Christie’s will host the first-ever public exhibition of Elizabeth Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection at Rockefeller Center, New York, from 30 September to 14 October, the auction house said in a statement. Admission is free.

Taylor has personally selected 30 pieces for the event. Items include: the “La Peregrina” pearl; the 33.19ct Krupp diamond that Richard Burton gave her; the “King Farouk” Art Deco Egyptian revival diamond and precious stone bracelet; as well as other gifts from her friends, Michael Jackson and Malcolm Forbes. The exhibition is being held to celebrate the launch of Miss Taylor’s book, My Love Affair with Jewelry, and will coincide with Christie’s Oct. 17 sale of Magnificent Jewels.

In conjunction with the exhibition, there will be a private gala dinner held at Christie’s on 26 September, with a charity auction of eight jewels by Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, JAR, Lynn Nakamura, Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston, designed especially for Miss Taylor. The last lot will be a Bulgari emerald and diamond ring donated by Miss Taylor from her personal collection. The jewels are on view at Christie’s Rockefeller Center galleries until 26 September. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

JCK