A PRETTY PENNY
The three most expensive pearl jewellery in the world.
01: COWDRAY PEARLS
US$5.3 MILLION
Originally priced at US$3.3 million when it was auctioned off at Christie’s in 2012, it fetched US$2 million more at Sotheby’s Hong Kong last year. It first belonged to Viscountess Cowdray who died in 1932, and after its auction in 1937, the necklace was shortened by four pearls to 38, with two of the removed gems made into earrings. After the 2012 sale, it was restored to its former design of 42 pearls.
02: BARODA PEARL NECKLACE
US$7.1 MILLION
The Maharajas of India once owned a magnificent seven-strand natural pearl necklace known as Saath Lahda. From its fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rows, the 68 best pearls were removed to form the two-strand Baroda Pearl Necklace. These pearls are especially large, ranging from 10mm to 16mm in diameter, and are held together by a cushion-cut diamond clasp made by Cartier.
03: LE PEREGRINA PEARL
US$11.8 MILLION
The pear-shaped Le Peregrina Pearl has had quite the journey in the last 500 years. Found by a slave in the mid-16th century on the coast of the isle of Santa Margarita (who was granted freedom for finding it), it has changed many royal hands since. The pearl is so heavy that it’s fallen from its setting a number of times. Once into a sofa in Windsor Castle, another time at a ball at Buckingham Palace, and finally in the mouth of Elizabeth Taylor’s puppy.
