The upcoming auctions of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor by Christie’s will feature an online-only portion that will run prior to and during its live back-to-back auctions in December.

The separate sale of more than 950 items from the collection will be available online only for a two-week period from December 3-17, 2011. Pre-auction estimates of these lots range from $100 to $10,000. The live auctions in NYC, which will occur December 13-16, will present the higher-valued lots. 

While the prominent auctioneer has featured real-time, online bidding for live auctions since 2006, this is the first time that Christie’s is adding a complementing online-only availability feature to a private collection. Apparel, accessories, decorative arts, film memorabilia, and both cosmetic and fine jewelry are included in these lots.  

More than 950 pieces from the design houses of Chanel, Dior, Halston, Hermès, Oscar de la Renta, Tiziani, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent will be available online only. "At over 2,000 items strong, this is a collection of the highest caliber, from Elizabeth Taylor’s magnificent collection of one-of-a-kind historic jewels, to her haute couture and ready-to-wear fashions, and her exceptional collection of fine and decorative arts," said Marc Porter, chairman and president of Christie’s Americas.

"To ensure the full breadth of the Collection is accessible to collectors worldwide, Christie’s has taken the innovative step of adding this special, online-only component to our live auctions, so that bidders from around the world can participate in this landmark two-week-long event."

A sneak peek of various online-only offerings is available now at the website of luxury-fashion retailer Moda Operandi. All of the online-only lots will be presented on Christie’s website beginning November 18.
THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR DIAMOND
A Rectangular-Cut Diamond Ring of 33.19 carats D color, Potentially Internally Flawless, Type IIa
Estimate: $2,500,000 – 3,500,000
A SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND SAUTOIR, BY BVLGARI
Circa 1971
Estimate: $600,000 – 800,000
THE BURTON WEDDING BANDS
Given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton upon their marriages in 1964 and 1975
Estimate: $6,000 – 8,000
TWO SATELLITE SUITCASES, A NICE BEAUTY CASE AND A DEAUVILLE BEAUTY BAG
Louis Vuitton, 20th Century
Estimate: $2,500 - 3,500
VINCENT VAN GOGH (1853-1890)
Vue de l'Asile et de la Chapelle de Saint-Rémy
oil on canvas 17.3/4 x 23.3/4 in. (45.1 x 60.4 cm.)
Painted in Saint-Rémy in autumn 1889
£5,000,000-7,000,000