The Legend of the Infamous Black Pearls

[DonaCatalina]

The legend around these pearls state the unless freely given, the owner
will never have a happy marriage.
Supposedly the black pearls were originally brought from the new world by Columbus and given to Queen Isabella. They were said to be black and round as muscat grapes. She gave them as a wedding present to the Marquesa de Villafranca.
In turn, she passed them to her daughter Eleonor de Toledo. In order to provide a dowry
sufficient for the French Crown, they were taken later and given to Catherine de Medici.
As part of the French Crown jewels, they came to Mary Queen of Scots. She smuggled them out of France after the death of her first husband against the wishes of the new king.
Once she was imprisoned by Queen Elizabeth, Mary sold the pearls to cover her expenses.
Elizabeth bought them through a blind agent. From there, they disappear.
There is no mention of them in the inventory taken after Elizabeth's death, though other pearls are mentioned.
Apparently Eleonor de Toledo was the last owner to enjoy a happy marriage.
Duke Cosimo de Medici withdrew from public life after her death.

[sealion]

Interesting!

[DragonWing]

   Very interesting, I like stories like that. 

Is that last portrait Queen Elizabeth?  She is wearing a stunning gown.

[DonaCatalina]

  Very interesting, I like stories like that. 

Is that last portrait Queen Elizabeth?  She is wearing a stunning gown.

Yes.
1) Eleonor de Toledo (right before she died)
2) Mary Queen of Scots
3) Elizabeth I

[LadyShadow]

Very interesting.  Makes you wonder who has them now.

[Dinobabe]

Very interesting.  Makes you wonder who has them now.

...And if they are married!

[DonaCatalina]

I've wondered for a long time where they went to. I also wondered if Elizabeth's ladies broke up the set while she lay dying.

[Lady Amy of York]

Very interesting. I love  pieces of historical information like  that.  Thankyou  for  sharing DonaCatalina.

<  makes  mental note not  to receive  any  black pearls   as  gifts   > 

[BLAKDUKE]

Very interesting. I love  pieces of historical information like  that.  Thankyou  for  sharing DonaCatalina.

<  makes  mental note not  to receive  any  black pearls   as  gifts   > 

Well based on the opening, that is not the worry.  "if they are freely given" then you should not have a problem.  If you abscond with them(steal them) then you have a problem.  Unless I read it wrong.   

[DonaCatalina]

I wore my black pearls to opening day of Scarborough and received quite a few compliments. I assure you that are definitely not the infamous pearls.