LONDON, ENGLAND: On October 24, 1969, Richard Burton caught the public's attention when he bought a stunning diamond for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, in an extraordinary act of love and opulence.
In addition to being well-known for his romantic relationships, Burton was famous as a Shakespearean actor in the 1950s. He proved that his love for Taylor would last just as long as the diamond he gave her.
It was a magnificent act that echoed around the world and solidified their position as one of Hollywood's most powerful couples.
Rapidly spreading word of Burton's extravagant gift added a new chapter to their legendary romance. Looking back on this day, we are reminded of their love story, which still fascinates us now.
How did Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor meet?
Taylor and Burton’s love story began on the set of 'Cleopatra' in 1963. Taylor was a 30-year-old American actress, born in London, who was already in her fourth marriage and Burton was a former British stage actor, also married, known for his playful behavior and drinking on set.
Burton and Taylor's roles in 'Cleopatra' catapulted them to superstardom.
On March 15, 1964, they tied the knot at the Ritz in Montreal. As one of the world’s most renowned couples, they demanded high paychecks to star in almost a dozen films together.
Of these, only 'Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' (1966) and 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1967) received critical praise.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor: Power couple of 20th century
The tumultuous personal life of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor often overshadowed their cinematic performances, and their lavish lifestyle was nothing short of legendary.
In the 1960s, they amassed a combined income of $88 million and expended over $65 million.
Their extravagant purchases included a collection of Rolls Royce, entire floors of upscale hotels, a private jet, a helicopter, and a yacht worth millions.
Taylor reportedly adopted Burton’s problem with alcohol and added drug use to the mix.
Why did Richard Burton buy a diamond for Elizabeth Taylor?
Taylor and Burton's union was characterized by a relentless series of verbal and physical confrontations, punctuated only by the exchange of lavish presents in 1969.
The renowned Cartier diamond reportedly emerged from a dispute they had at a restaurant one evening.
Burton called Taylor’s hands as large and unattractive, to which she retorted that he should then purchase the 69-carat ring she desired to make her hands appear more petite and appealing.
What makes the Taylor–Burton Diamond special?
In 1966, a perfect pear-shaped diamond with 58 facets was discovered in South Africa's Premier mine. This exquisite gem was auctioned in October 1969, with the Cartier jewelry firm securing it for $1.05 million, per History.
The following day, on October 24, Burton purchased the diamond for a speculated price of $1.5 million, though the actual amount remains unknown.
The diamond, now known as the 'Taylor-Burton,' stayed at Cartier for a few days before Burton brought it home as a gift for Taylor. Its presence attracted daily crowds of thousands outside Cartier, all eager to catch a glimpse of it.
How many times were Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton married?
Taylor and Burton’s relationship began to deteriorate in 1970, leading to their formal separation in 1973 and eventual divorce in 1974. They gave their relationship another chance in 1975, remarrying, but it was short-lived and they divorced again the following year.
Who bought the Taylor-Burton diamond from Elizabeth Taylor?
Three years later in 1979, Taylor decided to auction off the Taylor-Burton diamond. It was purchased for $3 million by jeweler Henry Lambert, who later sold it to jeweler and dealer Robert Mouawad, who eventually sold it to a private collector, per ND.
