To the delight and fascination of every woman, Christie’s announced that one of the greatest private collections ever assembled would go on auction on right in time for the holiday season. The collection includes a dazzling array of jewels, including Taylor’s most iconic diamonds, gemstones, historic jewels and one-of-a-kind creations, as well as a treasure trove of personal mementos and beloved gifts. The total selection of 269 magnificent jewels from this storied collection is estimated to achieve well in excess of $30 million.

The three time Oscar-winning actress made philanthropy chic, with her founding role in the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). In keeping with Taylor’s life-long devotion to humanitarian causes, a portion of profits generated by admissions, events and select publications related to the sales will be donated to ETAF. Founded in 1991, ETAF provides funding to AIDS service organizations throughout the world to assist those living with HIV and AIDS.

However, for the girls who can only dream of holding a piece of priceless history, select highlights from Taylor’s collection will begin a three-month global tour this month, including London on Sept. 24 and a public exhibition in Dubai on Oct. 23 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel. The jewels will then move to public exhibitions in Geneva, Paris and Hong Kong. In December, the tour will culminate in a special 10-day exhibition of the complete collection at Christie’s New York prior to the sale. On Dec.13, 2011, Christie’s New York will present 80 of Taylor’s most iconic jewels in a special Evening Sale, followed by 189 additional jewels in two “Day Sale” sessions on Dec.14.

“From her most jaw-dropping diamonds, gems and one-of-a-kind historic jewels to cherished ‘It's Tuesday, I love you gifts’ and never-before-seen keepsakes, Taylor's magnificent collection of jewels promises to captivate the auction world this fall. This is without a doubt the greatest private collection of jewelry ever assembled in one place, and Christie's is honored to have been entrusted with the global tour of the collection this fall and the sale of the collection, in its entirety, this December,” said Marc Porter, chairman and president of Christie's Americas.

“Elizabeth Taylor’s passion for jewelry was well-known, but it is her depth of knowledge about fine jewelry that truly impresses,” added François Curiel, International Jewelry Director and President of Christie's Asia. “From the first time I met her in 1998, it was clear that she possessed an expert’s eye for craftsmanship, rarity, quality and history. She collected the best pieces from the best periods, and as a result, her collection boasts exquisite examples from the most celebrated of jewelry designers, including BVLGARI, Boucheron, Cartier, JAR, Schlumberger, Tiffany and Van Cleef & Arpels, among others. Taylor always planned to offer her collection of jewelry at auction, and I hope that the next owner of each of these iconic pieces will enjoy and respect these jewels just as much as she did, as she herself said: ‘Give them a really good home.’”

The sparkle of the unparalleled jewels Taylor would flaunt was only matched by the sparkle of her iconic violet eyes. She will forever be remembered as the sexy movie siren whose real-life drama (including eight tabloid-worthy marriages) surpassed the scandal and glitz of her silver-screen characters. For the first time ever, a lifetime of glamor and great moments reflected in an iconic collection of diamonds, pearls, gemstones, historic jewels and storied gifts will be up for grabs. Let’s just hope they go to someone with as much class as their previous owner (fingers crossed the Kim Kardashians and Paris Hiltons of the world are too hungover to make it to the auction).

Sale catalogs will be available for purchase online at . Please visit the website for further details on tour information, press releases, tickets and catalogs.