Painted soon after her marriage to Philip II of Spain in 1554, Mary is shown wearing a dark velvet gown and matching partlet concealing her shoulders and neck, in keeping with modest styles in Spain at this date. She also wears the diamond pendant from which hangs the 58.5 carat La Peregrina pearl, a betrothal gift from the Spanish king. According to one courtier, Mary I “seems to delight above all in arraying herself elegantly and magnificently”.