The Elizabeth Taylor Collection Has Arrived....Viewing Hours Extended!
Christie's has just announced extended viewing hours for The Elizabeth Taylor Collection this weekend. The incomparable collection of jewelry, clothing and Hollywood memorabilia of the late actress will be on view at MOCA Pacific Design Center from October 13 to 16 before it continues on its world tour.
Tickets sold out within hours when the event was announced, but due to overwhelming demand Christie's is releasing another block of tickets tomorrow morning and extending exhibition hours. Special viewings will be available from 8 pm to midnight on October 14 and 15. Tickets are priced at $50 and will go on sale Tuesday morning, October 11 at Christies.com/elizabethtaylor.
I just attended the press preview this morning and may I just say, the collection is simply stunning. The pieces on display - only a fraction of the 2000 piece collection - include some of the finest jewels in the world. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were two of the most avid and passionate collectors. According to Marc Porter, Chairman and President of Christie's America, the collection is worth over $50 million and is the single most important collection of jewelry ever sold.
It includes the finest pieces from every category, every house and every gem. Not to mention all the history, Hollywood memoirs and romance that accompanies them. Known as "The Crown Jewels of Hollywood," the collection includes the 33.19 carat Elizabeth Taylor Diamond and a spectacular pearl necklace featuring the former crown jewel of Spain now worth $2 to $3 million.
Angelenos will be happy to know they have an extra special addition to the exhibition. Taylor's three Oscar statutes are on display (courtesy of Taylor's family) as well as the original hard back scripts from "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" and "National Velvet."
Ten thousand visitors have already viewed the exhibition in Moscow and in London. After Los Angeles, the tour will continue to Dubai, Geneva, Paris, Hong Kong and New York. Christie's New York will offer the complete collection for sale in two parts, beginning with four consecutive days of auctions December 13-16. Taylor’s collection of fine art will be offered at Christie’s London February 6-7, 2012.
Why sell this collection you may ask? According to Christie's it was a decision made by Taylor herself. She considered herself only a temporary custodian of these luxurious items and wished for others to "give them a good home" and enjoy them as much as she did. Staying true to Taylor's devotion to humanitarian causes, a portion of the profits generated by ticket sales, events and select publications will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF).
Movie magic.
The Mike Todd antique diamond tiara given to Taylor by Richard Burton, photo courtesy of Christie's.
A Tiziani kimono from the 1968 film "Bloom" and Christian Dior haute couture evening ensemble.
An emerald and diamond necklace by Bvlgari, $1,000,000 to $1,500,000, photo courtesy of Christie's.
Elizabeth Taylor's Oscar for her performance in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf."
Liz by Andy Warhol, photo courtesy of Christie's.
Chanel shoes and clutch with matching ballgown and cape ensemble, photo courtesy of Christie's.
A viewing room at the Los Angeles exhibition.
The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a stunning 33.19 Cts., $2,500,000 to $3,500,000, photo courtesy of Christie's.
Exquisite kunzite, amethyst diamond "Triphanes" sautoir, ear pendants and bracelet by Van Cleef Arpels
A gold and multi-gem charm bracelet worth $25,000 to $35,000.
"Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" movie script.
La Peregrina, a natural pearl, cultured pearl, ruby diamond necklace by Cartier valued at $2,000,000 to $3,000,000.
