Inside Kim Kardashian’s Private Rome Shoot in Elizabeth Taylor’s Historic $6.1 Million Bvlgari Emerald Necklace
Kim Kardashian stepped into Hollywood history in Rome by wearing Elizabeth Taylor’s $6.13 million Bvlgari emerald necklace, securing a private photoshoot with one of the most celebrated high-jewelry creations in cinematic lore. The private viewing was arranged by her stylist, Law Roach, to celebrate her 46th birthday at Bvlgari’s historic flagship store on Via Condotti.
The SKIMS founder was in Italy during the international press tour for season two of All’s Fair when the Italian luxury house opened its vaults. Kardashian paired the museum-grade piece with a minimalist, sleeveless white gown featuring a plunging neckline and sleek ponytail styling.
Yet behind the viral moment lies an intimate personal connection between the modern reality star and the late screen legend that dates back more than a decade.
The History Behind the $6.13 Million Bvlgari Treasure
Crafted by Italian jeweler Bvlgari in 1962, the historic piece represents peak mid-century glamour. Set completely in platinum, the collar features 60.5 carats of emeralds, consisting of fifteen graduated Colombian gems alongside a single stone sourced from Zimbabwe. Every individual emerald is framed by brilliant-cut diamonds.
Richard Burton originally gifted the statement necklace to Taylor in 1964 following their romance on the set of the 1963 epic film Cleopatra. During her lifetime, Taylor frequently wore the necklace attached to a separate 23.6-carat emerald brooch she already owned.
Kim Kardashian wearing Elizabeth Taylor’s emerald necklace with white dress
Following Taylor’s passing, the historic piece entered the auction market at Christie’s in 2011. Collectors watched the emerald necklace hammer down for an astonishing $6.13 million, while the matching brooch was sold separately as an individual lot.
| Specification | Historical Detail |
|---|---|
| Creation Year | 1962 by Bvlgari |
| Gift Provenance | Gifted by Richard Burton in 1964 |
| Total Gemstone Weight | 60.5 carats of emeralds |
| Primary Materials | Platinum, Colombian and Zimbabwean emeralds, diamonds |
| 2011 Christie’s Auction Price | $6.13 million |
A Surprising Bond: Kim Kardashian’s Connection to Elizabeth Taylor
While many viewed the shoot as another archival fashion statement, Kardashian revealed a direct bond with Taylor herself. Documenting the private store viewing on Instagram, she explained how deep her relationship with the icon’s legacy actually runs.
“Are you ready for me to faint? I was lucky enough to have a phone conversation with her about this piece. When she passed away, I was brought into her home and shown her safe with all of her jewelry before they cleared it out. So I was able to see everything in her home.”
Kim Kardashian in white gown with necklace
Kardashian credited Taylor not just for aesthetic inspiration, but for guiding her personal path toward advocacy work across the United States. She cited Taylor’s philanthropic footprint as an early blueprint for her own high-profile legal efforts.
“She was really the inspiration for me in finding my drive to want to help people that are in prison and prison reform work. I hope this year brings all of the things that she would fight for.”
Elizabeth Taylor attends a social function wearing an elaborate headdress of pearls and fake flowers, a jewelled dress and an emerald necklace.
Unpacking the Misconceptions Around Historic Jewel Loans
A common public misconception is that historical archive pieces worn by celebrities are permanently acquired or gifted outright. In high-jewelry protocol, legacy houses like Bvlgari retain strict institutional ownership over heritage collections, granting secure, insured access exclusively for private viewings, institutional exhibitions, and curated editorial shoots.
By teaming up with Law Roach, Kardashian utilized the private Rome stop to highlight archival preservation rather than ownership, celebrating her birthday alongside Hollywood heritage.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Bvlgari emerald necklace
✨ The intersection of classic cinematic royalty and modern celebrity culture continues to dominate fashion headlines.
📱 From Richard Burton’s lavish romantic gift to a modern Rome showroom, the Elizabeth Taylor emerald necklace remains an undeniable symbol of jewelry history.
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments below: Do you prefer seeing iconic archive pieces preserved strictly in museum vaults, or revived on today’s red carpets and digital runways?
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