La Peregrina

La Peregrina Pearl is one of the most famous and beautiful pearls in history.

La Peregrina Pearl is one of the most famous and beautiful pearls in history. Coming from the Spanish word meaning “the wanderer,” La Peregrina Pearl has traveled to many countries, starting from when it was found off the Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama in 1513. Originally weighing 55.95 carats it was once the largest pearl ever discovered and is still one of the largest pear-shaped pearls in the world.

Queen Mary La Peregrina

Beginning its journey in Spain during the time of King Charles V, it was then given to Phillip II who gave it to Queen Mary I of England in 1554 as a wedding present. She wore La Peregrina as a pendant to a brooch and when she died, it was brought back to Spain and kept there for over 200 years.

When Napoleon Bonaparte captured Spain in 1808, La Peregrina began its journey from Spain to France to England where it was eventually purchased by Richard Burton for $37,000 in 1969 for his wife Elizabeth Taylor.

La Peregrina Elizabeth Taylor

After La Peregrina’s 500 years of wandering, it is still owned by Elizabeth Taylor. The pearl has been used as a brooch, a hat ornament, and is now a pendant to a necklace. Elizabeth Taylor had the necklace designed by Cartier and consists of rubies, pearls, diamonds, and of course, La Peregrina.

La Peregrina

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