6. Sapphire and Diamond Sautoir Necklace ($5.9 million)
This particular sapphire and diamond sautoir necklace was a gift from Richard Burton for Liz’s 40th birthday in 1972. This and many other gifts. It anticipates the daring and electric Bulgari style of the 1970s.
Rumor has it, Bulgari got the necklace back at the auction even though it was reported to be sold to anonymous buyer. The company spent $5,906,500 for it. That is way above its estimated value which was around $600,000 to $800,000.
This sautoir has a detachable pave-set octagonal diamond pendant with a sugar-loaf cabochon sapphire. It weighs 52.72 carats. And the detachable pendant may actually be worn as a brooch.
The 29-inch long platinum chain is composed of hexagonal and rhomboid motifs. It is decorated with a pave of brilliant-cut diamonds and calibrated sapphires. And all sapphires in this necklace are unheated and classified as Classic Burma.
