Judi McCormick / historical pearl jewelry

The Cowdry Black Natural Pearl Necklace

The Cowdry Black Natural Pearl Necklace

Photo courtesy of Christies Catalogue

The most expensive Tahitian Pearl necklace in the world.

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Cleopatra Drinks A Pearl?

Cleopatra Drinks A Pearl?

Have you heard this? Set the scene. Queen Cleopatra is dining with the Roman Statesman, Marc Anthony. She is holding a large pearl.
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King Charles II of Spain Pearl

King Charles II of Spain Pearl

This large historic pearl was once thought to be La Peregrina. La Peregrina  was last owned by Elizabeth Taylor and the King Charles II of Spain pearl is still being worn today.
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The definitive book on Pearls, by Elisabeth Strack

The definitive book on Pearls, by Elisabeth Strack

At over 700 pages long, I go to Strack's book whenever I have a question about pearls.

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Henry Philip Hope's Gem Collection

Henry Philip Hope's Gem Collection

The Hope Pearl AND the Hope Diamond. Quite a major gem collection.
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Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Vladimir Tiara. It seemed appropriate.

Queen Elizabeth's Favorite Vladimir Tiara. It seemed appropriate.

The story begins with the Romanov Duchess Vladimir, who was the last Romanov to leave Russia during the Revolution. 
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Anne Boleyn's Bold "B" Necklace

Anne Boleyn's Bold "B" Necklace

Anne Boleyn was one of the boldest of Henry VIII's wives. This is one of the original Statement Necklaces. What happened to it?
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Diana's Love of Pearls and An Interesting Portrayal in "Spencer"

Diana's Love of Pearls and An Interesting Portrayal in "Spencer"

Princess Diana truly loved her pearls and they have always been a major part of her style. The new movie, Spencer, creates Diana's love for pearls in intense and dream-nightmare scenes.

I do have spoilers for the movie, but this is about the pearls!

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The Imperial Hong Kong Pearl or The Miracle of the Sea

The Imperial Hong Kong Pearl or The Miracle of the Sea

This very large 127.5 carat pearl is a silvery white Baroque pearl. In the Renaissance period, Baroque pearls were highly valued for their unique shapes, which highlighted their luster and colors.

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Maki-e Pearls

Maki-e Pearls

Maki-e pearls are Tahitian pearls that have an overlay painting of 24K gold with abalone shell inlay. This style is called Maki-e from the Japanese decorating Edo period.
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Men in Pearls

Men in Pearls

What a delightful subject. There are just some guys that can pull this off in varying degrees of commitment. Here is the Surfer Style and then there are other men that go all the way.
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The Canning Jewel

The Canning Jewel

I love to write to you about fabulous historical pearl jewelry. As you can see with this brooch, the artist has made superb use of a Baroque pearl to resemble the torso of this dramatic Merman or Triton. There is intricate enamel work and masterful setting of table cut diamonds and rubies
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