The Mary Tudor pearl or simply The Tudor pearl is an asymmetrical drop-shaped pearl featured in at least three portraits of Queen Mary I of England and estimated to be 64.5 carats, 258 grains in weight and dated to 1526.[1] It is often mistakenly depicted as the La Peregrina pearl, however, Mary Tudor could never have worn the Peregrina as it was first recorded in 1579, 21 years after her death.
The Tudor Pearl disappeared in the late 16th century. A similar pearl was sold at auction in 2004 by London jewellers Symbolic & Chase and named the Pearl of Kuwait,[2] whose owners have made claims that it is the Tudor Pearl due to similarities in shape and size. This pearl is currently on loan to the Smithsonian, who make no claims of its history or provenance.[3]
- ^ Arnopp, Judith (14 February 2020). "English Historical Fiction Authors: The Mystery of The Queen's Pearl". English Historical Fiction Authors. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ Histories, Medieval (17 May 2013). "The Tudor Pearl". Medieval Histories. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
- ^ "Smithsonian exhibit statement". Smithsonian. Retrieved 4 May 2018.