The glittering gems, fabulous clothes, accessories and memorabilia amassed by Elizabeth Taylor are up for sale — but any would-be buyers had better have some deep pockets.
Taylor's necklaces, earrings, pendants and rings with diamonds, sapphires and other gems will go on auction at Christie's auction house in New York City starting Tuesday. Among the high-profile items is a diamond bracelet given to the "National Velvet" and "Cleopatra" actress by Michael Jackson, with an estimated sale price of $30,000 to $50,000. A 33.19-carat diamond ring given to her by Richard Burton, whom she married twice, is estimated to sell for $2.5 million to $3.5 million.
Taylor, a screen goddess who also starred in classics such as "Giant," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," 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.
Other sales of Taylor's art, clothing and memorabilia will be held later in the week. An online-only sale of some items runs until Saturday. Part of the proceeds will go to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which she established in 1991 to help people living with AIDS.
Taylor's collection of impressionist and modern art is scheduled to go on sale at Christie's in London in February.