Elizabeth Taylor Darlene De Sedle 22K Gold & Opal Diamond Suite Christie’s 2011

A rare and important original collection by Darlene De Sedle, once owned by the legendary Elizabeth Taylor and sold at Christie’s Auction House in New York on December 3, 2011 (Sale 2629, Lot 1434). This extraordinary suite comprises two bracelets, a pair of chandelier earrings, and a ring, all crafted in rich gold and set with exceptional natural Australian crystal and black opals.
Each piece radiates the unique artistic vision of De Sedle, who was known for her opulent yet organic designs and whose work has been collected by some of the most discerning jewelry patrons of the modern era. These jewels were originally purchased by Elizabeth Taylor directly from the designer in 1999, confirmed in writing by the De Sedle California office. The collection was later included in Christie’s landmark sale of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most important celebrity auctions in history.
The provenance is impeccable: three of the four original Christie’s auction tags (noting the date, sale, and lot number) remain with the jewels, along with the original card from Christie’s thanking the purchaser, and screenshots of both the Christie’s online catalog entry and the designer’s office confirmation. The jewels remain verifiable through the Christie’s archive today.
The suite is exquisitely matched, with opals of extraordinary play-of-color, weight, and vibrancy, all bezel-set in high-karat gold. The earrings are finished with 14K gold backs, an original design choice by De Sedle herself. Together, the jewels are a powerful reflection of Taylor’s celebrated love of opals and bold, statement-making adornments.