During an autumn trip to Rome, Kim Kardashian received a private viewing of Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary Bvlgari emerald necklace as a 46th birthday present arranged by celebrity stylist Law Roach, gaining rare access to the luxury jeweler’s archives.
The private appointment at Bvlgari’s Via Condotti flagship boutique occurred last week on October 23rd, bringing together two distinct eras of high-profile glamour. Kardashian traveled to Italy alongside her mother, Kris Jenner, ahead of the Rome Film Festival world premiere of All’s Fair on October 24th. Law Roach coordinated the exclusive session, a privilege a staff member emphasized to the reality star was not something we regularly do.
Inside the Via Condotti Vault and the Historic Emerald Suite
For the showroom visit, Kardashian wore a daring white halter-neck gown featuring a neckline that dipped sharply toward her waist and a gathered knot detail at the midsection, complementing the vivid green and diamond stones of the historic jewelry set. The centerpiece of the private exhibition was an extraordinary necklace originally crafted by Bvlgari in 1962.
Auction records show the necklace incorporates fifteen graduated Colombian emeralds alongside one from Zimbabwe, totaling approximately 60.5 carats of emeralds framed by brilliant-cut diamonds set in platinum. Richard Burton presented the suite to Taylor around 1964 following their romance on the set of the cinematic epic Cleopatra
filmed in Rome, cementing the jewelry’s ties to their enduring romance.
Burton selected the necklace to pair with a separate 23.6-carat emerald brooch Taylor already owned, which functioned as a detachable pendant. Christie’s later sold the necklace and brooch as separate lots in 2011 following Taylor’s death at age 79, with the necklace alone fetching $6.13 million against a pre-sale estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million, while the pendant achieved a price of $6,578,500. Today, the spectacular set is worth an estimated $15.8 million (£11.2 million).
Personal Remembrances of Elizabeth Taylor’s Private World
Beyond modeling the historic gems, Kardashian reflected on her personal connection to the late Hollywood icon. Before Taylor’s passing in 2011, the two spoke by phone when Kardashian interviewed the legend for Harper’s Bazaar to discuss her passion for bespoke diamonds and pieces gifted by Burton. Kardashian recalled being invited into Taylor’s home shortly after her death to view the jewelry collection in situ.
I was able to go in there right after she passed… I know that sounds insane, but I was able to see this stuff in her purple closet.
Kim Kardashian
In addition to admiring Taylor’s legendary glamour, Kardashian has frequently highlighted the actress’s extensive humanitarian work, particularly her activism on behalf of AIDS sufferers.
Stylist Law Roach Orchestrates the Rome Birthday Surprise
Reaching her 46th birthday on October 21st, Kardashian shared her excitement over the experience through an Instagram video. During a FaceTime call from the showroom, she expressed disbelief to her stylist over how the appointment came together.
I don’t know how you did this. This is my birthday present. Now, I can start my year with this Elizabeth energy. That’s how I want to start this whole year off – just going with unapologetic personality, with her giving back and her caring so much about people. So, I really feel it. Thank you.
Kim Kardashian
Law Roach celebrated the success of the excursion, telling observers This is unprecedented. Nobody's ever done this before.
The Italian jewelry showcase precedes the upcoming premiere of the second season of All’s Fair, scheduled to debut on November 4th.
