 Elizabeth Taylor is not only known as a woman who gets married often, but as one who loves diamonds. One of her most famous perfumes is called “White Diamonds”, in fact. Richard Burton, who married Taylor twice, was heard to say, “The only word Elizabeth knows in Italian is Bulgari.” And, even after several marriages, one thing stayed the same: Liz loved her diamonds. Her personal collection of Bulgari jewels is on display as part of a historical exhibit of 500 Bulgari pieces, and will be shown through September 13 at Rome’s Palazzo delle Esposizione. The famed jewellery house, though it has grown considerably over the years, has stayed firmly in the hands of the founding family. The house is overseen by the grandsons and great-grandsons of Sotirio Boulgaris, a Greek-born jeweller with a flair for creating dramatic works. The collection, which follows the 125-year history of the house of Bulgari, showcases the ever-changing styles and designs that kept the brand current. Pieces range from the Art-Deco-inspired, diamond-encrusted jewels of the 1920s to the “Star Spangled Banner” pieces of the 1970s, made of diamonds set in polychrome enamel. Bulgari managed to maintain its quality and integrity even as styles changed over the years. The Bulgari brand was made—and kept—famous by a non-stop celebrity following—from Ingrid Bergman, Sofia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor to Jennifer Aniston and Chloe Sevigny. Andy Warhol, a lifelong fan of the famed jewellery house, once said, “I always visit Bulgari because it is the most important museum of contemporary art.” High praise from one of the most respected and followed artists of his time. The main attractions of the collection are a draping necklace made with 270 premium-quality diamonds and the “Grand Kathe”, a 321-carat Burma sapphire hung on a silk cord. These timeless pieces will attract visitors from around the globe, from those admiring Bulgari’s artistry to those who love to see genuine pieces of Hollywood history.
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