A Closer Look at Elizabeth Taylor’s Stunning Engagement Rings, Featuring Her 29-Carat Diamond
Elizabeth Taylor displays her engagement ring from Michael Wilding; Elizabeth Taylor with Mike Todd.
NY Daily News Archive via Getty; George/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Elizabeth Taylor was engaged 10 times over the course of her life
- She got married eight times — twice to the same man
- Her largest engagement ring, purchased by producer Mike Todd, was 29 carats
Elizabeth Taylor’s engagement rings are legendary, reflecting her storied romantic life and cinematic career.
The Oscar-winning actress, best known for her role in Cleopatra, was engaged 10 times and married eight times, including twice to actor Richard Burton. Over the years, she sported a variety of stunning rings, ranging from a large sapphire to a remarkable 29-carat diamond.
Taylor, who passed away from congestive heart failure in March 2011, amassed an extensive collection of jewelry. In 2003, she published a book titled Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry, detailing her passion for adornments.
In her book, she noted, “I feel as though I’m only the custodian of my jewelry. When I die and they go off to auction, I hope whoever buys them gives them a really good home,” as reported by WWD.
Here’s a look at the iconic engagement rings worn by Elizabeth Taylor throughout her life.
The White Cushion-Cut Diamond
William D. Pawley Jr. and Elizabeth Taylor.
Bettmann Archive/Getty
Taylor’s first engagement was to U.S. Army pilot William Pawley Jr., whom she met at age 17 while on vacation in Florida. The couple announced their engagement in June 1949, and Pawley gifted her a white diamond engagement ring with a cushion-cut design. However, the engagement ended by fall that same year.
Documents auctioned in May 2011 revealed Taylor returned the ring following their split. “I have the ring on now,” she wrote in a letter dated September 20, 1949. “It is sparkling so beautifully in the sunshine — I suppose this will be the last time I have it on — for a while at least.” She added a sentimental note, “Take good care of it, darling — for my heart is embedded right there in the center of it.”
The Platinum 4-Carat Diamond
Elizabeth Taylor and Nicky Hilton.
Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty
Taylor’s next ring came from her first husband, Conrad “Nicky” Hilton Jr., who presented her with a platinum-set 4-carat diamond when they wed on May 6, 1950. Unfortunately, the marriage lasted only about three months. Taylor described Hilton as “sullen, angry and abusive” in her memoir, leading to their divorce finalized on January 29, 1951.
The Sapphire with Diamonds
Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding.
Bettmann Archive/Getty
From British actor Michael Wilding, Taylor received a stunning engagement ring featuring a large sapphire surrounded by two rows of diamonds. This one-of-a-kind piece accompanied Taylor as they traveled to London for their wedding on February 21, 1952. Together, they had two sons, Michael Wilding Jr. and Christopher Wilding, before their amicable divorce in 1957.
The 29-Carat Diamond
Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd.
Daily Herald Archive/National Science & Media Museum/SSPL via Getty
Before marrying producer Mike Todd on February 2, 1957, Taylor received a remarkable 29-carat emerald-cut diamond, which she described as “an extraordinary stone.” Taylor recalled Todd proposing just after news of her separation from Wilding was made public, saying he “didn’t ask me, he told me.” During their marriage, they welcomed a daughter, Liza Todd, on August 6, 1957. Tragically, Todd died in a plane crash in March 1958.
Taylor continued to wear his engagement ring after his death and treasured gifts that he had given her, including a $4.2 million tiara worn at the 1957 Oscars.
The 50-Diamond Bracelet
Elizabeth Taylor.
John Bryson/Getty
After marrying Eddie Fisher, Taylor received a 50-diamond bracelet instead of a traditional engagement ring, which she wore at his opening performance in Las Vegas. The couple rushed their marriage shortly after Fisher finalized his divorce from Debbie Reynolds, tying the knot just three hours later on September 24, 1959. However, their relationship faced difficulties and ended in divorce in 1964.
The Emerald Brooch and Earrings
Elizabeth Taylor at her first wedding to Richard Burton.
William Lovelace/Evening Standard/Getty
In a divergence from tradition, Taylor received a Bulgari emerald brooch and teardrop earrings from Richard Burton, her fifth husband, at their wedding on March 15, 1964. At the ceremony, she pinned the brooch to her wedding gown. Burton later converted it into a stunning necklace adorned with 16 Colombian emeralds. During their tumultuous relationship, he gifted her several extravagant pieces, including the famed 69.42-carat Harry Winston Taylor-Burton diamond.
The Custom Ruby, Sapphire, and Diamond Ring
Elizabeth Taylor and Senator John Warner.
Sonia Moskowitz/IMAGES/Getty
John Warner, who aspired to a U.S. Senate seat, proposed to Taylor with a custom-designed ring featuring rubies, diamonds, and blue sapphires. The couple exchanged vows on December 4, 1976, and were married for six years before facing the challenges of their contrasting lifestyles. Taylor’s experience as a politician’s wife didn’t suit her, leading to their amicable separation, as Warner noted, “For a while, we just managed married life… and finally, we just said, ‘Hey, let’s always remain good friends but let’s take the legal part and … go our separate ways.’”
The 16-Carat Sapphire
Elizabeth Taylor and Victor Luna.
Kypros/Getty
In 1983, Taylor was given a stunning 16-carat sapphire by lawyer Victor Luna. Despite their engagement, they never wed, parting ways in August 1984 while maintaining a friendship.
The Sapphire-and-Diamond Stunner
Dennis Stein and Elizabeth Taylor.
Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
In December 1984, following a brief courtship, Taylor received another sapphire-and-diamond ring from businessman Dennis Stein. However, after the wedding was called off in early 1985, she ceased wearing the ring, marking the end of another chapter in her romantic journey.
The Pavé Diamond Band
Larry Fortensky and Elizabeth Taylor.
Barry King/Alamy
Taylor’s last marriage to construction worker Larry Fortensky was a high-profile event, with the ceremony held at Michael Jackson’s estate on October 6, 1991. They exchanged a simple pavé-encrusted diamond band during their nuptials. Although the couple divorced in 1996, they maintained a friendship throughout their lives. Fortensky reflected fondly on their time together, saying, “I have wonderful memories of my time with Elizabeth, and I will treasure her memory forever.”
