Taylor–Burton Diamond
| Weight | 68 |
|---|---|
| Cut | Pear |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Mine of origin | Premier Diamond Mine |
| Discovered | 1966 |
| Cut by | Harry Winston |
| Original owner | Harriet Annenberg Ames |
| 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 in 1969, receiving worldwide publicity for its size and value.[1]
The original rough diamond was found in 1966 in the Premier Mine in South Africa, weighing 241 carats (48.2 g). It was cut by Harry Winston to 69.42 carats (13.884 g) in the shape of a pear.[1][2]
The diamond was originally owned by Harriet Annenberg Ames and was subsequently purchased at auction by Robert Kenmore, owner of the luxury brand Cartier,[1] for a then record $1,050,000.[3] It is regarded as the world's first million-dollar diamond - although other stones may have previously changed hands privately for seven figures or more, this was the first one to do so at a public auction. 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.[2][3] It was bought by Henry Lambert, a New York-based jeweler.
Its current owner is Robert Mouawad, who had the diamond recut to 68.0 carats (13.60 g).[3]
See also
References
External links
- The Taylor-Burton Diamond, from "Famous, Historic and Notable Diamonds"