Pearls are a symbol of luxury and elegance, and for centuries, they have been sought after for their beauty and rarity. However, some pearls are so rare and exquisite that they command a price that is beyond the reach of the average person. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most expensive pearls in the world and what makes them so valuable. From the South Sea to Tahitian pearls, let’s explore the mesmerizing world of pearls.
what are the most expensive pearls
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Before we dive into the most expensive pearls, it’s important to understand what makes a pearl valuable. Pearls are formed inside the shells of certain mollusks, such as oysters and mussels. When a foreign object, such as a grain of sand or a parasite, enters the shell, the mollusk responds by coating the object with layers of nacre, a combination of calcium carbonate and protein. Over time, the layers of nacre build up and form a pearl.
The value of a pearl is determined by several factors, including its size, shape, color, luster, and surface quality. Larger pearls are rarer and more valuable than smaller ones, and perfectly round pearls are more sought after than irregularly shaped ones. The color of a pearl can range from white to black, with some pearls exhibiting iridescent hues like pink, blue, and green. The luster, or shine, of a pearl is also an important factor, as is the quality of its surface, which should be free of blemishes and imperfections.
Top 10 Most Expensive Pearls
1. Beauty Of Ocean Pearl – $139 million
The largest and most expensive pearl in the world is the “Beauty of Ocean” Pearl. This pearl was unveiled in 2010 in China which is about 6 tonnes and 5 feet high. It is considered as the largest pearl made by man that grew into the shape of a pearl over three years. This pearl is green in colour and glows in the darkness.
2. La Peregrina Pearl – $11.8 million
The La Peregrina Pearl is one of the most expensive pearls in the world, and it has a fascinating history that dates back over 500 years. The pearl was discovered in the Gulf of Panama in the 16th century and was gifted to the Spanish King Phillip II by the explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
Over the years, the pearl passed through the hands of various monarchs and collectors, including Napoleon III and Elizabeth Taylor. In 2011, the pearl was sold at auction by Christie’s for a staggering $11.8 million.
The La Peregrina Pearl is not only notable for its size and historical significance but also for its unique teardrop shape and beautiful luster. It remains one of the most highly valued pearls in the world and a testament to the enduring allure of natural pearls.
3. The Baroda Pearl Necklace – $7.1 million
The Baroda Pearl Necklace is a magnificent piece of jewelry that features 68 rare and exceptionally large pearls. The necklace was created in the early 20th century for the Maharaja of Baroda, a wealthy Indian ruler known for his love of exquisite jewels.
The pearls in the necklace are all-natural saltwater pearls, which are renowned for their exceptional beauty and rarity. The largest pearl in the necklace weighs an impressive 56.50 carats, making it one of the largest natural pearls in the world.
In 2007, the Baroda Pearl Necklace was sold at auction by Christie’s for a stunning $7.1 million, making it one of the most expensive pearl necklaces ever sold. The necklace remains a testament to the enduring beauty and value of natural pearls, particularly those of exceptional size and quality.
4. Cowdray Pearls – $5.3 million
The Cowdray Pearls are a remarkable set of natural pearls that were owned by Viscount Cowdray, a British industrialist and philanthropist. The pearls were originally part of a larger collection of jewels that belonged to the Maharaja of Baroda, and they were acquired by Viscount Cowdray in the early 20th century.
The Cowdray Pearls consist of 42 natural pearls that vary in size from 5.5 to 12.2 millimeters. They are notable for their exceptional luster, roundness, and overall quality. The largest pearl in the set weighs an impressive 16.75 carats.
In 2015, the Cowdray Pearls were sold at auction by Sotheby’s for $5.3 million, making them one of the most expensive sets of natural pearls ever sold. The pearls remain highly valued for their rarity, beauty, and historical significance, and they are considered one of the finest collections of natural pearls in the world.
5. The Big Pink Pearl – $4.7 million
The Big Pink Pearl is a natural saltwater pearl that weighs an impressive 166.5 grains (equivalent to 41.63 carats) and measures about 31mm by 26mm. It is considered one of the largest and finest natural pearls of its kind in the world.
The pearl was discovered in the late 19th century in the Persian Gulf and has a distinctive pinkish hue, which is a rare and highly desirable color for pearls. For many years, the pearl was part of the collection of the famous jeweler Pierre Cartier, who incorporated it into several of his designs.
In 2018, The Big Pink Pearl was sold at auction by Christie’s for $4.7 million, which is a testament to the pearl’s exceptional size, quality, and rarity. It remains one of the most valuable natural pearls in the world and a remarkable example of the enduring beauty and allure of pearls.
6. Double Strand Pearls Necklace – $3.7 million
The Double Strand Pearls Necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry that features two strands of natural pearls, each measuring approximately 17 inches in length. The pearls are all perfectly matched in terms of size, shape, and luster, and they have a creamy white color that is highly prized.
The necklace was created in the early 20th century and was part of the collection of the late American socialite, Barbara Hutton. Hutton was known for her love of exquisite jewels, and her collection was one of the most impressive of its time.
In 2014, the Double Strand Pearls Necklace was sold at auction by Sotheby’s for $3.7 million, which is a testament to the quality and beauty of the pearls. The necklace remains one of the most valuable pearl necklaces ever sold and a remarkable example of the enduring appeal of natural pearls.
7. The Pearl of Lao Tzu – $3.5 million
The Pearl of Lao Tzu is a natural pearl that is believed to be one of the largest and most valuable pearls in the world. It was discovered by a Filipino diver off the coast of Palawan Island in the Philippines in the 1930s and is named after the famous Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu.
The pearl weighs an impressive 14.1 pounds (equivalent to 6.4 kilograms) and measures about 9.45 inches in diameter. It has a unique and irregular shape, with a surface that is uneven and textured.
The Pearl of Lao Tzu has a fascinating history, and there are many legends and myths associated with it. It was once owned by a wealthy Chinese businessman who believed that the pearl brought him good luck and fortune. After his death, the pearl was passed down through various collectors and eventually found its way to the Aman Resorts Group, who put it on display in their resort in the Philippines.
In 2016, The Pearl of Lao Tzu was appraised at $93 million, but its actual value is difficult to determine due to its rarity and unique characteristics. In 2019, the pearl was reportedly sold for $3.5 million to an anonymous buyer. Despite its sale, The Pearl of Lao Tzu remains one of the most remarkable and valuable natural pearls in the world.
8. Natural Five Strand Pearls – $1.7 million
The Natural Five Strand Pearls is a stunning necklace that features five strands of natural pearls, each measuring approximately 18 inches in length. The pearls are all perfectly matched in terms of size, shape, and luster, and they have a creamy white color that is highly prized.
The necklace is believed to date back to the early 20th century and has a fascinating history. It was owned by a wealthy American socialite and was reportedly worn by her to numerous high-profile events.
In 2012, the Natural Five Strand Pearls were sold at auction by Christie’s for $1.7 million, which is a testament to the quality and beauty of the pearls. The necklace remains one of the most valuable pearl necklaces ever sold and a remarkable example of the enduring appeal of natural pearls.
9. Marie Antoinette Pearl Necklace – $1.6 million
The Marie Antoinette Pearl Necklace is a remarkable piece of jewelry that was originally owned by the legendary French queen Marie Antoinette. The necklace features four strands of natural pearls, each measuring approximately 16 inches in length, and is adorned with a diamond and pearl pendant.
The necklace has a fascinating history and was part of the collection of the French royal family until the French Revolution. After the Revolution, the necklace was sold at auction and eventually found its way to the collection of the late American socialite, Marjorie Merriweather Post.
In 2018, the Marie Antoinette Pearl Necklace was sold at auction by Sotheby’s for $1.6 million, which is a testament to the necklace’s exceptional provenance and historical significance. The necklace remains one of the most valuable pearl necklaces ever sold and a remarkable example of the enduring beauty and allure of pearls.
10. Natural Three Strands Pearls Necklace – $1.4 million
The Natural Three Strands Pearls Necklace is a stunning piece of jewelry that features three strands of natural pearls, each measuring approximately 15 inches in length. The pearls are all perfectly matched in terms of size, shape, and luster, and they have a creamy white color that is highly prized.
The necklace is believed to date back to the early 20th century and has a fascinating history. It was owned by a wealthy American socialite and was reportedly worn by her to numerous high-profile events.
In 2012, the Natural Three Strands Pearls Necklace was sold at auction by Christie’s for $1.4 million, which is a testament to the quality and beauty of the pearls. The necklace remains one of the most valuable pearl necklaces ever sold and a remarkable example of the enduring appeal of natural pearls.
