Art News

Richard Burton-Elizabeth Taylor romance puts sparkle in diamonds auction at Christie’s

LOS ANGELES (REUTERS).- Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but for Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor they were a lifelong passion that could now strike gold for the AIDS sufferers she championed. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds and pearls — many of them given to Taylor by her two-time husband Richard Burton during their stormy romance — are among the 269 jewels up for auction in December following the death in March of the legendary film actress. Some of the most jaw-dropping gems are now on an international tour ahead of the sale that auctioneer Christie’s expects to bring in more than $30 million. Another $20 million could be raised from some of Taylor’s iconic gowns and film memorabilia. A portion of the proceeds from exhibitions, events and publications related to the auction will go to the Elizabeth Taylor