Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's romance remains one of Hollywood's most captivating tales—a saga of intense passion, tumultuous reconciliations, and extraordinary jewels that mirrored their larger-than-life relationship.
A Love Born on Set
The story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton began on the set of the 1963 epic Cleopatra, where Taylor portrayed the Egyptian queen and Burton played Mark Antony. Both were married to others at the time, but their undeniable chemistry ignited a scandalous affair that captivated the world.
Dubbed "Liz and Dick" by the media, their relationship was marked by both fiery arguments and profound affection. They married in 1964, divorced in 1974, remarried in 1975, and divorced again a year later—yet their love endured beyond marriage itself.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond: A Testament to Extravagance
Among the many tokens of affection exchanged, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s most famous jewel was the Taylor-Burton Diamond—a 68-carat pear-shaped diamond purchased by Burton in 1969 for over a million dollars.
Originally set into a ring, Taylor found it too heavy for her finger and later had it reset into a spectacular diamond necklace, which she wore to Princess Grace of Monaco's 40th birthday celebration and the 42nd Academy Awards. Burton once joked, "I wanted to buy her the Taj Mahal, but it was too big to ship." His love for Taylor was as grand as the jewels he gifted her.
La Peregrina Pearl: A Valentine's Day Surprise
Another notable jewel in Taylor's collection was La Peregrina Pearl, a 50.6-carat pearl with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Burton gifted this exquisite gem to Taylor on Valentine's Day in 1969, further cementing their shared passion for rare and beautiful objects.
A Love for the Ages
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton divorced for the first time in 1974, remarried in 1975, and divorced for the second time in 1976. Despite their two marriages and divorces, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s connection remained profound. Taylor said that just before Burton passed away, he wrote her a final note, telling her he wanted to return home to her. After Taylor passed away in 2011, the letter was buried with her. In a Vogue interview, Taylor also stated, "I was still madly in love with him the day he died. I think he still loved me, too."
Their story, intertwined with some of the world’s most famous jewels, continues to fascinate and inspire, proving that love—like diamonds—can last forever.
Discover Your Own Legendary Love Story with Caram
At Caram, we believe that every love story deserves to be celebrated with jewelry that reflects its unique brilliance. Whether you're drawn to the allure of historic gems or seeking a custom piece that tells your own story, our experts are here to guide you. Schedule a consultation with Caram, and let us help you find the perfect symbol of your enduring love.
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