Delve into the mystery of pearls and discover why they are considered so precious, as well as their rich history . Discover the varieties offered on the market today, from natural pearls to cultured pearls, and explore the most expensive ones. Find out what makes some pearls worth a fortune while others remain relatively economical.
What is the most expensive pearl ever sold?
The most expensive pearl ever sold is the La Peregrina pearl necklace . This necklace was purchased at a Christie’s auction in December 2011 for $11 million by actor Richard Burton as an engagement gift for his wife Liz Taylor. The necklace features two rows of pearls, with each row containing 59 pearls, including a rare 16th century Spanish pearl known as ‘La Peregrina’ or ‘The Wanderer’.
What are the other types of expensive pearls?
Other expensive varieties of natural and cultured pearls include South Sea pearls from Australia and Indonesia, Tahitian black pearls from French Polynesia, Akoya saltwater cultured pearls from Japan, cultured freshwater pearls from China and cultured blister Mabe pearls from Japan.
These pearls tend to be larger and of higher quality than other types, which makes them more desirable and therefore more expensive. Natural pearls that have unusual shapes or colors can also be very valuable. For example, the White Dragon Pearl is a unique natural pearl found in the sea off the coast of China and sells for around $500,000!
expensive pearls
Are there any unique natural pearls that are particularly expensive?
One of the most expensive types of natural pearls is the Melo pearl. These pearls are found in large marine molluscs called Melo melo and can grow up to 8 inches in diameter. They have a unique pink-orange hue and translucent sheen, making them highly sought after by collectors.
A single melo bead can cost thousands of dollars or more! Of course, there are also rarer varieties, like the queen pearl of the Caribbean conch, which can be worth over $100,000.
It is important to remember that although some pearls can be extremely valuable and expensive, they should not be viewed as an “investment”.
Unless you know the pearl market well, it is not wise to invest in pearl products of any kind. Instead, consider pearls a classic addition to your jewelry collection, not an investment!
Overall, there is no single answer to the question of which are the most expensive pearls in the world. Whether rare natural pearls or cultured pearls, each type of pearl has unique characteristics that influence its cost. Enjoy learning more about these gemstones and understanding the factors that make them so valuable.
