A 33.19-carat diamond ring given to Elizabeth Taylor by actor Richard Burton, whom she married twice, sold for $8,818,500 at an auction of gems, fabulous clothes, accessories and memorabilia amassed by the late actress.The ring, estimated to sell for $2.5 million to $3.5 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.
A pearl known as "La Peregrina" purchased at auction for $37,000 in 1969 by Burton for Taylor reached the world record price of $11,842,500. It was estimated to sell for $2 million to $3 million.Among the other 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 $30,000 to $50,000. It sold for $194,500. All prices include the buyer's premium.Taylor died in Los Angeles in March at age 79. A jewelry lover, she had pieces from some of the most famous names in the jewelry world, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Chopard, in her collection.
