The Taylor Burton Diamond at a Glance
Name: The Taylor Burton Diamond
Also Known As: The Cartier Diamond, Cartier-Burton Diamond
Estimated Value: $18.9 Million USD
Cut: Pear Shape
Carat Weight: Originally 69.42 Carats (later recut to 68 Carats)
Color: White
Origin: Premier Diamond Mine, South Africa
A Diamond That Defined Luxury and Romance
Some diamonds are admired for their brilliance. Others are remembered for the stories they carry.
The Taylor Burton Diamond belongs firmly in the second category — a legendary gemstone forever associated with one of Hollywood’s most iconic couples: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
With its extraordinary size, remarkable history, and record-breaking price, the Taylor Burton Diamond remains one of the most celebrated diamonds in the world.
Discovery of the Taylor Burton Diamond
The diamond’s story began in 1966, when a rough diamond weighing an astonishing 241 carats was discovered at the renowned Premier Diamond Mine in South Africa.
This mine is famous for producing several historic diamonds, including:
- The Cullinan Diamond
- The Golden Jubilee Diamond
The rough stone was later purchased and expertly cut by famed jeweller Harry Winston, resulting in a stunning 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond.
The First Owner: Harriet Annenberg Ames
In 1967, the diamond was purchased by Harriet Annenberg Ames, sister of publisher Walter Annenberg.
She had the stone mounted in a platinum ring with side diamonds. However, the diamond’s size proved almost too extravagant for everyday wear.
Harriet later admitted she felt uncomfortable wearing such a conspicuous jewel in New York, saying it spent most of its life locked away in a bank vault.
Eventually, she decided to sell it.
The Historic Auction of 1969
On October 23, 1969, the diamond went to auction.
Elizabeth Taylor was immediately captivated by the stone. Her husband, actor Richard Burton, was equally determined to win it.
Burton reportedly set a bidding limit of $1 million, which was already unprecedented at the time.
However, in a dramatic twist, luxury jeweller Cartier outbid Burton and won the auction for $1,050,000.
This sale shattered records and made the diamond the first gemstone ever to sell for over $1 million.
Richard Burton Refuses to Lose
Richard Burton did not take defeat well.
According to his own diary, he became furious after learning Cartier had won the diamond.
Determined to get it for Elizabeth Taylor at any cost, Burton negotiated privately with Cartier the very next day.
He successfully acquired the stone for $1.1 million.
And just like that, the Cartier Diamond became the Taylor Burton Diamond.
A Global Sensation
Before handing over the stone, Cartier negotiated one unusual condition:
The diamond would first be displayed publicly at Cartier stores in New York and Chicago.
Following a full-page advertisement in The New York Times, thousands of visitors lined up daily just to see the diamond.
Reports suggest nearly 6,000 people per day came to admire it.
The Taylor Burton Diamond had become an international celebrity in its own right.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Iconic Necklace
Although originally mounted as a ring, Elizabeth Taylor soon decided the diamond was too large for practical wear.
She had it remounted into a necklace.
Interestingly, Taylor positioned the pendant to cover a scar from a previous emergency tracheotomy surgery.
The diamond became one of her most recognizable pieces of jewellery.
Security Worthy of Royalty
Because of its extraordinary value, the Taylor Burton Diamond came with strict insurance conditions from Lloyd’s of London.
Requirements included:
- Armed guards during public appearances
- Secure vault storage
- Limited wear of only 30 days per year
Elizabeth Taylor even commissioned a replica for more casual use.
Divorce, Sale, and a New Chapter
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton famously divorced twice.
After their second divorce, Taylor sold the diamond in 1978 for an estimated $5 million.
Part of the proceeds reportedly funded the construction of a hospital in Botswana.
A rare case where luxury directly contributed to philanthropy.
Current Ownership
In 1979, the Taylor Burton Diamond was purchased by jeweller Robert Mouawad of the Mouawad family.
The diamond remains in private ownership today.
Legacy of the Taylor Burton Diamond
The Taylor Burton Diamond is far more than a gemstone.
It represents:
- Hollywood glamour
- Record-breaking luxury
- One of history’s most famous love stories
Its journey from South African mine to global icon has secured its place among the world’s greatest diamonds.
Famous Diamonds You May Also Love
Explore more legendary diamonds:
- The Koh-i-Noor Diamond
- The Hope Diamond
- The Cullinan Diamond
- The Regent Diamond
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