The World’s Top 10 Priciest Pearl Necklaces
Pearls have long been revered as one of the oldest and most treasured gemstones worldwide. Wild, natural pearls today are regarded among the highest-valued gems available. Their use in adornments dates back over 6,000 years, capturing the desire of everyone from monarchy to famous personalities and enthusiasts, regardless of the cost.
Exquisitely high-quality natural pearls are incredibly scarce. Out of every 10,000 to 15,000 oysters gathered from the ocean, only one or two might yield a pearl. Due to their rarity and rich historical significance, natural pearl jewelry remains more treasured than modern cultured pearls.
Discover the Top 10 Most Priceless Pearl Necklaces globally.
1) La Peregrina – Sold for $11.8 Million in December 2011
A list without La Peregrina would be incomplete. Known as “The Pilgrim” or “The Wanderer,” this significant natural pearl garnered its renown from its extensive 500-year history and associations with royalty. Found in the Gulf of Panama by an enslaved African, it was presented to Spain’s King Philip II, who then gave it as a wedding gift to Mary I of England. La Peregrina’s journey continued back to Spain’s crown jewels following her death, where it resided for 250 years. By 1808, King Joseph Bonaparte of Spain, Napoleon’s older sibling, was dethroned. The pearl was later bestowed to Napoleon III and eventually acquired by England’s Duke of Abercorn. Actor Richard Burton bought it in 1969 for $37,000, gifting it to Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned jewelry and pearl aficionado. Styled by Cartier into an illustrious necklace paired with rubies and diamonds, La Peregrina was cherished by Taylor until her passing. It was auctioned by Christie’s in 2011.
2) The Baroda Pearl Necklace – Sold for $7.1 Million in April 2007
Initially part of a phenomenal Seven-Strand Pearl Necklace, the Baroda Pearls were remarkably matched pearls ranging from 10.0-16.0mm. Owned by Baroda’s Indian Maharajas, the necklace gained fame over the centuries for its rarity and beauty. Over time, it was separated among collectors. The most immaculate pearls were re-crafted into a Double-Strand Necklace of 68 pearls and a Cartier-designed diamond clasp. Auctioned with matching pearl earrings, brooches, and rings in 2007.
Perfect Japanese Akoya Pearls
Perfectly crafted, exquisitely matched, with outstanding luster — Japanese Akoya pearls are unparalleled for timeless quality and elegance. They embody the quintessential pearl necklace.
3) The Big Pink Pearl – Valued at $4.7 Million
The “Big Pink” is a commanding Abalone Pearl, famed as the largest of its ilk. Weighing 470 carats, it dazzles with soft Pink hues and radiant Blue, Green, Lavender, Silver, and Orange tones. Discovered in California by pearl hunter Wes Rankin in 1990, it was set into a diamond pendant and remains with Pacific Coast Pearls in Petaluma.
4) The Duchess of Windsor Pearl Necklace – Auctioned for $4.8 Million in 2007
This well-renowned, singularly strung natural pearl necklace first belonged to Russia’s Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, then King George V of England in 1929. Passed to Queen Mary, then the Duke of Windsor, it became a gift to Wallis Simpson. Designed by Cartier, it features 28 uniquely sourced pearls and was bequeathed posthumously for charity auction in 2007, bought by Calvin Klein.
5) Untitled 4-Strand Natural Black Saltwater Pearl Necklace – Fetched $5.1 Million in 2011
A spectacular composition of naturally black pearls with exotic hues of Peacock, Green, and Aubergine. Auctioned at Christie’s NY, this four-strand necklace with a heritage certifying their natural pigmentation fetched a remarkable price.
6) The Cowdry Natural Black Pearl Necklace – Sold for $5.3 Million in October 2015
Named after its owner Viscountess Cowdray, this natural black pearl necklace gleams with multidimensional colors akin to Tahitian pearls. Auctioned initially for $3 million, it later fetched $5.3 million in Hong Kong.
7) The 7-Strand “Festoon” Natural White Pearl Necklace – Auctioned for $9.08 Million in November 2013
An auctioned gem from a royal family, this necklace of 614 pearls features a creamy rose shade. The persian Gulf’s Pinctada radiata produces these stunning pearls, comparable to Akoya pearls.
8) The Dodge Pearl Necklace via Cartier – Sold $1.1 Million in 2018
Part of Empress Catherine the Great’s collection, bought by Cartier post-1917. Later owned by Horace Dodge, this necklace once estimated at $70 million exchanged into three individual necklaces, each adorned with diamond clasps.
The Exotic Beauty of Black Pearls
Exquisite Black Pearls Without Mark-up?
Direct sales at competitive pricing bring the allure of Black Tahitian pearls within reach.
9) The Cartier Natural Double-Strand Pearl Necklace – Last Auctioned $3.7 Million in 2012
Featuring 120 silvery, creamy pearls, this double-stranded Cartier necklace flaunts pink to green Orient, concluding with a bespoke diamond clasp.
10) The Barbara Hutton / Marie Antoinette Pearl Necklace – Auctioned $1.47 Million in 1999
Famous as Marie Antoinette’s possession, the Hutton necklace eventually belonged to Barbara Hutton, notable for her fortune turned fleeting finances. This necklace of 44 pearls dazzles with a turquoise-diamond clasp, fetching $1.47 million at auction in 1999.