The Taylor-Burton Diamond: Love, Luxury & What Happened to the $1.1M Gem

The Taylor-Burton Diamond: Love, Luxury & What Happened to the $1.1M Gem

Imagine a diamond so magnificent that it became the ultimate symbol of Hollywood’s greatest love story. A gem so extraordinary that when Richard Burton bought it for Elizabeth Taylor in 1969, it made headlines around the world and sparked both admiration and controversy. That diamond exists, and its story is as dramatic as the legendary couple who made it famous.

The Taylor-Burton Diamond, a spectacular 69.42-carat pear-shaped white diamond represents more than just exceptional size and quality. It embodies one of the 20th century’s most passionate, turbulent, and publicized romances. When Burton outbid Aristotle Onassis and Cartier to secure this gem for his wife, he wasn’t just buying jewelry he was making a grand statement about love, commitment, and the lengths to which a man would go to please the woman he adored.

But this diamond’s journey didn’t begin or end with Hollywood royalty. Before it graced Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary neckline, it was a 241-carat rough stone from a South African mine. And after Taylor’s ownership ended in 1978, the diamond embarked on another fascinating chapter that many people don’t know about.

Whether you’re captivated by celebrity history, fascinated by legendary gemstones, or curious about what happens to famous jewelry after its iconic owners pass away, the Taylor-Burton Diamond offers a compelling narrative. You’ll discover how Burton acquired this extraordinary gem despite fierce competition, why it became a symbol of their passionate relationship, what made the diamond scientifically remarkable, and finally the question everyone asks—what happened to the Taylor Burton diamond after the couple’s legendary romance ended.

Let’s explore the diamond that proved love, at least in Hollywood, really could be measured in carats.

The Discovery and Early History of the Taylor-Burton Diamond

Before it became forever associated with Hollywood’s most glamorous couple, the Taylor-Burton Diamond had its own fascinating origin story.

From South African Mine to Premier Diamond

The diamond began as a 241-carat rough stone discovered in 1966 at the Premier Mine in South Africa, the same legendary mine that produced the Cullinan Diamond in 1905. This mine has yielded some of history’s most extraordinary diamonds, and the rough stone that would become the Taylor-Burton was immediately recognized as exceptional.

Original rough characteristics:

Weight: 241 carats
Quality: Exceptional clarity and color
Mine: Premier Mine, Transvaal, South Africa
Discovery year: 1966

The rough diamond was acquired by Harry Winston Inc., the renowned New York jeweler famous for handling extraordinary gems (including the Hope Diamond, which Winston donated to the Smithsonian).

The Cutting Decision

Harry Winston faced a crucial decision: how to cut this magnificent rough stone to maximize both beauty and value. After months of study, master cutters determined the optimal approach.

Cutting process:

Duration: Several months of planning, cutting, and polishing
Final shape: Pear brilliant (teardrop shape)
Weight retained: 69.42 carats from 241-carat rough (approximately 29% yield)
Result: Exceptional clarity and brilliance

The 29% yield might seem like significant waste, but this is typical for high-quality diamonds where brilliance and perfection take priority over preserving weight. The cutters sacrificed carat weight to create a flawless gem.

Initial Sale and Cartier Acquisition

In 1969, Harry Winston sold the finished 69.42-carat diamond to Cartier, the prestigious French jewelry house, for approximately $500,000—a substantial sum but modest compared to what would happen next.

Cartier intended to create a spectacular piece of jewelry featuring this diamond as the centerpiece, possibly for royalty or an ultra-wealthy client. They had no idea it was about to become part of Hollywood legend.

Richard Burton’s Grand Gesture: The Auction That Made Headlines

The story of how the diamond became the Taylor-Burton Diamond is one of the most romantic—and expensive—gestures in celebrity history.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Birthday and the Auction

In October 1969, Cartier decided to auction the diamond in New York. The timing coincided with Elizabeth Taylor’s upcoming birthday, and Richard Burton—always looking for grand gestures to demonstrate his love—decided this would be the ultimate gift.

The auction details:

Date: October 23, 1969
Location: New York City
Opening bid: $200,000
Competition: Intense bidding war
Key competitors: Richard Burton, Aristotle Onassis, Cartier (bidding to retain it)

The Bidding War

Burton initially bid via his lawyer, Aaron Frosch, trying to maintain some discretion. However, the bidding quickly escalated beyond expectations:

The dramatic progression:

Burton’s team bid aggressively from the start
Aristotle Onassis entered the bidding (reportedly for his wife Jackie Kennedy Onassis)
Cartier refused to let it go easily
Bidding surpassed $1 million—shocking for 1969
Final winning bid: $1,050,000 ($1.05 million)

The twist: Cartier won with the final bid of $1.05 million, beating Burton’s maximum offer of $1 million.

Burton’s Determination: The Next-Day Purchase

Richard Burton was reportedly devastated that he’d lost. Elizabeth Taylor was understanding but clearly disappointed. However, Burton wasn’t finished.

The next day’s negotiation:

Burton contacted Cartier directly and made an offer they couldn’t refuse:

Offer: $1,100,000 (approximately $9 million in 2024 dollars)
Additional terms: Cartier could display the diamond briefly for publicity
Motivation: Burton’s determination to give Taylor the ultimate symbol of his love

Cartier accepted. The diamond would officially be renamed the Taylor-Burton Diamond, cementing its place in both jewelry and celebrity history.

Public Reaction: Criticism and Fascination

The purchase generated enormous media attention and mixed public reaction:

Criticism:

Some viewed it as excessive during times of social upheaval
Critics questioned spending over $1 million on a single gem
Commentary about wealth inequality and celebrity excess
Religious leaders criticized the “obscene” display of wealth

Fascination:

The public was captivated by the romantic gesture
Media covered every detail extensively
The diamond became a symbol of the Burton-Taylor love story
Sales of diamond jewelry increased industry-wide

Burton defended the purchase publicly, stating: “I would have paid $2 million because I felt that Elizabeth had been made to appear so foolish and I couldn’t bear it.”

Elizabeth Taylor and Her Legendary Diamond

Once it was officially hers, Elizabeth Taylor wore the Taylor-Burton Diamond with characteristic glamour and transformed it into one of the 20th century’s most recognizable gems.

The Cartier Necklace Design

Initially, the diamond was set as a ring, but Taylor found it too heavy and unwieldy for regular wear. Cartier redesigned it as a necklace, creating one of jewelry history’s most iconic pieces.

The necklace specifications:

Centerpiece: The 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond
Setting: Platinum and white gold
Supporting diamonds: Additional smaller diamonds creating the chain and mounting
Design: The pear-shaped diamond hung as a pendant, positioned to rest perfectly at Taylor’s collarbone
Versatility: Could be detached and worn as a brooch

Taylor’s description: She famously said the diamond was “so large that it actually rests in the middle of my chest… It’s absolutely flawless, the most perfect stone I’ve ever seen.”

Famous Public Appearances

Taylor wore the necklace at several high-profile events, each appearance generating massive media coverage:

Princess Grace’s 40th Birthday Party (Monaco, 1969):

Taylor’s first major public appearance wearing the diamond
Photographed extensively alongside European royalty
The necklace caused a sensation among attendees

Academy Awards:

Wore it to multiple Oscar ceremonies
Each appearance generated front-page news
The diamond became as famous as any film she starred in

Charity galas and events:

Taylor frequently wore it to fundraising events
Used its notoriety to generate publicity for causes
The diamond helped raise millions for various charities

Security Concerns

Owning such a famous and valuable diamond created serious security challenges:

Protection measures:

24/7 armed security when traveling with the diamond
Insurance costs were astronomical
Special transport arrangements
Replicas created for some public appearances
Vault storage at banks when not in use

Close calls:

Multiple reported threats and attempted thefts
Increased security at hotels and events
Burton hired additional bodyguards specifically to protect the jewelry

Taylor reportedly kept a replica to wear occasionally, saving the real diamond for truly special occasions—though she never publicly admitted this during her ownership.

The Symbol of Their Love

The Taylor-Burton Diamond became inseparable from the couple’s legendary romance:

What it represented:

Burton’s devotion and willingness to do anything for Taylor
The excess and glamour of their lifestyle
The intensity of their passionate, turbulent relationship
Hollywood royalty at its absolute peak

Burton gave Taylor many extraordinary jewels during their two marriages (they married twice, 1964-1974 and 1975-1976), but the Taylor-Burton Diamond remained the most famous and valuable.

Physical Characteristics: What Made It Special

Beyond its famous ownership, the Taylor-Burton Diamond was scientifically remarkable.

Technical Specifications

Weight: 69.42 carats (13.884 grams)
Shape: Pear brilliant (teardrop)
Cut: Brilliant cut with 58 facets
Color: D color (absolutely colorless—the highest grade)
Clarity: Internally flawless or VVS1 (virtually no inclusions)
Dimensions: Approximately 39.5 × 25.4 × 16.5 mm
Classification: Type IIa (purest diamond category, less than 2% of all diamonds)

Why It Was Exceptional

Size: At 69.42 carats, it ranked among the largest colorless pear-shaped diamonds in private hands.

Color grade: D color means absolutely no yellow or brown tinting—pure white when viewed from any angle. This is extraordinarily rare in diamonds over 10 carats, let alone nearly 70 carats.

Clarity: Virtually no internal flaws visible even under magnification—remarkable for such a large stone.

Cut quality: The pear brilliant cut maximized fire and brilliance while maintaining elegant proportions. The symmetry was nearly perfect.

Type IIa classification: This rare category indicates:

No nitrogen impurities
Exceptional optical transparency
Often displays superior brilliance
Includes most famous historic diamonds

Comparison with Other Famous Diamonds

Taylor-Burton vs. Hope Diamond:

Taylor-Burton: 69.42 carats, colorless
Hope: 45.52 carats, blue
Taylor-Burton was larger but less famous historically

Taylor-Burton vs. Koh-i-Noor:

Taylor-Burton: 69.42 carats
Koh-i-Noor: 105.6 carats
Koh-i-Noor larger but with complex controversial history

Among celebrity diamonds: The Taylor-Burton was one of the largest and finest diamonds ever owned by a celebrity, surpassing most other famous Hollywood jewelry.

Value Assessment

At time of purchase (1969): $1.1 million

Estimated value if still together today: $20-30 million, potentially more at auction given provenance

Factors affecting value:

Exceptional size and quality
D color and high clarity
Celebrity provenance (Taylor-Burton ownership)
Historical significance
Perfect pear-shaped cut

What Happened to the Taylor Burton Diamond: The Sale and Beyond

The question everyone asks: What happened to the Taylor Burton diamond after Elizabeth Taylor’s ownership ended? The answer involves financial need, charitable intentions, and a billionaire collector.

The Burton-Taylor Divorce and Aftermath

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s relationship, though passionate, was tumultuous. They divorced in 1974, remarried in 1975, then divorced again in 1976. Their second divorce was final, ending one of Hollywood’s most legendary romances.

After the final divorce, Taylor retained the diamond—it had been given to her unconditionally, making it her personal property. However, by 1978, Taylor faced a situation that led to a difficult decision.

The 1978 Sale Decision

In 1978, Elizabeth Taylor made the surprising announcement that she would sell the Taylor-Burton Diamond. Her reasons were multifaceted:

Why Taylor sold it:

Financial considerations: While wealthy, Taylor needed liquid capital for several ventures and expenses.

Security concerns: The cost and complexity of insuring and protecting such a famous diamond had become burdensome.

Charitable intentions: Taylor wanted to use proceeds to fund a hospital in Botswana, honoring her humanitarian commitments.

Emotional factors: After her final divorce from Burton, the diamond may have carried painful memories despite its beauty.

Practical issues: She rarely wore it due to security concerns, making it an expensive asset sitting unused.

The 1979 Auction and Robert Mouawad

Sale details:

Year: 1979 (announced 1978, finalized 1979)
Buyer: Robert Mouawad, Lebanese jeweler and diamond collector
Sale price: Approximately $5 million (exact figures vary by source; some report $3-5 million)
Method: Private sale rather than public auction
Profit: Taylor made a substantial profit from Burton’s original $1.1 million purchase

Who is Robert Mouawad?

Robert Mouawad is a Lebanese billionaire jeweler and diamond collector known for:

Founder of Mouawad jewelry company
Owner of multiple famous diamonds
Collector of historic gems
Operates high-end jewelry boutiques worldwide
Passionate about diamond history and preservation

What Mouawad Did with the Diamond

After purchasing the Taylor-Burton Diamond, Robert Mouawad:

Renamed it: The diamond was renamed simply the “Mouawad Diamond” (though it’s still commonly called the Taylor-Burton Diamond)

Displayed it: Exhibited it in various museums and jewelry exhibitions worldwide

Part of collection: Integrated it into his private collection of historic diamonds

Occasional public appearances: The diamond has appeared at select exhibitions but is not permanently on public display

Current Status and Location

Where is it now?

The diamond remains in the Mouawad family’s private collection. Exact location is not publicly disclosed for security reasons, though it’s believed to be:

Held in secure vaults when not displayed
Occasionally loaned to museums for exhibitions
Part of the broader Mouawad diamond collection
Potentially displayed in one of their high-end boutiques occasionally

Can the public see it?

Unlike the Hope Diamond or Crown Jewels, the Mouawad Diamond (Taylor-Burton) is not on permanent public display. However:

It occasionally appears in traveling exhibitions
Mouawad sometimes displays it at their boutiques during special events
Advance inquiry with Mouawad might yield viewing opportunities
Photos and documentation are available online

Taylor’s Other Famous Jewels

After selling the Taylor-Burton Diamond, Elizabeth Taylor still owned extraordinary jewelry:

La Peregrina Pearl: Historic pearl once owned by Spanish royalty; Burton gave it to her Krupp Diamond: 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond (she kept this until death) Various emeralds: Including pieces from Bulgari and other famous jewelers Numerous other diamonds: Gifted by Burton and other husbands

Many of these pieces were auctioned after Taylor’s death in 2011, generating over $115 million—a record for a private jewelry collection.

The Legacy: More Than Just a Diamond

The Taylor-Burton Diamond transcended its physical beauty to become a cultural icon.

Symbol of Hollywood Glamour

The diamond represents:

The golden age of Hollywood excess and glamour
Celebrity culture at its peak
The power of romantic gestures
1960s-70s luxury and style

Influence on Popular Culture

In media and entertainment:

Referenced in countless articles, books, and documentaries
Featured in exhibitions about celebrity jewelry
Inspired storylines in films and television shows
Symbol of “epic romance” in popular consciousness

In the jewelry industry:

Increased demand for large pear-shaped diamonds
Elevated status of celebrity-owned jewelry
Demonstrated emotional value beyond monetary worth
Influenced jewelry marketing strategies

Comparison with Modern Celebrity Diamonds

Modern celebrity engagement rings and jewelry are often compared to the Taylor-Burton:

Beyoncé’s ring from Jay-Z: 18 carats (impressive but much smaller) Kim Kardashian’s ring from Kanye West: 15 carats (later stolen in Paris robbery) Mariah Carey’s ring from James Packer: 35 carats (returned after breakup)

While modern celebrity diamonds are substantial, few approach the Taylor-Burton’s combination of size, quality, and romantic legend.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Relationship with Jewelry

Understanding Taylor’s famous jewelry collection provides context for the Taylor-Burton Diamond.

Taylor as a Jewelry Connoisseur

Elizabeth Taylor wasn’t just a passive recipient of jewelry—she was a knowledgeable collector:

Her expertise:

Studied gemology and diamond grading
Could evaluate quality and authenticity
Negotiated directly with jewelers
Built relationships with master craftsmen
Understood historical provenance

Burton’s Other Jewelry Gifts

Richard Burton gave Taylor numerous extraordinary pieces:

The Krupp Diamond: 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond (1968) La Peregrina Pearl: Historic 16th-century pearl (1969) Various emerald pieces: Multiple emerald jewelry sets Ruby and diamond pieces: Numerous other significant jewels

Burton once said: “I introduced Elizabeth to beer, and she introduced me to Bulgari.”

Taylor’s Philosophy on Jewelry

Taylor viewed jewelry as:

Wearable art, not just investment
Expression of personal style
Emotional connection to relationships
Source of joy and confidence
Something to be enjoyed, not hidden

She famously said: “Some people collect art. I collect jewelry because it’s something I can actually wear and enjoy every day.”

Frequently Asked Questions About the Taylor-Burton Diamond

1. What is the Taylor-Burton Diamond and why is it famous?

The Taylor-Burton Diamond is a spectacular 69.42-carat pear-shaped white diamond that became legendary when actor Richard Burton purchased it for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, in 1969 for $1.1 million (approximately $9 million in today’s currency). The diamond is famous not just for its exceptional size and quality—it has D color (absolutely colorless) and virtually flawless clarity—but primarily because it became the ultimate symbol of one of Hollywood’s most passionate and publicized love affairs. Burton initially lost the diamond at auction to Cartier for $1.05 million, but his determination to give Taylor the world’s finest gem led him to negotiate a higher price of $1.1 million the next day. The purchase made international headlines and generated both criticism for its excess and fascination with the romantic gesture. Taylor wore the diamond in a custom Cartier necklace to major events including Princess Grace’s 40th birthday party and multiple Academy Awards ceremonies, making it one of the most photographed and recognized gems of the 20th century.

2. What happened to the Taylor Burton diamond after Elizabeth Taylor sold it?

What happened to the Taylor Burton diamond after Taylor’s ownership is a question many people ask. In 1978-1979, Elizabeth Taylor sold the diamond to Robert Mouawad, a Lebanese billionaire jeweler and collector, for approximately $5 million (sources vary between $3-5 million). Taylor’s decision to sell came from multiple factors: she needed liquid capital, the security costs and insurance for such a famous diamond were burdensome, she wanted proceeds to fund a hospital in Botswana for charitable purposes, and the diamond carried emotional weight after her final divorce from Burton in 1976. After purchasing it, Mouawad renamed it simply the “Mouawad Diamond,” though it’s still commonly referred to as the Taylor-Burton Diamond. The diamond remains in the Mouawad family’s private collection today and is not on permanent public display, though it occasionally appears in traveling exhibitions and special displays at Mouawad boutiques. Its exact location is not publicly disclosed for security reasons, but it’s believed to be held in secure private vaults when not being exhibited.

3. How much did Richard Burton pay for the Taylor-Burton Diamond?

Richard Burton paid $1,100,000 ($1.1 million) for the Taylor-Burton Diamond in October 1969, which equals approximately $9 million when adjusted to 2024 dollars. The purchase happened in two stages: First, Burton bid up to $1 million at a New York auction but was outbid by Cartier, which won with a final bid of $1.05 million. Devastated at losing, Burton contacted Cartier directly the next day and offered $1.1 million—$50,000 more than Cartier’s winning bid—along with allowing Cartier to briefly display the diamond for publicity. Cartier accepted, and the diamond was officially renamed the Taylor-Burton Diamond. This purchase made international headlines and represented one of the highest prices ever paid for a diamond at that time. Burton defended the expenditure by saying Elizabeth had been “made to appear foolish” when he lost the initial auction, and he “couldn’t bear it.” The diamond became the ultimate symbol of their legendary romance and remains one of the most famous celebrity jewelry purchases in history.

4. Did Elizabeth Taylor keep the Taylor-Burton Diamond until she died?

No, Elizabeth Taylor did not keep the Taylor-Burton Diamond until her death. She sold it in 1978-1979 (approximately 8-9 years after receiving it and 2-3 years after her final divorce from Richard Burton) to Robert Mouawad for approximately $5 million. However, Taylor did retain many other extraordinary pieces from her legendary jewelry collection until her death in 2011, including the 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond (which Burton also gave her), the historic La Peregrina Pearl, and numerous emerald, ruby, and diamond pieces. After Taylor’s death, her jewelry collection was auctioned by Christie’s in December 2011 and generated an astonishing $115 million—a world record for a private jewelry collection. The Krupp Diamond alone sold for $8.8 million. While Taylor parted with the Taylor-Burton Diamond relatively early, her decision demonstrated both practical financial considerations and her belief that jewelry should serve a purpose—in this case, funding charitable causes including a hospital in Botswana.

5. Where is the Taylor-Burton Diamond now and can I see it?

The Taylor-Burton Diamond (now officially called the Mouawad Diamond) is currently in the private collection of the Mouawad family, held by Robert Mouawad, the Lebanese billionaire jeweler who purchased it from Elizabeth Taylor in 1978-1979. The diamond is not on permanent public display like the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian or the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. Its exact location is not publicly disclosed for security reasons, though it’s believed to be held in secure private vaults when not being exhibited. However, the diamond does occasionally appear at special exhibitions and jewelry shows, sometimes at Mouawad boutiques during significant events, and has been loaned to museums for temporary displays about famous diamonds or celebrity jewelry. While you cannot walk into a museum and see it on any given day, keeping track of Mouawad’s exhibition schedule or contacting their high-end boutiques might provide opportunities to view this legendary gem. Photos and extensive documentation of the diamond during Taylor’s ownership are widely available online and in jewelry history books.

Conclusion: A Diamond That Defined an Era

The Taylor-Burton Diamond represents far more than 69.42 carats of perfectly crystallized carbon. It embodies the height of Hollywood glamour, the power of grand romantic gestures, and the enduring human fascination with both legendary love stories and extraordinary gems.

When Richard Burton paid $1.1 million for this diamond in 1969—outbidding everyone including Aristotle Onassis and Cartier itself—he wasn’t simply buying jewelry. He was making a statement that would echo through decades: that his love for Elizabeth Taylor knew no bounds, no price limits, no reasonable restraint. The diamond became inseparable from their legendary romance, photographed on Taylor’s neck at the world’s most glamorous events and symbolizing an era when Hollywood royalty lived with breathtaking excess.

The answer to what happened to the Taylor Burton diamond after their love story ended reveals another chapter in its fascinating journey. Taylor’s decision to sell it in 1978, using proceeds partly for charitable purposes, demonstrated that even the most sentimental objects sometimes must serve larger purposes. The diamond’s current life in Robert Mouawad’s private collection ensures its preservation while removing it from the public spotlight it occupied during Taylor’s ownership.

Perhaps the Taylor-Burton Diamond’s greatest legacy is what it represents: the belief that love—at least the legendary, all-consuming kind that Burton and Taylor shared—deserves spectacular symbols. In an age where celebrity engagement rings make headlines but rarely approach this diamond’s combination of size, quality, and romantic significance, the Taylor-Burton remains the ultimate standard against which all other celebrity jewels are measured.

The diamond may have changed hands and names, but it will forever be remembered as the Taylor-Burton—a testament to one of history’s greatest love affairs and the lengths to which a man would go to demonstrate his devotion. Some gestures are so grand, so perfect, so impossibly romantic that they transcend their time and become eternal.

Fascinated by legendary celebrity jewelry and the stories behind them? Explore more about Elizabeth Taylor’s extraordinary collection, Richard Burton’s other extravagant gifts, and the world of famous diamonds that have passed through Hollywood’s most glamorous hands. The Taylor-Burton Diamond may be in private hands, but its story—and the timeless lesson that true love deserves spectacular symbols—belongs to everyone who believes in romance.