The Cowdray family fortune was based upon the success of a building and contracting business which was developed during the late 19th century by Weetman Dickinson Pearson, later to become the 1st Viscount Cowdray. Viscountess Cowdray, Lady Pearson (1860-1932) was a distinguished connoisseur and collector. She was well known for her superb collection of pictures, furniture and works of art and these rare coloured pearls are a testament to her discerning taste for beautiful and unusual objects.