Wednesday, March 31, 2021

"The Only Italian Word Elizabeth Knows Is Bvlgari." - Richard Burton

Elizabeth Taylor was known as much for her movies as she was for her taste in jewels. But her relationship with Italian jewelry brand Bvlgari was legendary. “I introduced Liz to beer, she introduced me to Bvlgari,” husband Richard Burton famously quipped while filming "Cleopatra" with Taylor in 1962.

And it was during this time, the Oscar-winning actress would frequently visit Bvlgari’s flagship Via Condotti boutique to try their exquisite pieces. With a love affair in full bloom, Burton showered Taylor with extravagant gifts, mostly jewels from their favorite maison.

Taylor, however, was also a true jewelry connoisseur, drawn to outstanding craftsmanship. Be it her emerald engagement ring, or the diamond and emerald necklace she wore at her wedding, the pieces are testaments to Taylor’s discerning taste.

In 2011, the complete Elizabeth Taylor Collection (which included Bvlgari) was auctioned by Christie’s New York. It is, till date, one of the most valuable jewelry sales in history. The actress' jewelry sold for $115.9 million--a world record for a private jewelry collection sold at auction. The proceeds went to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

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As many of you already know, I worked for Bvlgari for 10 years. However, I didn't work for their jewelry division, I worked for their fragrance division as a fragrance specialist. Yet, I always felt as if I were selling jewelry because their fragrances are GEMS. To me, Bvlgari has created some of the most incredible women's and men's fragrances, not only in the industry, but in the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed my job, and was proud, honored, and passionate to work for a company such as Bvlgari...

This is their flagship store in New York City. It is located on 5th Avenue and 57th Street. I visited this store many times in the years that I worked for Bvlgari...

Every several years the company will redesign the outer facade of the store. Pictured below are just a few of the designs. I actually took the photo in the upper left-hand corner of this collage many years ago during one of my frequent visits to New York...