2. Taj Mahal Diamond Necklace ($8.8 million)
This Taj Mahal Diamond necklace was among many jewelries given to Elizabeth Taylor as her 40th birthday present by her husband, Richard Burton. It is believed to belong to Shah Jahangir who commissioned the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.
The heart-shaped table-cut diamond is in a jade red stone and diamond mounting. It dangles from a gold-and-ruby chain. And it bears Persian inscription: Nur Jahan Baygum-e Padshah (Nur Jahan Lady of the Padshah); 23; and 1037. The number 23 refers to the regnal year of Shah Jahangir which was the year of 1037 in Islamic calendar.
Originally, the pendant was suspended from a silk cord. Then, the 20th century chain was fashioned by Cartier with the style of the original cord.
The necklace was sold for $8,818,500. It was the same price with The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond ring we saw earlier on this list. However, the anonymous buyer canceled the purchased. He suggested there was no significant proof that the diamond ever belonged to Shah Jahangir. Taylor’s trustee sued Christie’s for this. And the court convicted that the necklace should be re-auctioned.
Hadn’t the buyer canceled the purchase, it would have broken the world auction record for an Indian jewel.
