Barquerolles choker (1971)

The Barquerolles necklace was given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton in 1971 to mark the birth of her first grandchild, hence the couples pet name for the piece: the “granny necklace.” The passionate love story that united these two Hollywood idols abounds with exceptional jewels like this piece. Today, this striking necklace is part of the Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Inspired by Venetian door knockers, it depicts a lion’s head. The animal’s mane is resplendent with dozens of miniature gondola-shaped components, which are woven together to create a mesh system, making the piece remarkably flexible. This creation can be transformed into two bracelets; the emerald-eyed lion’s head can also be used as a clip; and the double ring can be made into a pendant.