She was not only envied for her beautiful violet eyes, but also for the unmatched amount of jewelry she owned. Find out what the history of La Peregrina is.
In the world of jewelry, few pieces have a history as rich and fascinating as the pearl known as “La Peregrina”. This iconic treasure traveled across continents and centuries, passing through the hands of slaves, kings and Hollywood stars. Her story reflects power, ambition and beauty.
Since the hands of a slave in Panama until it became part of the Spanish treasure to be on the red carpets of Hollywood, this pearl witnessed love, intrigue and historical transformations.
The Pilgrim
Who found “The Pilgrim”
The history of La Peregrina begins in the 16th century, when an African slave on the coast of Panama He found a pearl of extraordinary beauty and size. The gem, perfectly shaped and brilliant white, was considered one of the largest and most symmetrical in the world. As a reward for his discovery, the slave was freed, marking the beginning of the legend of this jewel.
La Peregrina came into the hands of the Spanish Crown, becoming an emblem of wealth and power. The pearl was a gift from the administrator of the Viceroyalty of New Spain to King Philip II, who incorporated it into the royal treasury. For centuries, It was worn by queens and consortssuch as Margaret of Austria and Mariana of Austria, in lavish portraits and official ceremonies.
How the jewel ended up in the hands of Elizabeth Taylor
In 1969, the Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor received La Peregrina as a gift from her husbandRichard Burton. Burton acquired the jewel at auction for the sum of $37,000a significant amount at that time. Taylor was fascinated by the history and beauty of the pearl, and decided to make it part of a necklace designed by Cartier, in which she combined La Peregrina with diamonds and rubies.
Elizabeth Taylor wore the jewel to numerous events, cementing its place in popular culture as a symbol of elegance and luxury. For Taylor, La Peregrina was not only a piece of jewelry, but also a reminder of the passionate and extravagant love she shared with Burton.
The auction
Following Elizabeth Taylor’s death in 2011, her jewelry collection was auctioned. La Peregrina reached a record price of 11.8 million dollarsbecoming one of the most valuable pearls in history. Although its current owner remains anonymous, the fascination with this gem endures.
Source: Ambito
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