A stunning collection...

I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it.

~ Elizabeth Taylor

After viewing The Elizabeth Taylor Collection in Los Angeles this past weekend, I have to say it was incredible to see so much unbelievably stunning jewelry in one place. I took many photos, which I'm sharing with you as promised, but trust me when I say the photographs won't do these exquisite pieces justice. To see them catch the fire of the light was magical; their sheer beauty and allure are breathtaking in person. Their enormous value is unmistakable, underscored by the many watchful guards stationed throughout the exhibit (classily attired in black suits so as not to call attention to the fact they were armed). I suspect Christie's is right when they say the auction in December will set records. It's unlikely we will ever see the likes of such a collection again, outside of royalty. I am so glad I got to see some of it with my own eyes before it is broken up and sold.

The Elizabeth Taylor diamond ~ more than 33 carats of stunning perfection, given to her by Richard Burton. This is the ring she always wore.

Beautiful emeralds from Bulgari. Another gift from Richard Burton.

A lovely Art Nouveau brooch, by Boucheron.

One of several gold charm bracelets. We were able to see that some of the charms were engraved on the back.

La Peregrina, the famous 16th century pearl, dangles from the bottom of this pearl, ruby and diamond necklance. La Peregrina was another gift from Richard Burton. Elizabeth Taylor designed the necklace with the help of Cartier to give the pearl the perfect display.

A gorgeous diamond and ruby set from Cartier, a gift from Mike Todd. Sorry about the photo; my flash was acting up.

The Taj Mahal diamond. Another gift from Richard Burton.

A stunning set in lavender, her favorite color. By Van Cleef & Arpels.

The gorgeous Mike Todd Antique Diamond Tiara.

The Windsor Brooch. This once belonged to the Duchess of Windsor, the former Wallis Simpson. Taylor and Burton, who were friends of the Duchess and the former king, purchased it after her death.

The Mike Todd Diamond Ear Pendants are in this set, along with other diamond pieces.

A stunning set of diamonds and sapphires. The necklace was another gift from Richard Burton. If you have not read Furious Love, a recent book about their love affair, do. It's a fabulous read.

There was more than jewelry on display, though it was without a doubt the star of the show. Gowns by Chanel and Dior and Andy Warhol's Liz ~ inscribed to the actress ~ were worth seeing all on their own. Elizabeth Taylor's three Oscars were on display as well (never thought I'd see an Oscar up close and personal), as were scripts of movies she starred in and many, many photographs. I know this is a long post, but I didn't want to leave anything out. Hope you enjoy.

A Chanel ballgown and cape, worn to the premiere of Taming of the Shrew.

  A couple of Christian Dior gowns.

The famous Scorpio evening cape worn to Princess Grace's 40th birthday party, to which only Scorpio's were invited. Richard Burton was a Scorpio, hence the invite, but Elizabeth Taylor was not, hence the cape.

Andy Warhol's Liz. It is inscribed to the actress at the bottom.

Elizabeth Taylor's three Oscars. The photo is of her getting up to receive her first Oscar, for Butterfield 8. She won a second Oscar for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The third was a humanitarian award.

Photos from her films, with various memorabilia.

I've been through it all, baby. I'm Mother Courage. I'll be dragging my sable coat behind me in old age.

~ Elizabeth Taylor

All photos by The Art of Living Beautifully