La Peregrina is Spanish for “The Pilgrim” or “The Wanderer”—a fitting name given its long journey through history.
Origins and Discovery of La Peregrina
La Peregrina stands out as one of history’s most famous natural pearls. It was discovered in the Gulf of Panama, and its journey from those waters to European royalty is pretty wild.
Discovery in the Gulf of Panama
Back in the early 1500s, a slave found La Peregrina in Panama. This region was known for producing beautiful pearls, but this one was something else entirely.
The pearl’s size and symmetry were immediately obvious. The story goes that the person who found it was granted freedom, which says a lot about its value at the time.
Spanish officials wasted no time—they sent the pearl straight to Europe. Once there, it joined the Spanish crown’s collection, and that’s really when its legendary status began.
Natural Pearl Characteristics
La Peregrina is a natural pearl, so it formed without any help from humans. Unlike cultured pearls, these gems develop when a bit of grit gets stuck inside a mollusk, and nacre builds up over the years.
It’s pear-shaped and weighs about 55 carats now. At discovery, it was the largest pearl anyone had ever seen, measuring around 17.9 mm wide and 25.5 mm long.
Its smooth surface and shine made it a standout. Natural pearls like this are so rare that it’s no wonder La Peregrina was quickly considered priceless.
Role in Early Colonial Trade
The timing of La Peregrina’s discovery matched Spain’s push into the Americas. Pearls from Panama became a big part of colonial trade, shipped home alongside silver and gold.
La Peregrina was a clear symbol of wealth and power. It was presented to the Spanish monarchy and worn by figures like Queen Mary I of England.
Its move from the New World to European courts shows how natural resources shaped politics and economics in the 16th century. The pearl wasn’t just beautiful; it was a sign of who controlled the world’s riches.
La Peregrina and the Spanish Monarchy
La Peregrina became a real icon for the Spanish monarchy. It passed through royal hands, appeared in portraits, and stood for dynastic power during some pretty intense times.
Gift to King Philip II of Spain
By the mid-1500s, the pearl was officially part of the Spanish Crown Jewels. It made its way from Panama and was given to King Philip II of Spain.
Philip II saw the pearl as more than just rare—it was political gold. Owning it showed off Spain’s wealth and dominance during its empire’s peak.
He gave La Peregrina as a wedding gift, tying it into royal alliances. Its place in the treasury was right up there with the most important jewels.
For centuries, La Peregrina stayed in Spain, passing between monarchs and reminding everyone of the monarchy’s grip on New World riches.
Mary I of England and the Tudor Connection
When Philip II married Mary I of England (“Bloody Mary”), La Peregrina became part of her personal collection. Their marriage was a huge Catholic alliance between Spain and England.
Mary wore the pearl in public, and it became a trademark of her image as queen. The jewel’s spot in her collection showed off both her political clout and her connection to Philip II.
Tudor court artists, like Hans Eworth, painted Mary wearing La Peregrina, which helped reinforce her authority and Catholic identity.
The pearl’s tie to Mary I kept it in English history, even though it eventually went back to Spain after her death.
Royal Portraits and Symbolism
La Peregrina pops up in loads of royal portraits. It wasn’t just jewelry—it was a symbol of legitimacy and dynastic strength.
Painters such as Diego Velázquez showed Spanish royals wearing the pearl, often paired with diamonds or elaborate settings. These images weren’t just about showing off; they sent a message of stability and power.
The pearl’s presence in official portraits made it one of Europe’s most recognizable royal jewels. Its use over generations showed how objects could reinforce the monarchy’s authority.
Even as rulers changed, the pearl stuck around as a symbol of Spain’s imperial identity, connecting monarchs through shared tradition.
The Pearl Through Dynasties and European Nobility
La Peregrina stuck close to European courts for centuries. It moved between monarchs and royal houses, often reflecting political marriages and shifting alliances.
Philip III and Philip IV’s Reigns
In the early 1600s, La Peregrina was part of the Spanish crown jewels under King Philip III. The pearl stood for Spain’s maritime strength and access to treasures from the Americas.
It showed up in official portraits, reinforcing the monarchy’s image. Under Philip IV, artists like Velázquez painted royals wearing La Peregrina, making it a dynastic icon.
Its visibility in art and ceremony made it more than just a pretty object. It became a marker of the Habsburg monarchy’s influence across Europe.
Louis XIV and Franco-Spanish Relations
La Peregrina crossed into French circles thanks to dynastic ties between Spain and France. Marriages, like that of Louis XIV to Maria Theresa of Spain, helped reinforce these political alliances.
At Versailles, symbols of wealth and legitimacy mattered. La Peregrina’s presence there highlighted the bond between the Bourbon and Habsburg dynasties.
The pearl’s journey showed how personal royal items could carry political weight, especially in the delicate dance between rivalry and alliance.
Transition to Other Royal Houses
By the 1800s, La Peregrina left the Spanish monarchy for good. It wound up with other European nobility, including the Bonapartes, ending its exclusive tie to the old dynasties.
Political upheavals and shifting regimes meant crown jewels often changed hands, and La Peregrina was no exception.
Even outside Spain, the pearl kept its prestige. Its continued presence among European nobility confirmed its reputation, as mentioned in historical accounts.
Napoleonic Upheaval and the Bonaparte Era
The Napoleonic Wars changed everything for La Peregrina. Political chaos and royal exile put the pearl in new hands, taking it out of Spain for good.
Joseph Bonaparte’s Possession
In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain and made his brother Joseph Bonaparte king. Joseph lasted only five years before the Duke of Wellington ousted him in 1813.
When Joseph fled, he took several royal jewels—including La Peregrina. That’s when it got its nickname, La Peregrina, or “the Wanderer.”
Joseph later ended up in the United States after Napoleon’s fall. He sold off many jewels, but the pearl stayed with the Bonapartes and eventually went to his nephew, Charles Louis Bonaparte, later Napoleon III.
This was the first time the pearl left Spain for good, cementing its place in Bonaparte history and linking it to the turbulence of Napoleonic times.
Hortense de Beauharnais and the Pearl’s Exile
After Joseph’s death, Hortense de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s stepdaughter and mother of Napoleon III, became part of the pearl’s story. She inherited many Bonaparte possessions, and it’s believed the pearl was among them.
Hortense spent much of her later life in exile, moving between Switzerland and other courts. The pearl’s place in her collection symbolized both displacement and political change.
She kept the pearl in the family until her son, Napoleon III, rose to power. He later gave it to his wife, Empress Eugénie, who wore it in portraits and public events.
This era tied the pearl to the Bonaparte lineage and helped it survive decades of upheaval. Its journey mirrored the uncertain lives of Napoleon’s heirs, who carried both titles and treasures across Europe.
If you want more on Joseph Bonaparte’s flight and the pearl’s removal, check out The “La Peregrina” Pearl.
British Aristocracy and the Marquesses of Abercorn
La Peregrina’s British chapter connects it to the Hamilton family, a top-tier name in British aristocracy. The pearl became a symbol of wealth and, honestly, a bit of drama.
James Hamilton and the Pearl’s British Chapter
James Hamilton, the 1st Duke of Abercorn, brought La Peregrina into British hands. He was a big deal in 19th-century politics and society, and owning the pearl only reinforced the family’s status.
For the Hamiltons, the pearl was more than just an accessory. It stood for continuity and deep roots in the aristocracy. With their royal connections, treasures like La Peregrina helped keep them at the top.
The pearl’s spot in the Abercorn collection showed how valuable gems often moved between courts and noble houses, strengthening alliances and influence.
La Peregrina’s Role in British High Society
In Britain, La Peregrina was seen as the height of refinement and exclusivity. The Marquesses of Abercorn showed it off at gatherings, and it became a talking point thanks to its rarity and backstory.
Its size and symmetry made it hard to ignore. Guests recognized it as a jewel with centuries of royal connections, tying the Abercorns to a broader European tradition.
In this context, La Peregrina wasn’t just for show. It was a cultural artifact, boosting the Hamiltons’ image in high society. Its appearances at events and in portraits kept it linked to British nobility.
For more, the pearl’s time with the Marquesses of Abercorn really highlights how it became part of Britain’s aristocratic identity.
Hollywood Glamour: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s chapter with La Peregrina brought a touch of Hollywood to its royal legacy. Their story includes a splashy purchase, a custom necklace, and even a Las Vegas mishap. Who could make this stuff up?
Burton Buys La Peregrina
Back in 1969, Richard Burton bought the famous La Peregrina pearl for Elizabeth Taylor’s birthday. He paid $37,000 at auction, beating out Prince Alfonso de Bourbon of Spain.
Burton even joked that the pearl “used to belong to the Welsh,” hinting at his own roots. The purchase just added to Burton and Taylor’s reputation for dramatic, over-the-top gifts.
They were already Hollywood’s most talked-about couple. This extravagant present only made them more fascinating to the public.
The pearl itself had a long, wild history. It was once worn by Queen Mary I of England and other European royals.
Now, with Taylor, it began a new chapter—one tied to Hollywood glamour.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Necklace Redesign
Elizabeth Taylor didn’t just leave La Peregrina as it was. She worked with Cartier to create a necklace, mixing the pearl with diamonds, rubies, and more pearls.
The result? A bold, striking piece that really showed off her love for dramatic jewelry. The necklace quickly became one of the most famous in her collection.
Photos of Taylor wearing it popped up everywhere—magazines, red carpets, you name it. It was suddenly a Hollywood icon, not just a royal treasure.
It’s kind of wild how this jewel moved from royal portraits to movie premieres. Jewelry really can cross centuries and still keep its magic.
Lost and Found at Caesar’s Palace
One of the wildest stories about the pearl happened at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. While Taylor was wearing the necklace, La Peregrina slipped out and hit the carpet.
For a moment, the priceless gem was missing. Taylor panicked, thinking it was lost forever.
After a frantic search, the pearl turned up under a chair. That scare just added another layer to its story.
Despite the mishap, Taylor kept wearing the necklace. The pearl’s legend grew, now mixed with a bit of Las Vegas drama.
Modern Legacy and Cultural Impact
La Peregrina stands out as one of history’s most studied pearls. Its story continues to shape fine jewelry design and pop culture.
Auction and Record Sale
In December 2011, Christie’s New York sold La Peregrina for $11.8 million. That set a new record for a pearl at auction.
The sale drew headlines everywhere. Of course, the Elizabeth Taylor connection only made it more buzzworthy.
La Peregrina was part of Taylor’s legendary collection. The auction proved that celebrity ownership can send a jewel’s value soaring.
This sale also reminded everyone how rare big, natural pearls really are. These days, most pearls are cultured, and natural ones of this size are almost impossible to find.
The current owner hasn’t gone public, so the pearl’s location is a bit of a mystery. Still, its reputation as one of the world’s most valuable pearls is secure.
Impact on Jewelry Design
When Taylor had Cartier redesign La Peregrina, the result was unforgettable. The new necklace paired the pearl with rubies, diamonds, and smaller pearls.
This showed how you can adapt a historic gem for modern tastes without losing its essence. The necklace became a showcase for both craftsmanship and creativity.
Cartier’s setting also inspired later jewelry trends. Mixing bold colored stones with classic pearls became a thing after that.
Pictures of the necklace are still everywhere. It keeps inspiring jewelers and showing up in exhibitions and books.
La Peregrina: A Pearl Through Time
La Peregrina has shown up in royal portraits, old records, and even modern media. Queen Mary I of England was famously painted wearing it.
Centuries later, Elizabeth Taylor wore the pearl at public events. That alone connects the pearl across wildly different eras—pretty amazing, right?
Writers and historians often call La Peregrina a symbol of shifting power and wealth. It’s tangled up with stories of failed marriages and turbulent reigns, which gave it a bit of a “cursed” reputation.
The pearl also reminds us of the global trade networks that shaped the 16th century. After being discovered in the Gulf of Panama, it traveled through Spanish courts before winding up in Hollywood.
That journey itself reflects how luxury goods move across time. Today, La Peregrina still stands out as a cultural icon.
Publications like BBC Culture and Medium keep revisiting its story. So, the pearl’s legacy isn’t fading anytime soon.