18/04/2026
Elizabeth Taylorβs Legendary Ruby Necklace. Crafted by Cartier in 1951, this dazzling ruby and diamond necklace began life as a larger piece set with 19 rubies β until it was resized in 1953 and gifted to Elizabeth Taylor by her third husband, Mike Todd, in 1957. It featured eight rubies, including one hidden in the clasp, and had a special fitting to convert it into a tiara. Regal, versatile, and unforgettable - just like its owner.
She was utterly heartbroken when her husband died, just 13 months into their marriage. When the necklace was auctioned on Elizabethβs death in 2011 (the proceeds going to her AIDS charities) it was sold for $3.8 million. Although Elizabeth would have been thrilled at the amount of money raised for good causes, jewellery for her was not about the material value but the stories behind it. In her telling of the story of the ruby suite, it is clear she never lost her naive delight and pleasure she derived from her collection.
Recently, Blake Lively held the same necklace in her hands while filming a fashion fantasy for Vogue, whispering: βThatβs Elizabeth Taylorβs actual necklace... as a magpie, that was surreal.β
[ Varq Jewels, Worldβs Top three Ruby Necklaces, Legendary rubies, History of Jewels, Cartier, Christies, Burmese Rubies ]
