It was only fitting that Richard Burton bought Elizabeth Taylor the diamond given by Shah Jehan to his wife Mumtaz as a token of his love (and inscribed with her name); he also built the Taj Mahal for her. These were guys who knew how to give a gift.

The necklace Cartier made for Taylor with the gem recently sold at the auction of her belongings for $8.8 million. It was also recreated as part of the costume jewellery collection Avon collaborated on with Taylor. (I’ve recently bought one and am eagerly awaiting its arrival; I am told by discerning friends that it is extremely high quality and a really lovely piece.)

So on Valentine’s Day, wishing all my readers their own love tokens from friends, family and their beloveds.