Behind the name: Taylor Burton

It’s 1969.
Richard Burton has just purchased a 69.42-carat diamond for his then-wife, Elizabeth Taylor. Originally known as the Cartier Diamond, it would soon be renamed the Taylor-Burton Diamond, marking it not only as a rare piece of jewellery but as part of a moment in cultural history.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were among the most recognised couples in the world at the time. Their relationship began during the filming of Cleopatra in 1962 and quickly became the subject of global fascination. Their fame, the intensity of their romance, and the controversy surrounding their affair placed them at the centre of international media attention.

“I fell in love at once,” Richard later said. “She was like a mirage of beauty from the ages, irresistible like the pull of gravity.”

Their first wedding took place in Montreal in 1964 and lasted for ten years. They reunited and married again in 1975, this time in Botswana.

When choosing a name for our wedding photography, we kept returning to the feeling we wanted it to evoke; something rooted in history, with a sense of timeless style and lasting impact. We’ve always been inspired by the glamour and opulence of the 1970s , a golden era for film, fashion, and bold romantic storytelling.

While exploring archives, we discovered the story of the Taylor-Burton Diamond, a legendary engagement ring tied to two of Hollywood’s most famous names. The name felt cinematic and enduring, connected to a world where weddings, style, and love stories were larger than life.

It felt like it belonged — then and now.