Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Showcases Actress’s Iconic Jewelry

Taylor Swift’s latest music video, for her song titled ‘Elizabeth Taylor,’ offers a dazzling tribute to the legendary actress, activist, and renowned jewelry collector. Diverging from her typical style, Swift herself does not appear in the video. Instead, it is a curated montage of clips featuring Elizabeth Taylor, drawing from her celebrated filmography and candid moments from her public life.

A Montage of Glamour and Jewels

The video, a visual homage to the actress, weaves together scenes from films like ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ (1958), ‘Cleopatra’ (1963), and the 1968 cult classic ‘Boom!’. It also includes archival footage, presenting a retrospective of Taylor’s enduring influence and personal style.

Throughout the compilation, Elizabeth Taylor’s extraordinary jewelry collection takes center stage. Among the featured pieces is the diamond tiara gifted to her by her third husband, producer Mike Todd. Married from 1957 until his tragic death in 1958, Todd’s gift became a symbol of their intense, albeit brief, union. This tiara later fetched over $4 million at a Christie’s estate sale in December 2011, far exceeding its initial estimate.

Starring Roles for Iconic Diamonds

A particularly striking moment in the video aligns with Swift’s lyrics, “all my white diamonds and lovers are forever.” The footage cuts to a close-up of Taylor’s hand, adorned with a magnificent diamond ring and a sparkling diamond bracelet. This scene, from the film ‘Boom!,’ prominently features what is believed to be the 29.4-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring Mike Todd presented to Taylor in 1956. She continued to wear this ring even after Todd’s passing.

Jewelry historian and author Marion Fasel, who documented the jewelry featured in the video on her Substack, ‘The Adventurine,’ noted the significance of these pieces. Fasel pointed out that one of Taylor’s most famous diamonds, the 69.42-carat pear-shape ‘Taylor-Burton’ diamond gifted by Richard Burton in 1969, is notably absent from the video.

Another significant piece of jewelry, a suite of Cartier ruby and diamond creations gifted by Mike Todd, also makes an appearance. The video syncs perfectly with the lyric, “I would trade the Cartier for someone to trust,” showing Taylor receiving the suite and even going for a swim while wearing it.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Enduring Legacy

Jewelry historians and fashion experts have highlighted the significance of Taylor’s collection and her relationship with adornment. Jillian Sassone, founder and creative director of Marrow Fine, commented on the Asscher-cut ring, noting its classic square shape and long, flat facets that lend a clean, architectural structure, perfectly embodying the Hollywood grandeur of the era. Kegan Fisher, CEO and co-founder of Frank Darling, added that the platinum setting enhances the ring’s Art Deco allure.

The 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring from Richard Burton, formerly known as the Krupp Diamond, was acquired by Taylor in 1968. It was renamed ‘The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond’ after her death and sold at auction for over $8.8 million. The ring’s design, with its tapered band and Art Deco elements, is celebrated for its effortless elegance.

Taylor Swift herself has expressed deep admiration for Elizabeth Taylor, viewing her as a role model. Swift mentioned in an interview with Elvis Duran that she was inspired by Taylor’s ability to remain a prominent artistic force despite public scrutiny, seeing parallels with her own experiences. “She is always someone that I’ve looked up to as being this very glamorous, very beloved, but for some reason a polarizing figure,” Swift stated, “and I found myself in that place, too.”

The music video, initially released exclusively on Apple Music and Spotify, is now available on YouTube, allowing a wider audience to appreciate this intricate tribute to a Hollywood legend and her unparalleled jewelry collection.