Taylor's ring from Burton fetches $US8.8m

14 Dec 2011, 7:09 pm   -   Source: AP
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La Peregrina, a Natural Pearl, Diamond and Ruby necklace by Cartier, and a pair of Natural Pearl and Diamond ear pendants by Bulgari are on display during a preview of the full Collection of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's in New York. (AAP)

La Peregrina, a Natural Pearl, Diamond and Ruby necklace by Cartier, and a pair of Natural Pearl and Diamond ear pendants by Bulgari are on display during a preview of the full Collection of Elizabeth Taylor at Christie's in New York. (AAP)

A 33.19-carat diamond ring given to Elizabeth Taylor by actor Richard Burton, whom she married twice, has sold for $US8,818,500 ($A8.84 million) at an auction.

A 33.19-carat diamond ring given to Elizabeth Taylor by actor Richard Burton, whom she married twice, has sold for $US8,818,500 ($A8.84 million) at an auction of gems, fabulous clothes, accessories and memorabilia amassed by the late actress.

The ring, estimated to sell for $US2.5 million ($A2.51 million) to $US3.5 million ($A3.51 million), was included in a collection of Taylor's necklaces, earrings, pendants and rings and other gems that went on sale Tuesday night at Christie's auction house in New York City.

The ring was purchased by a private buyer from Asia, according to a Christie's spokesman.

Among the high-profile items was a diamond bracelet given to the National Velvet and Cleopatra actress by singer Michael Jackson, with an estimated sale price of $US30,000 ($A30,082) to $US50,000 ($A50,137). It sold for $US194,500 ($A195,036).

All prices include the buyer's premium. Taylor, a screen goddess who also starred in classics such as Giant, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, died in Los Angeles in March at age 79.

A jewellery lover, she had pieces from some of the most famous names in the jewellery world, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Chopard, in her collection.

Other sales of Taylor's art, clothing and memorabilia will be held later in the week.

An online-only sale of some items runs until Saturday. Part of the proceeds will go to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which she established in 1991 to help people living with AIDS.

Taylor's collection of impressionist and modern art is scheduled to go on sale at Christie's in London in February.

Elisabeth Taylor

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