The Liz Factor

The Liz Factor
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As tributes to Elizabeth Taylor keep pouring in, I'm increasingly awed by her talent, philanthropy and grit. But for all the respect I have for her extraordinary career, I just can't take my eyes off her gorgeous jewels, which she wore so proudly. I love the shots of Taylor from her young starlet days, which are more discreet, and of course I just adore her over-the-top Cleopatra look. Even in the last year of her life the screen legend looked so glamorous.

All of this has triggered my own spring fling with gems. So, with the media already buzzing about a forthcoming auction of Liz's jewelry at Christie's, I visited gemologist and jewelry designer Daria de Koning's studio in Tribeca to get an expert opinion from someone who designs and sells jewels to today's most sophisticated women and men.

"Liz had some unbelievable pieces," de Koning remarks. "But obviously, it's rare to see emeralds of the quality, color and size that she had. Plus, she put everything together so well -- the stones played in contrast to her eyes."

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de Koning's Taylor-esque South Sea Pearls and Green Tourmalines

My own track record with jewelry is much more tragic. Just last year, while exiting from a Blockbuster video on First Avenue, my engagement ring got snagged on the exit door -- and out came my Burmese ruby. I searched every square inch of New York sidewalk, but it was gone.

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One of a kind: Gold-In-Quartz Necklace and Earrings

I'm a yogi, so my de-dazzled ring-finger offers an opportunity for reflections on non-attachment. But I'm only human, and the Liz love fest has me craving for a romance with more stones. I'm well aware of the healing power of gems so this time around I'm going to choose from the heart -- perhaps a diamond, and I'm thinking pink. I know Diana Vreeland would approve and something tells me La Liz would love it, too.

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