrutiny of wearing such a noticeable gemstone. Later, she reflected, "I found myself positively cringing and keeping my gloves on for fear it would be seen. It sat in a bank vault for years. It seemed foolish to keep it if one could not use it. As things are in New York, one could not possibly wear it publicly." Reluctantly, she decided to sell the diamond, setting it back into the marketplace.
A Record-Breaking Auction: Cartier's Victory
In 1969, the polished diamond was put up for auction, instantly capturing global headlines. Wealthy collectors and connoisseurs from around the world clamored for a chance to own it. After fierce bidding, Cartier – through Robert Kenmore – secured the gemstone for a record-breaking $1,050,000, making it the most expensive jewel ever sold at public auction at the time.
Richard Burton’s Determination: A Grand Gesture of Love
Richard Burton was not about to let Cartier keep the stone. Deeply in love with Elizabeth Taylor, he was renowned for his grand gestures towards her and was determined to make the gemstone hers. The very next day after Cartier’s victory, Burton bought it from them for a reported $1.1 million.
Burton later described his feelings in his diary, writing:
"Elizabeth was as sweet as only she could be and protested that it didn't matter, that she didn't mind if she didn't have it, that there was much more in life than baubles, that she would manage with what she had. The inference was that she would make do. But not me! ... I screamed at Aaron that bugger Cartiers, I was going to get that diamond if it cost me my life or 2 million dollars whichever was the greater. For 24 hours the agony persisted and in the end I won. I got the bloody thing."
He added: "I wanted that diamond because it is incomparably lovely ... and it should be on the loveliest woman in the world."
The Diamond’s Dramatic Journey
But there was a condition to the sale. Before sending the diamond, Cartier famously displayed it in the window of its Fifth Avenue store in New York, attracting thousands of eager visitors who lined up just for a glimpse of this new treasure in the jewelry world.
Transporting the diamond was also no simple matter. It took three weeks for the stone to reach Monaco. Three men traveled separately, each carrying identical briefcases – only one containing the actual diamond.
A Diamond Fit for a Queen
Initially, Elizabeth Taylor wore the diamond as a ring, but quickly realized that its sheer size made it impractical. Cartier then collaborated with Oscar Heyman to craft a stunning necklace that allowed Taylor to wear it comfortably yet spectacularly. She debuted the necklace at Princess Grace of Monaco’s 40th birthday party, causing an international sensation. Whenever Taylor wore the Taylor-Burton Diamond, it stole the spotlight – be it at glamorous red carpets, high-society galas, or exclusive parties.
For Taylor and Burton, the diamond became more than just a luxurious possession; it became a symbol of their tempestuous, passionate, and extravagant relationship.
Worn With Caution
A $1 million insurance policy was secured for the diamond with Lloyd’s of London. Under strict terms, Taylor could publicly wear the diamond for only thirty days each year. It also had to be stored in a secure vault when not in use, and armed guards had to accompany her whenever she wore it.
A Symbol Beyond Glamour
The Taylor-Burton Diamond wasn’t just about luxury – it encapsulated the spirit of an era where Hollywood royalty lived larger than life. It was a symbol of grand romantic gestures, of love expressed not just in words but in jaw-dropping carats.
Every time she wore the Taylor-Burton Diamond, Elizabeth Taylor told the world a little piece of her own complicated, dazzling story.
Parting with the Legend: A New Chapter
Elizabeth Taylor famously once said, “I’ve never thought of my jewelry as trophies. I’m here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty.”
After Taylor and Burton’s second and final divorce in 1976, Taylor decided to sell the diamond. In 1979, she sold it to New York jeweler Henry Lambert for a figure believed to be between $3 million and $5 million. True to her philanthropic heart, she dedicated part of the proceeds to fund the construction of a hospital in Botswana, a cause she grew passionate about during her travels.
Later that year, Lambert sold the diamond to jeweler Robert Mouawad. It was slightly recut to 68.09 carats – a subtle yet notable change and sold to a private collector.
The diamond’s current whereabouts remain somewhat mysterious, likely passing quietly among private collectors, but its legend continues to shine brightly.
A Jewel That Defines an Era
The Taylor-Burton Diamond remains one of the world’s most legendary gemstones. It’s iconic not just because of its impressive size, clarity, and price, but because of the emotion woven into its story. It reminds us that legends aren’t just defined by what they are – but by the stories and memories they carry.
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Cover Photo Credits:
Photo credits: The first and third images in the collage above are courtesy of Oscar Heyman. The middle image is by Ron Galella, from the Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images.
