Stephen Webster Presents ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ in Beverly Hills!

Stephen Webster is delighted to present the latest in a series of exhibitions to be hosted in the brand’s US flagship store on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. The store’s ‘No Regrets’ lounge with play host to Elizabeth Taylor, a collection of photographs of the legendary star by British photographer Richard Young.

The exhibition opened on Wednesday, February 22nd comprising 18 iconic images in both color and black & white, paying homage to one of the world’s most glamorous stars. For the duration of the 5 week exhibition, 5% of all of the proceeds generated will be donated by Stephen Webster and Richard Young to Elizabeth Taylor’s charity amfAR, the foundation for AIDS research.

Stephen Webster’s early career saw him move to Santa Barbara in the 1980’s where his bold and iconic designs were quickly spotted by the jewelry-lover herself, Elizabeth Taylor. She commissioned the young designer to create a rose gold ring engraved with flowers and set with a lavender chalcedony stone together with a bracelet to match her famous violet eyes. Since then, Webster has gone on to design one-of-a-kind pieces for the likes of Madonna, Sharon Stone, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Jay Z and Christina Aguilera to name but a few.

Britain’s foremost celebrity photographer, Richard Young, will exhibit his most prized images of the late Elizabeth Taylor in a limited edition collection spanning almost 40 years of her life.

Richard & Susan Young with
Stephen Webster at Opening Reception

“He became friends with the people he photographed because he was such a warm person,” Webster comments. “Richard met everyone and became their friend, catching them in the perfect moment with his camera.”

Celebrity stylist Nikki Pennie, a native Brit who has contributed to the style of Kate Middleton, will be creating a window installation as a tribute to her most influential role model. The installation, titled ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ will incorporate Richard’s work along with a stunning selection of Stephen Webster jewelry.

The exhibition launched with a well attended,  private cocktail reception by invitation only!  at the Stephen Webster Gallery at 202 N. Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills; 310.246.9500

About Elizabeth Taylor
Born in London, Liz was a leading child star by the age of 12 after her performance in MGM’s National Velvet (1944). It wasn’t long before she was knocking critics dead as a serious adult actress with films like Giant (1956), Raintree County (1957) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958). She reined the box office as the quintessential movie star taking the breath away from viewers with her glamorous looks and those velvet eyes, winning a countless amount of Academy Awards. Her personal life has been a tempest of love affairs, unsuccessful marriages and multiple medical problems. Upon the death of her friend, Rock Hudson in 1985, she began her crusade on the behalf of AIDS sufferers. Following her passing in March 2011, Taylor leaves behind a legacy of fame and fortune.

About Richard Young
Richard Young has an exceptional eye and unique approach as both a portraitist and photo journalist. His unerring ability to capture the moment and present a candid, inside view into the world of celebrity has resulted in iconic images that are celebrated in publications throughout the world. Richard has published three books, By Invitation Only, ¡Paparazzo!, and Shooting Stars. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide and he has had several retrospectives. In recognition of his life and achievements, Richard will be the subject of a four-part Sky Arts documentary, directed by Don Letts and featuring contributions from notable celebrities including Sir Elton John, Kate Moss and Tracey Emin. Scheduled to air in Spring 2012, it will be an intimate portrayal of this remarkable man.

About Stephen Webster
Stephen Webster is one of the most prominent jewellery designers of his generation. Unmistakeable creativity, expert craftsmanship and unique vision are at the core of the brand’s dynamic collections that inspire story-telling glamour. Founded upon traditional British jewellery making, Stephen Webster has transcended into the global luxury jewellery brand of tomorrow. Coveted by icons and idols and respected by industry peers, Stephen Webster is celebrated for exquisitely crafted fine jewellery with an eternally chic aesthetic.

MOST VALUABLE PRIVATE JEWELRY COLLECTION SOLD AT AUCTION

 7 WORLD AUCTION RECORDS BROKEN, INCLUDING 

A PEARL JEWEL, AN INDIAN JEWEL, AN EMERALD JEWEL,
PRICE PER CARAT FOR A COLORLESS DIAMOND AND FOR A RUBY

“Elizabeth Taylor's magnificent collection of jewels has captivated the auction world this fall, resulting in world-wide bidding and this first landmark result. Without a doubt the greatest private collection of jewelry ever assembled, this sale marked the powerful start of Christie’s historic week of sales auctioning the Jewelry, Fashion, Accessories and Memorabilia from The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor between the 13 – 16 December, in tandem with the online-only sale (3 – 17 December),” said Marc Porter, Chairman and President of Christie's Americas.

AFTER TODAY’S SALE OF THE COLLECTION OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR: JEWELRY (II) 

THE COMBINED TOTAL OF BOTH SALES ACHIEVED $137,235,675!

(Pictured above are the Burton Wedding bands which, after a 15 minute bidding battle, realized $1,022,500) 

Results from The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor: The Legendary Jewels, Evening Sale

Results from The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor: Jewelry (II) 

“The extraordinary results of the first jewelry sale are a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor's expert eye for fine gemstones and jewels, as well as her stature as a legendary star and inspiring philanthropist. During the international pre-sale exhibition tour, which travelled all the way to Hong Kong, via Moscow, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Dubai, Geneva and Paris, before arriving in New York, thousands of collectors and admirers braved long lines to get a glimpse of one of the greatest collections of all time,” noted François Curiel, International Jewelry Director and President of Christie’s Asia. “For many, there was both the desire to share in the stories behind Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic jewels and to dream of perhaps acquiring one. For others, the sale provided the opportunity to purchase unique jewels, which brought Elizabeth Taylor such joy and reflect her remarkable taste and connoisseurship. I know she would be thrilled that her passion has inspired others through this landmark event. Being the auctioneer for this sale was one of the most memorable auctioneering events of my life.”

About Christies:
Christie’s, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2010 that totaled £3.3 billion/$5.0 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. 

Christie's First of the Elizabeth Taylor Auctions - $115,932,000

The first of the Elizabeth Taylor auctions took place last night at Christie's...there was a total of 80 items with 100% sell through.  Some of these prices will surprise you!

THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR DIAMOND
Estimate:  $2,500,000 - $3,500,000
Set with a cut-cornered rectangular-cut diamond, weighing approximately 33.19 carats, flanked on either side by a tapered baguette-cut diamond, mounted in platinum.
With report 1132411262 dated 9 May 2011 from the Gemological Institute of America stating that the diamond is D color, VS1 clarity; accompanied by a working diagram indicating that the clarity may be potentially internally flawless


Price Realized - $8,818,500

LA PEREGRINA
Estimate:  $2,000,000 - $3,000,000
A NATURAL PEARL, DIAMOND, RUBY AND CULTURED PEARL NECKLACE, BY CARTIER
Suspending a detachable drop-shaped natural pearl pendant, weighing approximately 202.24 grains or 50.56 carats, measuring approximately 17.35 - 17.90 x 25.50 mm, with an old mine-cut and rose-cut diamond and silver foliate bail, suspended from a circular-cut diamond flame motif set with a pear-shaped ruby, spaced by a detachable pear-shaped ruby and natural pearl link, to the two-strand necklace, comprising fifty-six natural pearls and four cultured pearls, intersected by eight circular-cut diamond and cushion-cut ruby flame motif plaques, mounted in platinum and gold, La Peregrina late 16th century; diamond bail early 19th century; natural pearl, diamond, ruby and cultured pearl necklace by Cartier 1972, 13½ ins., pendant may also be worn as a brooch, accompanied by the seed pearl and platinum neckchain from the time of the purchase at auction in 1969, 30¾ ins.
Signed Cartier
Designed by Elizabeth Taylor with Al Durante of Cartier
La Peregrina with report 59574 dated 19 May 2011 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of this saltwater natural pearl



Price Realized - $11,842,500

THE TAJ MAHAL

AN INDIAN DIAMOND AND JADE PENDANT NECKLACE RUBY AND GOLD CHAIN, BY CARTIER

Estimate:  $300,000 - $500,000

Set with an inscribed heart-shaped table-cut diamond, within a red stone and jade mount set with table-cut diamonds, the reverse decorated with an enamel latticework motif, from a gold neckchain set with cabochon rubies and old mine-cut diamonds, mounted in gold, inscribed heart-shaped table-cut diamond bearing the Islamic date 1037 [1627-1628], gold and enamel cage of later addition, neckchain circa 1972, length adjustable, pendant suspends 17½ ins. at longest
Neckchain by Cartier, no. 53559 

Price Realized - $8,818,500

THE MIKE TODD DIAMOND TIARA - ANTIQUE DIAMOND TIARA

Estimate:  $60,000 - $80,000
Designed as nine old mine-cut diamond scrolls with larger old mine-cut diamond terminals, spaced by old mine-cut diamond latticework motifs, mounted in platinum and gold, circa 1880, 9 5/8 ins. circumference 

Price Realized - $4,226,500

I hope that whoever purchased the individual Emerald pieces by Bulgari picked up enough pieces to make a Suite - in which case it would have run approximately $14,000,000!


For the complete Auction Results see Christie's


NEXT UP?  JEWELRY (II)...TONIGHT!

Elizabeth Taylor Collection Tour Schedule Announced!

We have all been waiting on this announcement and I want to give credit to Anthony on the Forbes blog for the information.


Christie's International unveils the tour of the Collection of the Iconic Elizabeth Taylor.  The tour begins in Moscow and visits many of the major cities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. before returning to New York for a final 10-day exhibition and the four-day sale at Christie’s Rockefeller Center headquarters in December. The auction house will devote its entire gallery space to the exhibition and sale.


According to Christie's proceeds from the event and exhibition tickets will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDs Foundation.

Moscow: September 15-16, GUM, Red Square 3

London: September 24-26, Christie’s, 8 King Street, St. James’s

Los Angeles: October 13-16, Venue TBD

Dubai: October 23, Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Geneva: November 11-12, Four Seasons Hotel, 33 quai des Bergues

Paris: November 16-17, Christie’s, 9 avenue Matignon

Hong Kong: November 24-27, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center

New York: December 3-12, Christie’s, 20 Rockefeller Plaza

The Legendary Jewels, Evening Sale, December 13

Jewelry (Sessions II & II), December 14

The Icon and her Haute Couture, Evening Sale, December 14

Fashion and Accessories (Sessions II, III & IV), December 15

Fine and Decorative Art & Film Memorabilia, December 16, including costumes

About Christie's:  Christie’s, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2010 that totaled £3.3 billion/$5.0 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.