Elizabeth Taylor auction raises 156.6m

An auction of Dame Elizabeth Taylor's belongings has raised over $156.6 million for her Elizabeth Taylor Trust, with a portion of the profits set to be donated to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

The auction of Dame Elizabeth Taylor's belongings has raised over $156.6 million.

The money from the collection of jewellery, gowns, artwork and memorabilia from films of the late actress - who died of congestive heart failure in March 2011 at the age of 79 - will go to the Elizabeth Taylor Trust, with a portion of the profits to be donated to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Elizabeth's son Chris Wilding said: "My family is proud that our mother's legacy as a celebrated actress, tireless AIDS activist and accomplished businesswoman touched so many people's lives that they wanted to have a part of it for themselves.

"My mother always acknowledged that she was merely the temporary custodian of the incredible things she owned.

"I think she would be happy to know that her collections will continue to enrich the lives of those who have acquired them."

Christie's auction house in New York - who held the sale in the Rockefeller Center and simultaneously online from December 3 to 17 - revealed 100 per cent of the 1,778 lots were sold.

The highlight was La Peregrina, a 50.6 carat pearl suspended from a necklace featuring diamonds and rubies by Cartier, which sold for $11.8 million, four times the original estimate.

The pearl belonged to eight Spanish kings from 1582 until 1808, and was purchased for the late 'Cleopatra' star by her husband Richard Burton in 1969.

Other items belonging to the actress included an emerald and diamond necklace by Bulgari which sold for $6.1 million, and a Van Cleef Arpels diamond ring which went for $2.3 million.

Brooches, earrings and other items were also bid on, as were designer dresses from Chanel, Dior and Versace, handbags and kaftans owned by Elizabeth.