LA PEREGRINA

La Peregrina is probably the most famous pearl in the world. Details surrounding its discovery are hazy but according to one legend, it was found somewhere in the Americas by a slave diver in the 16th century. The coast of Panama is the most likely place where this one-of-a-kind pearl was discovered as that area was the biggest pearl producer on the new American continent during the early period of Spanish colonization.

Apparently, Spanish colonial authorities thought the find was so significant that they gave this slave freedom as his reward for discovering this remarkable specimen. Weighing at slightly more than ten grams, this egg-sized pearl is famous for its beauty. 

The name given to the pearl is an ideal one since it perfectly portrays the vagabond nature of the pearl. Translated from Spanish, La Peregrina means "The Pilgrim". It was owned by many famous people from different countries, including Philip II of Spain and Napoleon III. It kept on changing hands until 1969 when Elizabeth Taylor became the owner of it.

Next: Pearl of Allah
 

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