Taylor-Burton Diamond

Infobox Diamond


caption =
colour_scheme =
gem_name = Taylor-Burton
weight = 68
grams =
color =
cut = Pear
mine = Premier Diamond Mine
country = South Africa
cutter = Harry Winston
found = 1966
original_owner = Harriet Annenberg Ames
owner = Robert Mouawad
value = UnknownThe 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. [http://www.diamondiva.com/106/taylor-burton-diamond/ The Taylor-Burton Diamond, by DiamonDiva] ]

The original rough diamond was found in 1966 in the Premier Mine in South Africa, weighing 241 carats. It was cut by Harry Winston to 69 carats in the shape of a pear. [http://www.adiamondisforever.com/jewelry/famous_taylor.html Famous Diamonds: The Taylor-Burton] ]

The diamond was originally owned by Harriet Annenberg Ames, who auctioned it and was subsequently purchased by Robert Kenmore, owner of the luxury brand Cartier, for a then record $1,050,000. [http://www.diamond-legend.info/famous.html Famous Diamonds] ] 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.

After their divorce, Taylor auctioned the diamond in 1978 for $5,000,000, which was used to build a hospital in Botswana. 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.

References

External links

* [http://famousdiamonds.tripod.com/taylor-burtondiamond.html The Taylor-Burton Diamond] , from "Famous, Historic and Notable Diamonds"