What is the most expensive pearl in the world

Photo courtesy of Christie's Auctions

HOLY COWDRAY!

The legendary Cowdray Black Pearl Necklace is a natural black pearl necklace consisting of stunningly beautiful natural pearls shining with multi-hued Aubergine, Green, Peacock, Silver and Mink Overtones, laid over a Light Dove to Medium-Dark Charcoal Grey body colors.

These stunning pearl colors are extremely reminiscent of the famous cultured Tahitian pearls with their palette of Peacock, Aubergine and Green Overtones. This absolutely gorgeous single strand natural pearl necklace graduates from 6.8-11.4mm, and features 38 pearls of exceptional quality, and finished with a large mixed-cut rectangular diamond clasp.

Originally owned by Lady Pearson, the Viscountess Cowdray, the Cowdray Pearl Necklace initially sold at auction at Christie’s London for $3 million, and later again went to auction at Sotheby’s Auction in Hong Kong where it fetched a cool $5.3 million. We can see why.

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What is the MOST Expensive Pearl Necklace in the World?

Why it's La Peregrina of course!

La Peregrina, also known as “The Pilgrim” or the “The Wanderer”. This large, gorgeous natural pearl got its name due to its 500 year journey through history and royal collections. Originally found in the Gulf of Panama by an African slave, La Peregrina was brought back to Spain, and presented to King Philip II who gifted it to his bride to be, Mary I of England. Upon her death, La Peregrina returned to the Crown Jewels of Spain, and remained there for 250 years.

By 1808, Joseph Bonaparte – Napoleon’s older brother – became King of Spain. He was forced to abdicate his throne in 1811, and La Peregrina was among the treasures that he took with him in his flight. The pearl was willed to Napoleon III after his death, and La Peregrina eventually was sold to the Duke of Abercorn in England. It stayed within the family’s collection for nearly a century before finally being purchased at auction by actor Richard Burton in 1969 for $37,000.00.

Burton famously gifted La Peregrina to his wife, Elizabeth Taylor – a known jewelry and pearl connoisseur. Taylor treasured her Valentine’s Day gift, and wore it often in many configurations over the decades, until she had the jeweler Cartier create a show stopping necklace of pearls, rubies and diamonds to showcase the gem.

Taylor could be seen wearing La Peregrina until her death, and the pearl was sent to Christie’s Auction House in 2011, where it sold to a private buyer for an astounding $11.8 Million.  

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Featured Pearls

"Dew Drop" Diamond Tahitian Pearl Pendant and Stud Earring Set

Sparkling like a drop of morning dew shining upon a flower petal, the "Dew Drop" this Tahitian pearl pendant and earring set is a gorgeous way to showcase your love for pearls and diamonds!

The beautiful Tahitian pearl pendant is accented by a bezel set VS1 clarity diamond (.04ct), and is matched with a classic pair of Tahitian stud earrings. 14K Gold 16/18-Inch Adjustable box chain is included with purchase. Using the menu above you can customize this set with your preferred pearl size.

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THE EASTERN LIGHTS

Not to be confused with an overtone, the aurora is not actually a coloration of the pearl.

This mesmerizing rainbow of colors is caused when white light enters the pearl, and through refraction, is separated into its spectral colors. Similar to how light enters a diamond or prism and reflects back many different colors.

For this to happen, the pearl needs to have very fine nacre quality with a tight crystalline structure. Most pearls do not have sufficient nacre quality to display aurora or orient.

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What's So Great About Luster Anyways?

Luster is arguably THE MOST important aspect of a pearl’s value, beating out surface quality, symmetry of shape, size and color by a mile. If a pearl doesn't have nice luster, it just isn't going to be worth much. Luster is one of the famous “Value Factors” that jewelers, pearl specialists and appraisers use to grade pearls.

Pearl luster has three components:

• Luster measures the rate of light reflecting off the surface of the pearl.
• Luster measures the sharpness of reflection visible on its surface.
• Luster also measures how well light beams break up through the nacre layers to refract back at the viewer, giving very fine quality pearls a subtle “glowing” aspect.

All four of the major pearl types require a rating of “High to Very High” luster in order to be graded “AAA Quality”. However, each pearl type plays with light in its own unique way and should be evaluated on a scale that takes that into account.

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Featured Pearls

18" Natural White Hanadama Akoya Pearl Necklace: 9.0-9.5mm

A brand-new collection for women that appreciate and deserve the highest quality pearls possible. Natural white Hanadama are Pearl Science Laboratory certified Hanadama pearls, with the added twist of being completely untreated.

Nearly all Akoya pearls are treated to some degree, but these natural white Hanadama are natural in color. That means no bleaching, no treatments and no enhancements. To say these pearls are merely rare, would border on malpractice. 

These are quite possibly the highest quality and rarest pearls available, period. 

Because of the difficulty in sourcing untreated pearls of this quality quantities are extremely limited. 

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Eye Candy

INCREDIBLE METALLIC PEARLS

We often get asked, "what is the difference between a AAA pearl and a metallic pearl?".

More then just high luster, a true metallic pearl is a very specific type of luster that appears to come from within the pearl, as opposed to just on the surface. It takes a lot of work to sort true metallic pairs.

Visit the Hong Kong Jewellery Show with Kevin Canning to see more amazing Metallic Freshwater pearl eye-candy ...

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What is June's Birthstone?

June is the Month of the Pearl, of course! 

And it's a perfect pick! No other gemstone is formed inside a living being, and over time creates a unique, amazing treasure.

Pearls, sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Gems,” have been prized since ancient times. Romans and Egyptians used them as early as the 5th Century BC, and there are even earlier records of the Chinese using pearls.

The major religions of Hindu and Islam have a special place for pearls in their history, using pearls as a symbol of purity and perfection.

When pearls became a part of European culture, some countries even passed laws saying that only nobility could wear them.

Featured Pearls

"Top Range" Hanadama Akoya Pearl Earrings

Each set of Hanadama pearl earrings comes with a numbered certificate issued by the Pearl Science Lab of Japan and has undergone a lengthy testing process to ensure each set of earrings meets the strict standards necessary to receive a Hanadama grade.

These pearls have the thickest, cleanest nacre out of any Akoya pearl on earth, and it is this thick nacre that produces the truly breathtaking luster exhibited.

Hanadama pearls represent the top .01% of the Japanese harvest, which makes the supply of these pearls very limited and unpredictable.

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Eye Candy

THE SECRET COLORS OF AKOYA PEARLS

Akoya pearls are known for that “Classic White” color, but these pretty little pearls come in a wider range than most people would ever imagine!

Get ready to dive in to a world of color including shades of Blue, Blue-Green, Silver-Blue, shades of warm Gold and Yellow and even Pistachio … all of which are totally natural colors.

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What are Akoya Pearl Overtones?

Overtones are the term used to describe a second, transparent sheen of color that appears to float over the main body color of the pearl. Jewelers describe it like blush over a woman’s cheek.

There are three common overtones for the White Akoya pearl. These are rose, silver and cream.

Rose overtones are the most popular and traditional of all. Rose originated with Mikimoto Pearls, who preferred the pastel pink iridescence. It was thought that rose was the most complimentary to females of all complexions.

​Silver overtones can best be described as a bright optic white. It is popular because it looks closest to what most shoppers envision when they’re thinking about a white pearl necklace. The silver overtone looks best on women with tan or Mediterranean complexions.

Cream overtones are the third most popular overtone and looks like a pale yellowish tinge and gives the pearls a classic, vintage look. The cream overtone pairs best with women who have pinker complexions, blondes, older women and red heads, as this vintage-looking overtone won’t clash with these hues.

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Featured Pearls

"Dew Drop" Diamond Akoya Pearl Pendant

Diamonds and pearls go together like April Showers and May Flowers! 

This beautiful Japanese Akoya pearl is accented by a bezel set VS1 clarity diamond (.04ct), reminiscent of a morning dew drop. The standard model includes a AA+ 7.5-8.0mm Akoya pearl and 14K Gold 16/18-Inch Adjustable box chain.

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Celebrating thirty years together is a remarkable achievement. Three decades of marriage, its ups and downs, the joys and the heartbreaks … every year together has brought you two closer and solidified the unique bond you share. This occasion calls for something truly special.

The 30th Anniversary is known as the Pearl Anniversary. A pearl starts out as a tiny bit of grit inside an oyster and slowly grows year after year gaining gorgeous luster, strength and beauty, just as a marriage does.

30th Anniversary Symbols

• Traditional Symbol is the Pearl. Pearls are symbols of love, honesty, faith, purity and integrity. Perfect for celebrating a long, loving marriage.
• Modern Symbol is Diamond. Diamonds symbolize eternal love.
• Flower is the Lily. The lily is a symbol of purity and devotion.
• Color is Green. Green is symbolic of harmony, balance and growth.

The giving of an anniversary gift stretches back to German Medieval times, but originally only two anniversaries were celebrated: the 25th and the 50th.

Wives would be given a silver myrtle crown to wear on the couple’s 25th anniversary, and a gold myrtle crown to wear on her 50th. Men would typically wear a matching boutonniere or belt buckle for the event.

Why Myrtle flowers? Glad you asked!

Throughout history, Myrtle flowers have been symbolic of love, fidelity, innocence and youth. The famous painting Venus by Botticelli depicts the goddess of love stepping out of her shell holding a sprig of Myrtle. The Romans would weave crowns of myrtle for brides during the day of their wedding.

Later these commemorative keepsakes would be displayed in frames and handed down to later generations. Vintage solid silver and gold myrtle crowns are today worth thousands of dollars as both metals are still incredibly precious, and the crowns themselves pretty rare!

This wrought Silver myrtle crown and boutonniere are vintage originals from Germany. Many wives would frame these as keepsakes to hang on their walls to admire after celebrations were over. Photo courtesy of Historyprops

Later the idea of giving your wife an anniversary gift would spread throughout Europe, and the Victorians would pick this idea up and run with it!

Soon other anniversaries became cause for celebration, like the 5th, the 10th the 15th and the 20th.

After that retailers and jewelers began to add gift ideas to each year, creating the list we know today. Bigger “milestone” years were traditionally flagged as years deserving of precious metals or gemstones, each one infused with symbolism and meaning.

The 30th Anniversary is reserved for pearls.

Our Top 10 Gift Guide showcases some of our most popular and loved pearls, perfect for your special occasion.

#1) “Top Range” Hanadama Necklace, 8.0-8.5mm

Hanadama Akoya pearls are hands down the most beautiful and lustrous Akoya pearls available on the markets today. Each 18-Inch Necklace features perfectly round and perfectly matched white Akoya pearls, shining with highly reflective luster and shimmering with iridescent orient.

The 8.0-8.5mm Hanadama Pearl Necklace is our most popular size, and exudes a sense of luxury and quiet elegance that she’ll be able to wear anywhere and look and feel special.

#2) Tahitian Pearl Stud Earrings, 9.0-10.0mm

Tahitian pearls are the world’s most famous naturally “black” pearl. These exotic cultured pearls are grown in the tropical islands of French Polynesia, and are known for their large sizes, natural dark colors and eye-catching overtones of peacock, green, silver and rose (among many others!).

The 9.0-10.0mm size is our most popular Tahitian pearl earring size. These pearls are large enough to capture attention without being considered overly loud, heavy or distracting. These rare and colorful pearl earrings are guaranteed to be worn and loved forever.

#3) “Blessed” Akoya Pendant and Earring Set

Our best-selling “Blessed” Akoya Pendant and Earring Set combines two of our favorite things: pearls and diamonds. A trio of VS1 diamonds and Japanese Akoya pearls symbolizes each decade of marriage, making it a perfect choice for your 30th Anniversary.

Choose your preferred pearl size and gold color to tailor this 2-piece Set to her liking. Make it even more meaningful by matching her wedding rings!

#4) Akoya Pearl 3-Piece Jewelry Set, 7.0-7.5mm

The ultimate in classic pearl jewelry, this 3-piece Japanese Akoya Pearl Jewelry Set features a perfectly matched necklace, bracelet and stud earrings for your wife to wear and enjoy. The 7.0-7.5mm Akoya pearl size is incredibly versatile, so she’ll be able to flaunt her gorgeous saltwater pearls everywhere and look elegant and stylish.

#5) Triple Strand Akoya Pearl Bracelet, 7.0-7.5mm

Triple her enjoyment with this exquisite Triple Strand Akoya Pearl Bracelet. With each strand symbolizing 10 years of marriage, the Triple Strand is a perfect Pearl Anniversary gift.

Our saltwater Akoya pearls are sourced directly from the legendary pearl farms of Japan, famous for producing the finest Akoya pearls in the world. Shining with bright, mirror-like luster and delicately colored overtones, this pearl bracelet is a treasure she is guaranteed to cherish for always.

#6) “Grace” Tahitian Pendant and Earring Set

Surprise her for your Pearl Anniversary by gifting her this stunning “Grace” Tahitian Pearl Pendant and matching Earring Set. Shimmering with gorgeous natural shades of black to dark gray body colors and colorful overtones of blue-green, green, peacock, rose and silver, these rare black pearls are sure to be cherished.

Direct from the tropical pearl farms of French Polynesia, each Tahitian pearl is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation, shining with bright luster and a personality and character all its own. Each pearl symbolizes a full decade of marriage, making it a perfect choice for your 30th Anniversary gift.

Classic, refined, and timeless, a pair of PSL Certified Hanadama Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings are THE staple for every woman’s jewelry box. Each pair of perfectly matched Hanadama Akoya pearls shine with the highest luster possible of all Akoya pearls and arrives with their own individually numbered certification from the Pearl Science Laboratory from Tokyo, Japan.

The 8.0-8.5mm pearl size is perfect for both daily wear and special occasions. Hanadama pearls represent the top 0.01% of each Akoya pearl harvest, making these pearls the rarest and highest quality Akoya pearls found anywhere in the world. Perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding anniversary gift.

#8) “Royal Flower” Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ring, 9.0-10.0mm

Spanning across cultures and time, rare Golden pearls have symbolized wealth, health and harmony. What better way to celebrate your 30th Pearl Anniversary than with a stunning Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamond “Royal Flower” Ring?

This impressive pearl ring features our AAA Golden South Sea pearl measuring 9-10mm, and a total of eight sparkling VS1 diamond accents in a delicate flower pattern. The timelessness of pearls combined with the eternal fire of diamonds – this is a winning combination she is sure to love.

#9) Gem Grade Freshwater Pearl Necklace, 8.5-9.0mm

Mark this momentous occasion with our Gem Grade Freshwater pearls. Gem Grade Freshwater pearls are sourced from the top 1% of each year’s harvests. These pearls are chosen for their nearly perfect round shapes, excellent matching and luster that rivals the saltwater Akoya pearls from Japan.

This stately strand of Freshwater pearls consists of pearls measuring 8.5-9.0mm, which have an impressive presence without being ostentatious. This is a strand that begs to be worn to any occasion. This enduring pearl necklace is sure to be treasured and cherished by the love of your life.

#10) Dangle Akoya Pearl Earrings

Chic and modern, yet timeless in style you can never go wrong with a pair of Dangle Akoya Pearl Earrings. The slim silhouette of the 14kt gold Leverback earring are comfortable to wear for a full day without feeling heavy. The AAA saltwater Akoya pearls gleam with a bright, mirror-like luster that is guaranteed to get noticed.

Our cultured Akoya pearls arrive directly from the legendary pearl farms of Japan and are famous around the world for their superior nacre thickness, perfectly round shapes and ball-bearing luster. We offer a range of sizes to choose from, from demure and versatile 7.0-7.5mm pearls to our largest and most luxurious 9.0-9.5mm pearl size. 

More Romantic Anniversary Ideas for Your Pearl Anniversary

After an amazing gift of pearls, you can choose to add to your celebrations by incorporating a one (or a few!) of the romantic ideas below to make your Pearl Anniversary unforgettable.

• Throw a party to celebrate with your closest family and friends.
• Take a tropical vacation and tour a pearl farm!
• Give your spouse a special message in a bottle to keep with the “from the sea” theme.
• Book a romantic dinner yacht cruise.
• Renew your vows in a special ceremony.
• Take a romantic getaway to a rented beach cottage, or hit the road and discover some hidden gems.
• Recreate your most romantic date, or your first date together.
• Schedule a photo shoot together to commemorate this special occasion.
• Create a special photo album of your favorite moments together.

We hope this list inspires you to celebrate your Pearl Anniversary in style, and with a timeless gift that symbolizes how much your love has grown over the decades together, and how much you cherish the special bond you share.

Whether you choose to offer a gift of lilies, pearls or diamonds (or all three), you can infuse any item with personal meaning that ensures your spouse will know you've been thinking especially of them on this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. 

Still having troubles picking out the perfect 30th Anniversary Gift? Contact the pearl specialists at Pearls of Joy to get some expert tips and guidance.