Cartier have produced a convertible necklace/tiara to be exhibited at the Biennale des Antiquaires which includes a large pearl drop previously owned by Princess Mary. It was apparently a gift from Queen Mary.
'Believed to have been harvested in the waters of the Persian Gulf, it once belonged to Queen Mary of England, wife of George V, who passed it down to her daughter. Born in 1897 and also named Mary, the princess was photographed wearing the pearl on many occasions. She in turn bequeathed it to her son George Lascelles, Earl of Harewood, who gave it to his wife Patricia on their wedding day'
And a photograph of the pearl with the matching earrings Cartier have produced.
I don't have access to my books at the moment and I've been wracking my brain but I don't recognise this pearl at all. Am I missing something obvious? Can anyone help?