Kim Kardashian Draws Online Debate After Wearing Elizabeth Taylor’s Historic Emerald Necklace

Kim Kardashian has prompted a lively online debate after trying on a famous emerald and diamond necklace once owned by Elizabeth Taylor during a visit to Bulgari’s flagship store in Rome. The jewelry moment took place during a photoshoot connected to the press tour for season two of Kardashian’s series “All’s Fair,” according to the report. The archival necklace was made by Bulgari in 1962 and features 16 emeralds set in platinum with diamonds. Auction house Christie’s records say 15 of the emeralds came from Colombia and one from Zimbabwe. Richard Burton gave the piece to Taylor, and it became part of the actress’s celebrated Bulgari collection, assembled during visits to the brand’s Via Condotti boutique in Rome. Christie’s sold the necklace for $6,130,500 at an auction of Taylor’s estate in 2011. Its matching 23.46-carat emerald pendant-brooch was sold separately for $6,578,500. Bulgari later reacquired the necklace for its Heritage Collection. Kardashian described being allowed to wear it as a birthday present from her stylist, Law Roach, and said she wanted to begin the year with “Elizabeth energy.” Kardashian has also recalled speaking with Taylor by phone before the actress died in 2011 and being invited to her home to see her jewelry collection. The Rome visit therefore carried a personal and fashion-history connection for Kardashian, who has often expressed admiration for Taylor and her jewels. Responses online were mixed. Some users questioned whether a historically significant piece should be worn for a photoshoot, arguing that an artifact of this value calls for careful handling. Others saw the fitting as a tribute to Taylor, rather than an attempt to claim her legacy. The criticism was directed at the choice to feature the necklace, while the article also notes the admiration Kardashian has expressed for its former owner.