Most expensive pearls in the world

Rare, regal and stratospherically expensive, each piece of jewellery in this top five of record-breaking pearls is worth millions of dollars.

30 June 2015
15
  • Baroda natural pearl necklace
    The world’s second most expensive pearl jewel is the Baroda pearl necklace consisting of 68 pearls that were once set into a necklace belonging to the Maharajas of India.
  • This four-strand natural saltwater pearl necklace set a new world record when it sold for just over $5 million at Christie's New York in 2015
    This four-strand saltwater pearl necklace set a new world record for a natural coloured pearl necklace when it sold for just over $5 million at Christie's New York in 2015.
  • Duchess of Windsor pearl necklace
    This pearl necklace was sold by Sotheby’s for $4.82 million in 2007. Called the Duchess of Windsor pearl necklace, it used to belong to Queen Mary, wife of King George V.
  • Cartier two-strand natural pearl necklace
    The double-strand 120 light cream and white natural pearl necklace, with a diamond Cartier clasp, fetched $3.7 million at Christie’s in 2012.
  • Cartier La Peregrina pearl necklace
    The La Peregrina pearl necklace was custom designed for Elizabeth Taylor by Cartier and features the world’s most expensive pearl. It sold for $11.8 million in 2011.
  • Previously

    Styles of diamond earrings every woman should own
    A model wears Cartier Galanterie de Cartier earrings in white gold with diamonds
     

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Åse Anderson

ÅSE ANDERSON

Despite her Scandinavian name, Åse has lived in the UK since the age of 10, save for a couple of years in the US and Ireland. She has more than 15 years of journalistic experience, specialising in the fashion and ...