Elizabeth Taylor: In Memoriam

By Nandini D'Souza
March 28, 2011

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor at a press conference for her fragrance 'Jewel Perfume Collection'' in 1993 (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage). Flowers placed on Elizabeth Taylor's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles (Photo by Paul Redmond/Contributor).

From her acting tour de forces and her tumultuous love life to her obsession with jewels and passion for AIDS activism, Elizabeth Taylor was a force of nature—not to mention a singular beauty. When she passed away last week at the age of 79, the world stopped to mourn the loss of a true legend.

Elizabeth Taylor's cultural impact is undeniable, whether you're a movie buff looking to fill your DVD collection with some of the most important films of the mid-Century; a jewelry-lover who subscribes to the school of bigger, better, brighter; or a fashion trendy fan who understands what Elizabeth Taylor did for, well, the color white.

As a virtual marketplace for memorabilia of all kinds, eBay online auctions are flush with remembrances of this great actress and "beauty incarnate" with the violet eyes, as the New York Times called her in its moving obituary. Just before the announcement of Taylor's passing, there will 9774 listings for "Elizabeth Taylor" on eBay online auctions. Today, there are over 14,500.

Elizabeth Taylor

Actress Elizabeth Taylor as the titular Queen of Egypt in the film 'Cleopatra', 1963. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Archive Photos/Getty Images). Richard Burton and Liz Taylor (Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage).

Take a look at these intriguing keepsakes, and consider making a donation in memoriam to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Life Magazine with Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra

(starting bid, $34.99)

"Cleopatra" was the movie that nearly broke Taylor (and Hollywood) with its overwrought production and pricetag. Here, Taylor, as the titular queen, makes one of her many covers of Life magazine.
New White One Piece Padded Monokini Swimsuit

(buy it now price, $12.99)

It doesn't get sexier than Elizabeth Taylor in a wet, white maillot with a keyhole cut-out in Suddenly Last Summer.
Luxe Draped Goddess Dress

(buy it now price, $129)

Alongside Paul Newman, Taylor sizzled as Maggie the Cat in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". First in a white goddess dress...
Vintage Full Slip

(buy it now price, $169)

and then in a skintight full slip.
Yellow Diamond Heart-Shaped Pendant

(buy it now price, $16,999)

Elizabeth Taylor was famous for an obsession with jewels that rivaled her affection for the opposite sex. Husband Richard Burton showered her with baubles, including the famed Taj Mahal diamond, a yellow diamond that Shah Jahan had given his wife Mumtaz Mahal centuries ago. Here, a yellow heart-shaped diamond pendant in the same spirit.
Elizabeth Taylor for Avon Shah Jahan Necklace

(current bid, $194.84)

In the mid-Nineties, Taylor designed a costume jewelry collection with Avon. Today, pieces like her Elephant Walk brooch and pearl necklace are collectors' items.
Vintage 1950s Strapless White Dress

(buy it now price, $269.99)

The white floral strapless gown Edith Head designed for Taylor in 1951's "A Place in the Sun" spawned a wave of knock-offs amongst the prom-going set.
New Elizabeth Taylor Four DVD Signature Collection

(current bid, $39.95)

From "National Velvet" to "Butterfield 8", this box set a good place to get an introduction to Taylor's acting range.
New Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds Mini Perfume

(buy it now price, $12.95)

Before every celeb jumped on the fragrance bandwagon, Taylor did it—and owned it—with White Diamonds. The instantly recognizable bottle is still in production today.
New Furious Love Book

(buy it now price, $29.69)

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's on again-off again love affair (and marriages) reached mythic proportions. Their personal love letters are proof.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton Signed Photo

(buy it now price, $659.95)

The Burton-Taylor romance sparkled on screen and on stage. Here, a rare photograph autographed by both of the stars.
Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton DVD Set

(buy it now price, $39.45)

See the chemistry onscreen between Burton and Taylor in this five-disc set.
Elizabeth Taylor Signed Letter

(buy it now price, $7,500)

Among the pricier Elizabeth Taylor keepskes on eBay: a thank you note, written in 1955, from Taylor to a woman who sent her a card for the birth of her son, Christopher.
New Elizabeth Taylor & Michael Jackson Dolls

(buy it now price, $375)

Elizabeth Taylor's Friendship with popstar Michael Jackson was legendary. Here, a set of dolls that's kitschy-cute.
Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Glass Ornament

(buy it now price, $24.99)

After her friend Rock Hudson died of AIDS, Taylor became passionately devoted to the cause. This 1998 ornament by famous maker Christopher Radko, benefited Taylor's AIDS Foundation.