15 of the Most Expensive Auction Items Ever Sold

15 of the Most Expensive Auction Items Ever Sold

Shining Star

A 33.19 carats diamond ring given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton, her fifth husband, was the star of Christie's auction of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor in Los Angeles last October, which featured her jewelry, haute couture, fashion, and fine arts. The diamond was expected to bring $2.5 to $3.5 million at auction but far exceeded that estimate: It sold for $8.8 million.

REUTERS/Fred Prouser