Celebrity Jewellery Legends #002

When we talk about celebrity jewellery legends, most stories involve glittering red carpets and auction house drama. But the tale of Elizabeth Taylor's La Peregrina Pearl reads more like a historical thriller with a dash of Hollywood comedy – and yes, it really did survive being chewed by a dog.

La Peregrina, meaning "The Pilgrim" or "The Wanderer," earned its name through an epic journey that began in 1513 when it was discovered off the coast of Panama. This wasn't just any pearl – at 58.5 carats and perfectly pear-shaped, it was destined for greatness.

The pearl quickly found its way into the Spanish royal collection, adorning the necks of several Spanish queens. It even survived the turbulent reign of Mary Tudor, who wore it prominently in her 1554 portrait by Hans Eworth. From there, it passed through the hands of Napoleon III before eventually landing in the collection of the Duke of Abercorn.

But La Peregrina's most famous chapter was yet to be written.

In 1969, Richard Burton spotted the pearl at a Sotheby's auction and knew he'd found the perfect Valentine's Day gift for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor. For $37,000 (about $300,000 in today's money), he secured what would become one of the most iconic pieces in Taylor's legendary jewellery collection.

Taylor, never one for understatement, commissioned Cartier to create an ornate necklace setting that would do justice to the historic gem. The result? A breathtaking piece featuring the La Peregrina pearl as the centrepiece, surrounded by rubies, diamonds, and cultured pearls. Because when you're Elizabeth Taylor, why wouldn't you go extra?

Here's where the story takes a delightfully unexpected turn. Legend has it that Taylor once lost La Peregrina in her hotel room, only to discover her Pekingese puppy happily chewing on the priceless historical artefact. The pearl that had survived centuries of royal intrigue, political upheaval, and international travel was nearly destroyed by a small dog with expensive taste.

Fortunately, both the pearl and the puppy emerged unscathed from this encounter, adding yet another colourful chapter to La Peregrina's already remarkable story.

For Taylor, La Peregrina represented more than just another stunning piece of jewellery – it was a tangible connection to history, a love story, and absolute Hollywood glamour all rolled into one. She treasured it not just for its beauty, but for the centuries of stories it carried.

When Taylor passed away in 2011, La Peregrina was sold at Christie's auction for a staggering $11.8 million – nearly 320 times what Burton originally paid for it. The winning bid came from an anonymous Asian buyer, meaning this wandering pearl has begun yet another chapter of its journey.

What makes La Peregrina truly legendary isn't just its size, beauty, or even its astronomical auction price. It's the reminder that the most precious jewellery pieces are never just about the gems themselves – they're about the stories, the love, the history, and yes, sometimes the drama that comes with them.

From Spanish royalty to Hollywood royalty, from royal portraits to puppy teeth, La Peregrina has seen it all. It's survived wars, revolutions, and even a curious dog, proving that some treasures are truly meant to endure.