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Channel 4 Elizabeth Taylor The Auction of a lifetime documentary

The documentary "Auction of a Lifetime" about the record breaking sale of Elizabeth Taylor's jewels, couture and art by Christie's in New York last year is to be shown on Channel 4 on Wednesday 18 April the at 9pm. After all the excitement of what was billed as 'the sale of the century'  that raised over $115 million this is a chance to see and hear the stories behind her legendary jewels and other possessions.

In anticipation, here are the results of the most iconic jewels in the sale. Looking at the stratospheric prices acheived makes it clear why this is the most valuable private collection of jewels ever sold at auction and seven world auction records were achieved for a pearl jewel, an Indian jewel, an emerald jewel,  price per carat for a colourless diamond and for a ruby.

The highest price achieved was for the famous La Peregrina pearl that sold for $11.8 million ( £ 7,579,200 / € 9,118,725) and was estimated to sell at $2-3 million previous to the sale.This was followed by the Taj Mahal diamond at £8,818,500 that broke the record for an Indian jewel.

Elizabeth Taylor's 33.19 carat diamond engagement ring took the record for highest price paid at auction for a colourless diamond per carat.

The extraordinary beauty, rarity and provenance of the pearl known as "La Peregrina" inspired a fierce bidding battle at Christie's New York at the opening auction of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor. After four and a half minutes of bidding, the pearl reached a world auction record price for a pearl at $11,842,500. The historic 16th century pear-shaped pearl suspended from a necklace custom-designed for Ms. Taylor by Cartier, has been widely heralded as one of Elizabeth Taylor's most iconic jewels.

Much anticipation surrounded the sale and pre-sale estimates were soon left far behind as anxious buyers set a fast pace of bidding. The allure of owning a piece of Hollywood lured in reord prices that would have delighted Elizabeth Taylor herself as a portion of the proceeds of the sale and sales of select publications will go to the  Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF).

The jewels were part of a sale spanning the13 & 14 December including her haute couture collection, accessories, art and memorabilia.

Read the full results on Christie's website by clicking here.

Read more about her love of Bulgari jewels by clicking here and anecdotes about her jewels by clicking here. Watch Christie's website for the full list and images of lots. 

  • La Peregrina – The Legendary Pearl A 16th Century Pearl Ruby and Diamond Necklace designed by Elizabeth Taylor, with Al Durante of Cartier Gift from Richard Burton, January 23, 1969 Estimate: $2,000,000 – 3,000,000. SOLD FOR $11,842,500
  • La Peregrina pearl from Elizabeth Taylor's estate that sold for $11.8 Christies Images Ltd 2011

23 more pictures...

View the jewels of the Queen of Hollywood as they tour the world prior to the 13 & 14 December sale at Christie's in New York. See the La Peregrina pearl and the knuckleduster of a diamond she wore everyday as well as the fabulous gifts from her husbands, including Richard Burton, who she married twice.

La Peregrina – The Legendary Pearl A 16th Century Pearl Ruby and Diamond Necklace designed by Elizabeth Taylor, with Al Durante of Cartier Gift from Richard Burton, January 23, 1969 Estimate: $2,000,000 – 3,000,000. SOLD FOR $11,842,500

La Peregrina – The Legendary Pearl A 16th Century Pearl Ruby and Diamond Necklace designed by Elizabeth Taylor, with Al Durante of Cartier Gift from Richard Burton, January 23, 1969 Estimate: $2,000,000 – 3,000,000. SOLD FOR $11,842,500

La Peregrina pearl from Elizabeth Taylor's estate that sold for $11.8 Christies Images Ltd 2011

La Peregrina pearl from Elizabeth Taylor's estate that sold for $11.8 Christies Images Ltd 2011

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond ring sold for $8.8million. Christies Images Ld 2011

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond ring sold for $8.8million. Christies Images Ld 2011

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, of 33.19 carats D Color, Potentially Internally Flawless Gift from Richard Burton, May 16, 1968 Estimate: $2,500,000-3,500,000

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, of 33.19 carats D Color, Potentially Internally Flawless Gift from Richard Burton, May 16, 1968 Estimate: $2,500,000-3,500,000

The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara. An Antique Diamond Tiara, circa 1880 Gift from Mike Todd, 1957. He presented her with this antique diamond tiara, saying, “You are my queen.” SOLD FOR $4,226,500

The Mike Todd Diamond Tiara. An Antique Diamond Tiara, circa 1880 Gift from Mike Todd, 1957. He presented her with this antique diamond tiara, saying, “You are my queen.” SOLD FOR $4,226,500

The Taj Mahal Diamond Circa 1627 – 28 Gold and Ruby Chain, by Cartier Gift from Richard Burton, for Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday, 1972 Estimate: $300,000 – 500,000. SOLD FOR 8,818,500

The Taj Mahal Diamond Circa 1627 – 28 Gold and Ruby Chain, by Cartier Gift from Richard Burton, for Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday, 1972 Estimate: $300,000 – 500,000. SOLD FOR 8,818,500

Here is how Elizabeth Taylor wore the necklace. This photo shows her in Budapest in 1972 wearing her Bulgari sapphire sautoir with a sugarloaf cabochon sapphire of 52.72ct, a gift from Richard Burton for her 40th birthday in 1972. She later added the ring.

Here is how Elizabeth Taylor wore the necklace. This photo shows her in Budapest in 1972 wearing her Bulgari sapphire sautoir with a sugarloaf cabochon sapphire of 52.72ct, a gift from Richard Burton for her 40th birthday in 1972. She later added the ring.

The BVLGARI Sapphire Sautoir by BVLGARI. Gift from Richard Burton, 1972 Estimate: $600,000 – 800,000 SOLD FOR $5,906,500

The BVLGARI Sapphire Sautoir by BVLGARI. Gift from Richard Burton, 1972 Estimate: $600,000 – 800,000 SOLD FOR $5,906,500

A Ruby and Diamond Ring, of 8.24 carats By Van Cleef & Arpels Gift from Richard Burton, Christmas 1968 Estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000. Early in their marriage, Richard Burton promised Elizabeth Taylor he would buy her a special ruby, with perfect red color. SOLD FOR $4,226,500

A Ruby and Diamond Ring, of 8.24 carats By Van Cleef & Arpels Gift from Richard Burton, Christmas 1968 Estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000. Early in their marriage, Richard Burton promised Elizabeth Taylor he would buy her a special ruby, with perfect red color. SOLD FOR $4,226,500

The Prince of Wales Brooch A diamond brooch, circa 1935 From the Collection of the Duchess of Windsor Purchased by Elizabeth Taylor at auction, April 1987 Estimate: $400,000 – 600,000. SOLD FOR $1,314,500

The Prince of Wales Brooch A diamond brooch, circa 1935 From the Collection of the Duchess of Windsor Purchased by Elizabeth Taylor at auction, April 1987 Estimate: $400,000 – 600,000. SOLD FOR $1,314,500

he “Night of the Iguana” Brooch, by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co. Gift from Richard Burton, reminiscent of the newly-weds life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. August 11, 1964 Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000.SOLD FOR $1,202,500

he “Night of the Iguana” Brooch, by Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co. Gift from Richard Burton, reminiscent of the newly-weds life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. August 11, 1964 Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000.SOLD FOR $1,202,500

Elizabeth Taylor wearing the Bulgari emerald earrings given to her by Richard Burton, part of the suite of emerald jewels she started collecting when the couple met filming 'Cleopatra' in Rome. Photo: CORBIS.

Elizabeth Taylor wearing the Bulgari emerald earrings given to her by Richard Burton, part of the suite of emerald jewels she started collecting when the couple met filming 'Cleopatra' in Rome. Photo: CORBIS.

The BVLGARI Emerald Suite A Suite of Emerald and Diamond Jewelry, By BVLGARI Gifts from Richard Burton, 1962-1967 Necklace estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000 Pendant estimate: $500,000 – 700,000 Ring estimate: $600,000 -800,000 Bracelet estimate: $300,000 – 500,000 Earrings estimate: $150,000-200,000

The BVLGARI Emerald Suite A Suite of Emerald and Diamond Jewelry, By BVLGARI Gifts from Richard Burton, 1962-1967 Necklace estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000 Pendant estimate: $500,000 – 700,000 Ring estimate: $600,000 -800,000 Bracelet estimate: $300,000 – 500,000 Earrings estimate: $150,000-200,000

The BVLGARI Emerald Necklace, estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000. SOLD FOR $ 6,130,500

The BVLGARI Emerald Necklace, estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,500,000. SOLD FOR $ 6,130,500

Bulgari Emerald Suite ring, known as the "Taylor Burton fiancée ring". Given to her in 1962, it was the first gift from Burton to Taylor. Its pre-sale estimate was US$600,000-$800,000, but it finally sold for US$3,330,500.

Bulgari Emerald Suite ring, known as the "Taylor Burton fiancée ring". Given to her in 1962, it was the first gift from Burton to Taylor. Its pre-sale estimate was US$600,000-$800,000, but it finally sold for US$3,330,500.

Pendant from the Bulgari Emerald suite, estimate: $500,000 – 700,000.SOLD FOR $6,587,500

Pendant from the Bulgari Emerald suite, estimate: $500,000 – 700,000.SOLD FOR $6,587,500

Elizabeth Taylor wearing her Bulgari emerald suite, collected over the course of many repeat trips to the jeweller on the Via Condotti in Rome, cherished keepsakes from the filming of 'Cleopatra'.

Elizabeth Taylor wearing her Bulgari emerald suite, collected over the course of many repeat trips to the jeweller on the Via Condotti in Rome, cherished keepsakes from the filming of 'Cleopatra'.

The Cartier Ruby Suite Bracelet Estimate: $150,000 – 200,000. Without a mirror at hand to see how her new jewels looked, she studied her reflection in the pool instead.SOLD FOR $842,500

The Cartier Ruby Suite Bracelet Estimate: $150,000 – 200,000. Without a mirror at hand to see how her new jewels looked, she studied her reflection in the pool instead.SOLD FOR $842,500

The Cartier Ruby Suite. Earrings Estimate: $80,000 – 120,000 SOLD FOR $782,500

The Cartier Ruby Suite. Earrings Estimate: $80,000 – 120,000 SOLD FOR $782,500

A Suite of Ruby and Diamond Jewelry, by Cartier Gift from her husband Mike Todd, August 1957 Necklace Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000. SOLD FOR $3,778,500

A Suite of Ruby and Diamond Jewelry, by Cartier Gift from her husband Mike Todd, August 1957 Necklace Estimate: $200,000 – 300,000. SOLD FOR $3,778,500

Necklace from the set of Diamond and Gold “Barquerolles” Jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels Gift from Richard Burton, 1971 Necklace estimate: $120,000 – 180,000. SOLD FOR $902,500

Necklace from the set of Diamond and Gold “Barquerolles” Jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels Gift from Richard Burton, 1971 Necklace estimate: $120,000 – 180,000. SOLD FOR $902,500

The "Granny Suite" To mark the birth of her first grandchild in 1971 at the age of 39, Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor this lion- themed set of Van Cleef & Arpels jewels. Ear pendants estimate: $25,000 – 35,000. SOLD FOR $266,500

The "Granny Suite" To mark the birth of her first grandchild in 1971 at the age of 39, Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor this lion- themed set of Van Cleef & Arpels jewels. Ear pendants estimate: $25,000 – 35,000. SOLD FOR $266,500

A Charm Bracelet, with 20 assorted charms. From her teenage years through to adulthood, Elizabeth Taylor collected charms for her many bracelets.Estimate: $25,000 – 35,000. SOLD FOR $326,500

A Charm Bracelet, with 20 assorted charms. From her teenage years through to adulthood, Elizabeth Taylor collected charms for her many bracelets.Estimate: $25,000 – 35,000. SOLD FOR $326,500

A Gold Necklace with ivory opera passes, circa 18th and 19th centuries. Fashioned from ivory theatre tokens, this one-of-a-kind necklace was owned by the Hollywood costume designer Edith Head Estimate: $1,500 – 2,000. SOLD FOR $314,500

A Gold Necklace with ivory opera passes, circa 18th and 19th centuries. Fashioned from ivory theatre tokens, this one-of-a-kind necklace was owned by the Hollywood costume designer Edith Head Estimate: $1,500 – 2,000. SOLD FOR $314,500

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