![Spain´s King Felipe VI (R) and Queen Letizia (L) welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (2R) and his wife Elke Budenbende at the Royal Palace in Madrid on October 24, 2018](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-0608-letizia01.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Our Sparkling Spotlight on the luminous pearl continues today with a royal pearl necklace that is rarely seen these days—but that manages to gleam greatly whenever it appears.
![German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) gives a speech next to Spain´s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia during a lunch at the Royal Palace in Madrid on October 24, 2018](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-0608-letizia03.jpg?resize=1200%2C1520&ssl=1)
In October 2018, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Budenbende, made an official visit to Spain. They were hosted for a luncheon at the Royal Palace in Madrid by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain.
![German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) talks to Spain´s Queen Letizia next to Spain´s King Felipe VI during a lunch at the Royal Palace in Madrid on October 24, 2018](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-0608-letizia02.jpg?resize=1200%2C857&ssl=1)
Queen Letizia took the occasion as an opportunity to debut an important piece of heirloom royal jewelry: the “37 Pearl” Necklace from the collection of Queen Ena of Spain, her husband’s great-grandmother.
![Spain´s Queen Letizia (L) welcomes Elke Budenbende, wife of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Royal Palace in Madrid on October 24, 2018](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-0608-letizia05.jpg?resize=934%2C664&ssl=1)
As the name suggests, this large necklace features 37 pearls in a single strand. The necklace was a wedding present from King Alfonso XIII to Queen Ena in 1906. In her will, Ena designated the necklace as one of the joyas de pasar, a collection of jewels passed down to be used by queens regnant and consort. Queen Letizia wore the necklace for the first time at this luncheon, pairing it with a petite pair of pearl stud earrings.
![Spain´s King Felipe VI (2R) and Queen Letizia (R) pose with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (2L) and his wife Elke Budenbende at the Royal Palace in Madrid on October 24, 2018](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-0608-letizia04.jpg?resize=928%2C1206&ssl=1)
She wore the necklace with its impressive diamond clasp off to one side. I like when we get to see a view of these ornate clasps—they’re too beautiful to hide beneath hair!
![Spain´s Queen Letizia (L) welcomes Elke Budenbende, wife of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Royal Palace in Madrid on October 24, 2018](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-0608-letizia06.jpg?resize=1200%2C1800&ssl=1)
Here’s a look at Letizia’s entire outfit for the luncheon. It’s rare to see her wear necklaces—she prefers earrings and bracelets—but Ena’s pearls are definitely worth wearing!
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