The Sparkling Stories of Elizabeth Taylor’s Rings from 8 Marriages, 10 Proposals

Elizabeth Taylor held many titles throughout her remarkable life: Oscar-winning actress, dedicated philanthropist, fashion icon, among others. Despite her professional triumphs, her personal life often overshadowed her achievements. Known for her multiple marriages—eight in total, with two marriages to the same man—and ten engagements, Taylor’s romantic entanglements have long fascinated the public.

A new documentary set to premiere on HBO and Max delves into Taylor’s tumultuous love life through her own words. Directed by Nanette Burstein, “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” features hours of never-before-heard interviews with the actress. Burstein highlights how Taylor was often “slut-shamed” by the media, reflecting outdated societal optics that, unfortunately, still find echoes in stories from the 1990s and 2000s.

Among Taylor’s many personal stories, her engagement rings stand out. Each piece of jewelry tells a tale of the men who proposed to her and the life she lived.

When Taylor was just 17, she received her first engagement ring from William D. Pawley Jr., the son of a former U.S. Ambassador. The cushion-cut diamond engagement ring marked the beginning of her journey through numerous relationships. Although this youthful engagement ultimately ended, it set the stage for the dramatic love stories that followed.

Shortly afterwards, Taylor became engaged to Conrad Hilton Jr., heir to the Hilton hotel empire. Hilton’s proposal came with a four-carat diamond in a platinum setting. Their 1950 wedding was a glamorous affair, funded by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. But glamour does not always equate to happiness; the couple divorced just eight months later.

Taylor’s next suitor was British actor Michael Wilding, who was 20 years her senior. Wilding proposed with a large sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds. They were married from 1952 until their divorce in 1957 and had two children together.

Following her union with Wilding, Taylor found love with film producer Mike Todd, who proposed with an emerald-cut diamond ring during her previous marriage. Calling it a “friendship ring,” they waited until Taylor’s divorce was finalized to marry. Though their marriage was brief—ending with Todd’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1958—he showered Taylor with numerous jewels, including an antique tiara from 1880.

Singer Eddie Fisher, married to Taylor’s friend Debbie Reynolds, was next. After Todd’s death, Taylor and Fisher wed in a scandalous union. Instead of an engagement ring, Fisher gave her a bracelet with 50 diamonds. Their marriage ended in 1964 when Taylor met her next love.

Richard Burton, one of Taylor’s most famous husbands, won her over not with an engagement ring, but a Bulgari emerald brooch. Their marriages spanned from 1964 to 1974 and then from 1975 to 1976. Burton’s romantic gestures included numerous pieces of jewelry, among them a 32-carat Burmese sapphire pendant and the famed Krupp diamond. The most notable piece Burton purchased was the Taylor-Burton diamond, valued at around $1 million.

John Warner, a Republican Senator, became Taylor’s next husband in 1976. He proposed with a striking ring featuring rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. However, the political life was not fulfilling for Taylor, and the couple divorced in 1982.

In 1983, lawyer Victor Luna proposed with a 16-carat sapphire ring. Though their relationship seemed promising, they called off the engagement by August 1984, shortly before Taylor’s former husband Richard Burton passed away.

That same year, businessman Dennis Stein also proposed, presenting Taylor with a sapphire and diamond ring. However, their engagement was short-lived, ending in early 1984.

Larry Fortensky, a construction worker Taylor met at the Betty Ford Center in 1988, became her final husband. He proposed with a pavé diamond band, and their wedding took place at Michael Jackson’s Neverland estate in 1991. The marriage ended in 1996.

Taylor’s life, marked by a series of engagements and marriages, tells a story of passion, glamour, and resilience. Each ring and piece of jewelry serves as a testament to her tumultuous yet fascinating journey through love and life.

Source: Ö2문화, WWD