I had the honour to attend the preview of the exhibition of a selection of Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari masterpieces in Zurich, Switzerland. Lucia Boscaini, Bulgari Brand and Heritage Curator, presented seven exclusive pieces of Elizabeth Taylor’s collection and explained how and when they had been acquired. It was a wonderful event followed by a delicious lunch at a 5-star hotel. I felt really honoured to have been invited to see these exclusive masterpieces and to know more about Liz Taylor’s love for Bulgari.
Don’t miss the unique exhibition “A Passion for Jewels” in Zurich from 7 to 23 April 2016. The Bulgari store in Zurich (Bahnhofstrasse 25) showcases a selection of Bulgari masterpieces that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor, now part of the Maison’s Heritage Collection. The impeccable craftsmanship and magnificent stones of the creations on display will tell a compelling story made of love, glamour and beauty.
Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery collection was renowned as one of the greatest ever assembled. In 2011, Christie’s held a sale of Taylor’s private collection, which set records as the most valuable sale of jewellery in auction history. From this sale, Bulgari re-acquired seven pieces that best represented Taylor’s predilection for the brand and her unerring collector’s eye. Indeed, the bold and sumptuous style of Bulgari perfectly matched her decided tastes and since 1962, when the actress settled in Rome to film Cleopatra, the affinity became a lifelong, intense relationship with the brand.
This predilection was encouraged by Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair with Richard Burton, started on the film set and sealed with magnificent Bulgari jewels: legend has it that after filming their first scene together they instantly fell in love, despite the fact that they were both married. Their love affair spread like wildfire throughout the international press and the Bulgari Via Condotti store was one of the favourite hide-outs of the couple in Rome. A “secret door” in the back of the shop – still visible today – allowed the couple to escape from paparazzi lining in front of the store. Recalling the memorable moments spent at the Condotti store, Taylor stated that “undeniably one of the biggest advantages of filming Cleopatra in Rome was Bulgari’s shop. I used to visit Gianni Bulgari in the afternoon and we’d sit and swap stories.”
VIDEO: ELIZABETH TAYLOR’S HIGH JEWELLERY COLLECTION
VIDEO: CLEOPATRA, ELIZABETH TAYLOR AND BULGARI
ELIZABETH TAYLOR’S BULGARI JEWELS
(Above) The spectacular necklace of emeralds and diamonds Burton presented her with on the occasion of their marriage in 1964. The very starting point of this jewel was a brooch – one of the first gifts from Richard Burton and subsequently re-worked as pendant – that the actress loved so much that it was the only jewel she wore the day they married.
(Above) Richard Burton’s emerald engagement ring: the actress cherished this piece and when she decided to auction it to raise funds for the fight against AIDS, she wrote a letter to the new owners instructing them to “Wear it with love!”.
(Above) Another magnificent Bulgari creation, the sautoir featuring an octagonal pendant with a 65 carat sapphire, was chosen by Richard Burton in 1972 to mark Elizabeth Taylor’s fortieth birthday, as the intense blue of the stone reminded him of the colour of her eyes.
(Above) The Trombino ring on display featuring a cabochon sapphire, was purchased by Taylor herself as an ideal complement to the sautoir.
(Above) Beside the fabulous stones, Taylor also admired the craftsmanship behind her jewels; a perfect example is her “tremblant” brooch with emeralds and diamonds, whose flowers quiver following the movements of the wearer’s body thanks to a spring attached to the petals.
(Above) Another piece she chose and wore frequently is the necklace of 1975 with ancient coins, one of the most celebrated Bulgari motifs ever.
Photos: Courtesy of Bulgari
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