Famous Pearls throughout History

After diamond rings, pearl engagement rings are one of the most traditionally beautiful gifts a bride or groom can give his or her significant other. Although never as flashy as their more costly counterparts, pearls have long been an appropriately elegant and meaningful token of affection, which makes them a perennial favourite among more traditionally-minded brides and grooms.

Similarly, while there may not have been quite as many famous pearls throughout history as diamonds, there are still a fair few jewels lovers of pearl engagement rings will like to know about. A truly stunning pearl can be just as big a bit of ‘eye-candy’ as any other particularly beautiful stone, and the examples below should convince even the most reticent of pearl admirers.

Take, for instance, the Abernathy pearl. Found in Scotland in 1967, and displayed in the window of a local jewellery shop for over 30 years, it is the largest pearl of its kind found in that country. It is a 44-grain freshwater pearl, two characteristics which greatly enhance its value, and presumably became a showcase piece in the collection of the undisclosed buyer who purchased it in 1992.

Another excellent example of an astonishing pearl is the Big Pink Pearl, valued in 1991 at $4.7 million (roughly £2.9 million) and listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest abalone pearl ever found. This marvel, found by a diver in Petaluma, California, weighs a whopping 470 carats, and will certainly be one of the best arguments to convert anyone who thinks pearls can never be as stunning as diamonds.

Along with these more recent pearls, history has also yielded a few names to add to the list. For centuries, for example, one of the most remarkable jewels in the Spanish crown was a pearl known as ‘La Huerfana’ or ‘The Orphan’. This gem was not thought to have been found inside an oyster, but in a shell bed in the Gulf of Panama. Unfortunately, La Huerfana was reportedly lost in the fire which destroyed the Spanish palace in the 18th century.

Other historic pearls worthy of note include the Arco Valley pearl, a baroque 575-carat jewel reportedly given to the Kublai Khan by Marco Polo, and the Gogibus pearl, discovered in the 17th century off the coast of the West Indies and later purchased by King Phillip IV.

The English monarchs were, as a matter of fact, known for their taste for pearls. Charles I, Charles II, and Phillip II of Spain (with La Peregrina, or ‘The Pilgrim’), all had famous pearls associated with their names. ‘La Peregrina’ later came to be owned by Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most famous celebrity fans of pearl engagement rings. Another jewel of this type, the Gresham pearl, acquired its fame after it was powdered and drunk in a glass of wine so that its owner, Thomas Gresham, could win a wager against the Spaniards for Queen Elizabeth I.

Not every famous historic pearl is accounted for, however: ‘the ‘Queen of Pearls’, reported to have been part of the French crown jewels, is now lost forever, as are both the Charles I and the Charles II pearls. Others, however, remain intact to this day. The first, the Jomon pearl, is the oldest jewel of this type known to man, with recent datings estimating that it is more than 5,500 years old. The second, the Hope Pearl, is reported to be the largest saltwater pearl ever discovered and can be admired at the British Natural History Museum in London.

It is clear, then, that there are just as many famously stunning pearls as there are diamonds – it is just that, with less exposure for these types of jewels than for their sparkly counterparts – fewer people are aware of them. And while none of these will form part of pearl engagement rings any time soon, they should still be acknowledged and admired by couples who shop for this type of jewel.

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose a unique engagement ring design. From diamond to pearl engagement rings, from a princess cut to a platinum band, we have ideas and opinions covering all the options. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.