THE STAR’S PEARL

Depicted in art works over the centuries and coveted by kings and queens, the La Peregrina was given to Liz Taylor by actor husband Richard Burton in 1969. Suspended from a Cartier necklace, the 16th century pearl had been estimated to sell by Christie’s for $2-3 million in 2011, but the figure shot up to $11.8 million after a fierce bidding. It sets the record for most expensive single pearl jewel.

La-Peregrina

Not many know how she arrived with the choice of its setting. In her own words, she described it:

I was doing a film in Las Vegas, and when Richard wasn’t working he was always in a black, grouchy mood. He had just bought the Peregrina at auction, and Ward Landrigan of Sotheby’s had it flown to us from New York. It was hanging from a very beautiful, little tiny pearl -and -platinum -chain necklace. I loved putting it around my neck and feeling it dangle. The pearl was so tactile, I couldn’t stop rubbing it.”

Liz and Richard

The history of this totally natural, totally real pearl is unbelievable. When we got the Peregrina, we also received a booklet with the story of the pearl and its family tree and a list of all the people who had owned it. It was just incredible. It had been discovered by a slave sometime in the 1500s. He got his freedom because of it and his owner made out pretty well, too. It ended up as part of the Spanish royal jewels, and along the way Prince Philip of Spain gave it to Mary Tudor of England as an engagement present.”


Not long after I received the pearl, we saw a portrait of Mary Queen of Scots and that’s when I decided how I wanted it set. So we took pictures of the painting to Cartier to have them design a setting. The choker part was in the painting, so we took that aspect of it. Both the larger and smaller oriental pearls came from the painting, as well as the idea for the diamond and ruby ornaments between the pearls.  It was the most incredibly beautiful choker. But the little diamond bail piece, suspending the pearl, is original to the piece.”

(Excerpted from the book Elizabeth Taylor, My Love Affair With Jewelry published by Simon & Shuster, 2002)

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4 Response to The “THE STAR’S PEARL”

  1. Fred M says:

    Great work on bringing the authenticity and exclusive environment of the pearl through the history of the most iconic stars of our times. The pearl is a timeless piece that keeps on carrying the image of luxury throughout the years.

    Tres bon travail sur l’authenticite et l’environement exclusif de la perle au travers l’histoire des stars les plus celebres et admirees de nos temps. La perle est un objet precieux qui continuera a garder son esprit et statut au fil des temps.

  2. susanne bransch says:

    Love it.

  3. efpierce says:

    She was thought of for her diamonds, but her pearls were just as beautiful! You find some of the best pictures of pearls for your blog.

  4. val yenko says:

    Whatever happened to La Peregrina after the sale? I wonder if it has been exhibited on display since.

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