(click photo to see interview)

New York's been abuzz over the Christie's auction of Elizabeth Taylor's personal artifacts, especially her unparalleled jewelry collection.  For Verdura CEO Ward Landrigan, the event has a special significance. Back in the late 1960's and early 1970's, as the twenty-something head of the jewelry department at Sotheby's, he had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of coordinating the purchase and personal delivery of three important jewels to the silver screen legend and spending time with her.

In 1968, Ward sold the first piece, what was then known as the Krupp Diamond, to Richard Burton, Taylor's husband, as a gift for his wife.  Selling for $305,000, it was a record sale at the time, and required Ward to personally deliver it to Miss Taylor in London the very next day.  Ward's  "week with Elizabeth," as told to David Patrick Columbia is recounted on newyorksocialdiary.com .

The Krupp diamond was just the first jewel purchase that Ward Landrigan handled for Elizabeth.  There were two others - the 68 carat "Taylor-Burton" diamond, purchased for $1.05 million (the first diamond ever sold for over $1 million) and this week's top-selling item at auction,  the 50.6 carat drop-shaped pearl known as "La Peregrina."  which the Burtons bought for $37,000 in 1969 and brought in a record $11.8 million.  This time Ward delivered the pearl to the Taylor-Burtons in Las Vegas, at Caesar's Palace.  For the incredible story of Ward's delivery, and a mishap involving a pink shag rug and Taylor's Lhasa Apso, please click here and scroll down to read all about it.

Verdura is stepping back onto the international stage this summer at Masterpiece London 2011, June 30 - July 5, 2011, our first public European exhibition in seven years.  With over 100 high-end exhibitors of fine art, antiques and  jewelry, this show promises to be a highlight of the season for serious collectors.  Verdura will be showcasing 15 extraordinary masterworks from its permanent Museum Collection, along with over 100 jewels available for purchase during the show, ranging from estate and vintage pieces to classics recreated from archival designs. 

Masterpiece London 2011 is taking place at the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea SW3 beginning June 30 through July 5th. Please log on to masterpiecefair.com for more details. We hope to see you there!