New Peregrina collection: an elegant nod to historical jewelry
Since 1890, we at Majorica have maintained our status as the world's benchmark for organic pearls , so we know a thing or two about how to defend a classic.
Our collections are proof that pearls can be worn both as a timeless classic and with a subtly modern twist . The versatility of our handcrafted organic pearls is endless, and our new collection is no exception. Whether pearl necklaces , pearl earrings , or a pearl ring , classics are forever.
The new collection pays homage to the greatest pearl of all, La Peregrina . Its rich history merges with a iconic modern relevance , with a soft beauty that speaks for itself, consolidating La Peregrina as one of the most famous pearls in the world.
History of the Pilgrim
The story begins in 1515, when the pearl The Peregrina first emerged from the brilliant blue waters of Panama. At the time, it was marked as the largest pearl ever found , measuring 25.5 mm with a weight of 223.8 grains and a unique pear shape. It was gifted to King Philip II of Spain, who gave it to his wife, Queen Mary I of England.
The so-called 'Bloody Mary' went on to wear the pearl in almost all of her portraits, the most iconic of which was Antonio Moro's portrait in 1554, now proudly hanging in the Prado Museum. After her death, the prized pearl was returned to the Spanish crown where it remained for over 2 centuries before Bonaparte stole the Spanish throne, taking the famous pearl with him as he fled the country after the French defeat at the Battle of Victoria.
Bonaparte left the pearl to his nephew, Napoleon III, but it passed into possession shortly afterwards, being sold to James Hamilton, the Marquess of Abercorn, who auctioned the pearl to none other than Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
A surprising twist in the story even involves Elizabeth Taylor's puppy. Perhaps the most unexpected of all the hands (or mouths) the precious pearl passed through . One day in 1969, the actress noticed her puppy chewing on something, only to find La Peregrina, the very pearl she had been searching for everywhere in her home, inside the dog's mouth.
She writes, in her book Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewellery , “I casually opened the puppy’s mouth and inside its mouth was the most perfect pearl in the world .” From 16th-century royalty to 20th-century stardom, La Peregrina lived a wealthy life , moving through many important circles.
Its story ends with a mystery , as all good stories do. Following Elizabeth Taylor's death, it was auctioned off again, this time for $11.8 million to an unknown buyer, who remains unknown to this day. This means that the location of the celebrated pearl is a mystery , and its journey could be far from over, with the pearl more than living up to its name.
It's quite a story, and it may not even have reached its final act .
A collection full of history
Over the years, the pearl has been worn in a variety of ways, mounted on a brooch, a necklace, and even as a hat ornament. But by far its most iconic form was the La Peregrina necklace , designed by Cartier for Elizabeth Taylor.
The stunning necklace features pearls, rubies and diamonds, in a stunning floral pattern, with the iconic La Peregrina pearl hanging at the bottom of the necklace , the crown jewel of one of the finest pieces of jewelry ever made.
The beauty of this standard could never be replicated, but it would be a waste not to be inspired by such an iconic and exquisite pearl. With the La Peregrina collection we pay homage to the historic pearl , with carefully selected handcrafted pieces of jewellery that draw inspiration from the original pearl, discovered so many years ago off the coast of Panama.
Peregrina pendant with baroque pearl and onyx
From the collection, the Peregrina pendant with baroque pearl and onyx is the most faithful homage to the original pearl, the centerpiece of the entire La Peregrina collection . Carved in silver with an antiqued filigree finish, it features black onyx as its centerpiece, with a beautiful handcrafted white baroque pearl delicately hanging from the jewel. Luxuriously splendid, the pendant will make you feel like a member of European royalty.
Peregrina Renaissance bracelet with pearls and antique filigree
This Tudor-style pearl bracelet is a nod to the elegance of deeply historical jewellery . Crafted from a silver-plated elliptical base with detailed antiqued filigree, four oval half-pearls in pink and grey tones rest on top, framing a central black onyx. It is a truly unique piece of jewellery, with authentic Tudor style.
Tudor Peregrina pendant with pearl on cross
An unmistakable classic, the Tudor Pearl Cross Pendant is crafted from a design so delicate that you'll wear it day after day. The sterling silver filigree forms a medieval cross on which rests a beautiful organic white pearl . It's a bold piece that was made for strong personalities with a love for tradition and beauty.
Pelegrina pearl earrings with flower filigree
These elegant filigree flower pearl earrings are made up of two silver flowers, crafted in antiqued filigree, with a radiant 10mm round organic pearl resting in the centre. The detailed filigree is the perfect base to let the beauty of the hand-crafted Majorica pearls shine through , and the generous size of the earrings perfectly frames the face between two pieces full of history and character.
Filigree flower earrings with dangling pearl
Inspired by the medieval world, thesepearl drop earrings are truly the definition of elegance , Majorica's hallmark. Featuring a hand-crafted round Tahitian pearl , hung over an intricate filigree flower that will move to the rhythm of your steps, enjoy a unique moment with these earrings.
Pearl ring with flower filigree
The Peregrina pearl ring with filigree antique silver is responsible for shaping the soft and harmonious curves of the petals of this Majorica flower, as naturally beautiful as a flower picked straight from a meadow. The centerpiece is a perfectly round, organic, handmade pearl.
The collection consists of two versions of the ring:
Peregrina pearl ring with flower filigree
Tahitian Peregrina Flower Pearl Ring
There are two adjustable sizes available, ranging from 13-15 and 17-19.
