Join us, as we count down the 8 most expensive and luxurious pearls in existence:
- Pierre Cartier - $1 million
Pierre Cartier had been creating the ultimate two-strand pearl necklace for a number of years, and when in 1917, he found the perfect location for his business in New York’s Fifth Avenue (the most famous shopping address in the world) he bought the piece of real estate with $100 and the necklace – which is now valued at $1 million.
- Three Strand Natural Pearl Necklace – $1.4 million
The 'Three Strand Natural Pearl Necklace' is comprised of 180 natural pearls and completed with an ornate cabochon emerald and diamond clasp. It was sold by Christie's in 2013 for $1.4 million.
- Five Stand Natural Pearls – $1.7 million
The stunning 'Five Strand Natural Pearls Necklace' was sold by Christie’s in 2012. The innermost strand is comprised of sixty 63 graduated natural pearls. The next strand is comprised of 68 pearls, followed by a strand of 72 pearls. The fourth and fifth strands are both comprised of 73 pearls, and it is beautifully joined together by an exquisite blue and gold silk cord.
- The Pearl of Lao Tzu - $3.5 million
The astonishing 'Pearl of Lao Tzu' is worth a huge $3.5 million. Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Allah’, this pearl is reported to be the largest natural pearl in existence. It was discovered in the waters off the Philippines in the 1930’s and weighs just over 14 pounds.
- Double Strand Necklace - $3.7 million
The 'Double Stand Necklace' was sold by Christie’s In 2012 for $3.7 million. It is made up of 120 individual pearls, which possess beautiful, subtle rose and green overtones. It is held together with a 3 carat diamond clasp signed by Cartier.
- The ‘Big Pink Pearl’ - $4.7 million
The natural abalone pearl was discovered by American diver, Wesley Rankin in 1990, and it’s still in his possession to this very day. It is famous its glistening pink colour and weighs 470 carats.
- La Peregrina Pearl - $11.8 million
This necklace was given to actress Elizabeth Taylor by her two-time husband Richard Burton, and it sold for $11.8 million at Christie's auction house in 2011. It is made with diamonds, pearls and has a breathtaking ruby centrepiece. It was once owned by Spanish royalty and dates back 500 years.
- Beauty of Ocean Pearl - $139 million
The impressive Chinese ‘Beauty of Ocean Pearl’ set a world record for being the biggest luminous man-made pearl. It was discovered in Mongolia and weighs 6 tonnes and is 5 feet high. It’s composed of fluorite and was ground into a pearl shape over the course of three years. It is valued at $139 million, making it the most expensive pearl ever.
