Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari Emerald Suite from Richard Burton: Passion in Green
- Caram
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
In 1960s Rome, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s romance was written not only in words but in gemstones. Among the most legendary of her treasures was the Elizabeth Taylor emerald Bulgari suite, a collection of Colombian emeralds gifted by Burton during the height of their passion. These jewels, crafted in Bulgari’s Roman workshops, stand as both a testament to their love story and the enduring allure of emeralds in jewelry history.
Hollywood Romance, Written in Emeralds
When Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton met on the set of Cleopatra in 1962, sparks ignited. Their affair was as scandalous as it was passionate — both were married to others at the time, yet neither could resist the magnetic pull of the other.
For Taylor, who adored jewelry, Burton soon discovered the perfect way to express his devotion. From Bulgari’s boutique on Rome’s Via Condotti, he began acquiring extraordinary emeralds. As he famously joked: “I introduced Liz to beer, she introduced me to Bulgari.”
Among his gifts was the now-iconic emerald Bulgari jewelry suite: a necklace, pendant brooch, and earrings centered around breathtaking Colombian emeralds. The centerpiece was a 23.44-carat pendant — detachable, versatile, and impossibly vivid in its green glow. Taylor wore the suite not just at red-carpet galas but at their 1964 wedding, transforming the jewels into a public symbol of their union.
Colombian Emeralds: Jewels of the Andes
The brilliance of the Elizabeth Taylor emerald Bulgari suite lies in the gems themselves. Colombian emeralds, especially from the legendary Muzo and Chivor mines, are revered for their deep, saturated green and exceptional clarity.
Muzo Emeralds
Known for their rich, slightly bluish-green hue and velvety depth.
Chivor Emeralds
Famous for brighter greens, often with remarkable transparency.
These stones carry not only beauty but heritage. For centuries, they were prized by Spanish royalty, Mughal emperors, and European aristocrats. By the 20th century, they had become the benchmark for fine emeralds — making them the perfect choice for Hollywood’s greatest star.
Emerald Symbolism: Love, Power, and Renewal
Throughout history, emeralds have been associated with Venus, the goddess of love. Their green color symbolizes renewal, harmony, and devotion. To gift an emerald was to declare undying loyalty and passion.
Burton’s choice of emeralds for Taylor wasn’t accidental — it reflected both the intensity of their romance and the timeless symbolism of the gem.
A Collector’s Dream and Auction Legend
Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection was legendary, but her emerald Bulgari suite stood out as one of her favorites. When Christie’s auctioned her jewels in 2011, the emerald pendant brooch alone sold for $6.5 million, setting a world record at the time.
The staggering results underscored a key truth: in fine jewelry, provenance amplifies value. A magnificent emerald is already rare, but when it carries the story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, it becomes priceless..
Collector’s Guide: What Makes a Fine Emerald?
For buyers inspired by this love story, here are the hallmarks of an emerald worth collecting:
Color: The most prized emeralds display a vivid green, evenly saturated, neither too dark nor too light.
Clarity: Most emeralds contain inclusions (the “jardin”), but fine stones balance clarity with richness of color.
Cut: Emeralds are often cut in their signature step-cut (emerald cut), which maximizes both beauty and stability.
Carat Weight: Large, clean emeralds are exponentially rarer, especially in fine color.
Origin: Provenance matters. Colombian emeralds set the standard, though Zambia now produces gems of remarkable vibrancy.
Buying Emeralds Today: Lessons from Taylor’s Suite
For collectors and couples today, the lesson from the Elizabeth Taylor emerald Bulgari suite is clear: emeralds carry romance, history, and investment potential. Choosing one is about more than beauty — it’s about finding a stone with soul.
At Caram, we source emeralds directly from the most reputable mines, carefully evaluating every stone for its color, clarity, and provenance. We work with master craftsmen to create pieces that, like Taylor’s, are destined to become heirlooms.
Whether you are seeking an investment-grade emerald, a bespoke necklace, or a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, we invite you to discover our emerald collection.
Book a consultation with our experts and let us guide you to a gem as timeless as the Taylor-Burton love story.
FAQ: Elizabeth Taylor’s Emerald Bulgari Suite
Q: Why are Elizabeth Taylor’s emeralds so famous? A: Beyond their quality, they were tied to her passionate romance with Richard Burton, making them both historically and emotionally valuable.
Q: Are Colombian emeralds the best? A: They are considered the benchmark for fine emeralds, known for their deep, saturated green. Zambian emeralds, however, also offer exceptional beauty.
Q: Can I find emeralds like Elizabeth Taylor’s today? A: While her exact suite is unique, Caram can source investment-grade emeralds of similar quality and provenance.
Comments