The Story Behind Elizabeth Taylor’s $1.5 Million Ring

Lauren Novak October 24, 12:42 pm

British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor shows off the 33.19 carat diamond ring given to her by husband Richard Burton — Express Newspapers/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In October of 1969, Elizabeth Taylor was gifted perhaps her most extravagant gift given by then-husband Richard Burton: a $1.5 million ring. While the ring is famous within the story of the couple’s relationship, the story of how they came to own it is not a happy one; rather, it became a symbol of their doomed relationship and its constant conflict.

Burton and Taylor met on the set of Cleopatra in 1963 and quickly fell in love while simultaneously being catapulted into superstardom with the film. Both were married to other people when they began seeing each other. Just a year later, they wed. It was Taylor’s fifth marriage and Burton’s second.

British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor weds Welsh actor Richard Burton (1925 - 1984) in Montreal, Canada, 15th March 1964

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They became one of the most famous power couples of all time and went on to make almost a dozen movies together including Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) and The Taming of the Shrew (1967). During the ’60s, the pair earned millions of dollars, but spent almost all of it on extravagant trips, gifts, cars, a private jet, a helicopter and even a yacht. Unfortunately, even with all of the money in the world and a passionate connection, their relationship turned abusive, which was exacerbated by drug and alcohol abuse.

By the late ’60s, things were falling apart quickly. The abuse cycle led to even more expensive gifts. One evening, the couple was at dinner and Burton insulted Taylor’s hands, calling them “large and ugly.” She retorted that he’d better buy her the Cartier 69-carat ring she wanted, to make her hands look more attractive.

circa 1965: Acting couple Richard Burton (1925 - 1984) and Elizabeth Taylor

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The stunning diamond was purchased in an auction by Cartier for $1.05 million. On Oct. 4, 1969, Burton purchased it for around $1.5 million and gave it to Taylor. Eventually, they divorced in 1974. Just about a year later, they remarried for a short time but divorced for good in 1976. A few years later, Taylor put the diamond up for auction and received $3 million for the sale.

Both stars have passed away. Taylor died on March 23, 2011, while Burton died on Aug. 5, 1984.