Kim Kardashian's Rome Turns $6.6 M Emerald Necklace into Icon

# Kim Kardashian's 46‑Year‑Old Rome Bout Turns Elizabeth Taylor's $6.6 M Emerald Necklace into a New Icon Kim Kardashian’s recent trip to Rome saw the reality star step into a piece of Hollywood history, slipping on a glittering emerald and diamond necklace once worn by the legendary Elizabeth Taylor.

The $6,587,500 jewel, which had been given to Taylor by her husband Richard Burton, was handled with white gloves by a Bulgari employee before the 46‑year‑old tried it on.

She posted a series of images to her Instagram feed, praising the experience as “special” and noting how the necklace felt like a “birthday present.” The moment generated a buzz that spread far beyond the luxury boutique.

Fans and critics alike erupted in comment threads, some celebrating the homage, others questioning whether the iconic piece would be preserved with the same care as the famous Marilyn Monroe gown Kardashian had worn at the 2020 Met Gala.

The controversy is not new; it echoes the 2016 uproar when Kardashian’s Marilyn dress was reportedly damaged during the gala, a claim she has repeatedly denied.

Yet the Rome encounter rekindles the debate about whether contemporary celebrities should steward artifacts that belong to the cultural legacy of Hollywood. ## Background & Context Bulgari’s storied emerald necklace carries more than precious stones.

When Elizabeth Taylor wore it at the 1968 Paris premiere of *A Flea in Her Ear*, the piece became part of the visual narrative that defined the actress’s public persona. The necklace was later sold to the Italian jeweler for a record price, cementing its status as a collector’s item.

Kardashian, who has long been fascinated by the treasures of deceased celebrities, was no stranger to Taylor’s legacy. She served as executive producer for a three‑part documentary that explored the Hollywood icon’s life, focusing in part on her jewelry collection.

Prior to Taylor’s death in 2011, Kardashian reportedly had a phone conversation with the actress about the necklace and other pieces, delving into the stories behind each gem.

When the Bulgari team arranged the Rome visit, they took meticulous precautions: a store employee wore white gloves, and the jewelry was displayed in a secure case.

Kardashian herself recounted seeing the necklace in the actress’s own safe, still surrounded by furniture and personal artifacts that she was allowed to view shortly after Taylor’s passing.

In a candid moment captured during the visit, she told the stylist that the experience felt like a dream come true, and she shared her gratitude on Instagram, writing, “My love for Elizabeth Taylor runs deep.

I remember talking to her before she passed… thank you… for making all of my wildest dreams come true.” The context of the jewelry, the history of its ownership, and Kardashian’s own intimate connection to Taylor give the event layers that transcend a simple fashion statement.

It becomes a conversation between past and present, a dialogue that invites reflection on how modern pop culture engages with the symbols of classic Hollywood. ## What People Are Saying The Instagram feed lit up almost instantly.

Fans flooded the comments with admiration for the jewel’s brilliance and for Kardashian’s ability to carry it with confidence.

One user praised the look, saying it was “absolutely breathtaking, stunning.” Another echoed the sentiment, noting how the necklace “looks beautiful on her.” Meanwhile, a handful of users expressed unease, drawing parallels to the earlier debate about the Marilyn Monroe gown.

Some posted that “Elizabeth would be rolling over in her grave,” a sentiment that was widely interpreted as a light‑hearted jest, while others lamented that the necklace might be “ruined” in a manner similar to the earlier gown incident.

Despite the mix of opinions, many voices highlighted Kardashian’s respectful approach. A user commented that she felt the piece was treated with reverence, noting that the store employee had white gloves and that the jewelry had been handled with great care.

Another follower pointed out that Kardashian had previously worked closely with Taylor, having produced the documentary and visited her home in the past, suggesting a level of intimacy and trust that might explain her privilege to wear the necklace.

The comment section also saw a few supporters of Kardashian’s boyfriend, Lewis Hamilton, who chimed in, expressing excitement about the moment for the couple. The discussion reflected broader conversations about celebrity ownership of iconic artifacts.

Some participants argued that modern stars should honor the legacy of their predecessors by treating such pieces with the same reverence, while others were more critical, concerned about the potential for damage or misinterpretation.

Overall, the online dialogue painted a picture of a moment that was both celebratory and contentious, resonating with the public’s fascination with the intersections of fashion, history, and celebrity. ## What Happens Next The impact of Kardashian’s Rome visit extends beyond a single Instagram post.

By wearing the necklace, she has once again placed the piece—and the memory of Elizabeth Taylor—into contemporary spotlight.

Fashion editors anticipate that the event will influence upcoming runway shows and accessory lines, with designers drawing inspiration from the emerald’s classic silhouette and the story it carries.

The piece’s presence in a high‑profile social media context could prompt a surge in demand for similar vintage or replica pieces, potentially reshaping the luxury market. From a legacy perspective, the incident may prompt a reexamination of how Hollywood icons’ personal artifacts are handled in the modern era.

Museums, estates, and collectors might look to the example of Bulgari’s careful handling and the respectful presentation to set new standards.

Meanwhile, Kardashian’s own trajectory in film and television continues to evolve; the public’s reaction to this moment may influence her future projects, particularly those that intersect with historical storytelling or biographical narratives.

As for the necklace itself, the Bulgari team confirmed that it will return to the designer’s vault after the brief stint on a celebrity’s neck. The story is already being picked up by fashion writers and cultural commentators who see it as a bridge between eras.

For Kardashian, the moment reinforces her brand’s ability to merge pop culture with high fashion, while also adding a new chapter to the ongoing conversation about how contemporary icons engage with the legacy of the past.

In the end, Kim Kardashian’s Rome experience is more than a glittering fashion moment; it is a dialogue that spans decades, touching on art, memory, and the ever‑evolving relationship between celebrity and the symbols that define them.

The emerald necklace, once a symbol of Elizabeth Taylor’s opulence, now also represents the enduring fascination with Hollywood’s golden age, proving that certain jewels never truly age.