Pearls before . . . us

A pearl once owned by the builder of the Taj Mahal, another on loan from actress Elizabeth Taylor and the Hope Pearl - a former partner to the Hope Diamond - are among a dozen of the world's rarest pearls going on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. . .

The Hope Pearl, white at one end blending to greenish bronze at the other, set with a gold and red crown, measures 2 inches by 4 inches. The famed blue Hope Diamond has for years attracted visitors to the museum's Harry Winston Gallery.

The two were last together in 1839 when Hope died and his collection was dispersed. "At least for this summer they will be back together in the same room," [Smithsonian curator Jeffrey] Post said.

The Hope is on loan from an anonymous collector in England who also provided another prize, the Pearl of Asia. Sometimes called the Star of Asia, it is said by some to be the world's largest natural pearl. Neither pearl has been on public display for more than 40 years . . .

Another highlight of the exhibit, opening Friday and running through Sept. 5, is "La Peregrina," discovered in the 1500s off the coast of what is now Panama and brought to Spain's King Philip II, who gave it to his wife, Queen Mary Tudor. Later owners have included Joseph Bonaparte and French Emperor Napoleon III.

From the Guardian. Not much up yet at the Smithsonian site; their new and upcoming exhibitions page is here.

Posted by David on March 17, 2005 7:39 AM