Taylor-Burton Diamond
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| Weight | 68 carats ( g) |
|---|---|
| Cut | Pear |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Mine of origin | Premier Diamond Mine |
| Date discovered | 1966 |
| Cut by | Harry Winston |
| Original owner | Harriet Annenberg Ames |
| Current owner | Robert Mouawad |
| Estimated value | Unknown |
The Taylor-Burton is a diamond made famous when purchased by actor Richard Burton for his wife Elizabeth Taylor to celebrate her 40th birthday in 1972, receiving worldwide publicity for its size and value.[1]
The original rock was found in 1966 in the Premier Mine in South Africa, weighing at 241 carats. It was cut by Harry Winston to 69 carats in the shape of a pear.[1][2]
The diamond was originally owned by Harriet Annenberg Ames, who auctioned it and it was subsequently purchased by Robert Kenmore, owner of the luxury brand Cartier,[1] for a then record $1,050,000.[3] The Cartier company placed the diamond into a diamond necklace.
Richard Burton purchased the diamond for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, who wore it publicly for the first time at Princess Grace of Monaco's 40th birthday celebration.[1][3]
After their divorce, Taylor auctioned the diamond in 1978 for $5,000,000, which was used to build a hospital in Botswana.[3][2] It was bought by Henry Lambert, a New York-based jeweler.
Its current owner is Robert Mouawad, who had the diamond recut to 68 carats.[3][3]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- The Taylor-Burton Diamond, from "Famous, Historic and Notable Diamonds"
