Top 10 Renowned Pearls in the World
Pearls, with their lustrous glow and captivating allure, have enchanted humanity for centuries. These exquisite gems, born from the depths of the ocean or the freshwater realms, have graced the necks of royalty, adorned the collections of connoisseurs, and captured the imagination of artists and fashion icons alike. From the legendary La Peregrina to the awe-inspiring Hope Pearl, the world is adorned with a treasure trove of renowned pearls.
Hope Pearl
Known as the largest saltwater natural pearl ever found, the 45-carats is believed to have been discovered in the early 18th century in the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Renowned for its rare and mesmerizing grayish-blue color, often described as a "peacock blue", it derived its name from Henry Philip Hope, a British banker and gem enthusiast who acquired the pearl in the early 19th century. The Hope Pearl has been mounted in different settings over the years, including being incorporated into magnificent jewelry pieces such as necklaces and brooches. brooches. It is now in private ownership and has an estimated value of $1.18 million today.
Source: www.winterson.co.uk
Acro-Valley Pearl
The Acro-Valley pearl, is a 57.5-carats natural blister baroque pearl. Historical accounts suggest that the remarkable pearl, thought to have been in the possession of Kublai Khan, the 13th century emperor of China and grandson of Genghis Khan, may have been bestowed upon Marco Polo as a generous gift. In May 2007, the pearl was put up for auction with an estimated value of up to $8 million dollars. The Arco Valley Pearl has been unseen for many years.
The Big Pink Pearl
In 1990, a diver named Wesley Rankin made a remarkable find at Salt Point State Park in Petaluma, California: a large pink pearl. It weights a total of 47 carats, and holds the title as 'Largest Abalone Pearl' in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Radiating a stunning pink color with hints of lavender, green, and blue, the magnificent Big Pink Pearl captivates the beholder. In 1991, its estimated worth amounted to a staggering $4.7 million USD. Despite countless enticing offers to purchase it, the pearl has, to this day, remained in the possession of Rankin.
Source: www.johnandluna.com
The Edison Pearls
In 2010, Weijian Zhan and Weiyu Zhan, sibling pearl farmers from
China, pioneered the creation of Edison Pearls. These pearls, named after the esteemed inventor Thomas Edison, were a
testament to their innovative and groundbreaking nature, showcasing their unique qualities and craftsmanship.
Edison Pearls are known for their large size, lustrous appearance, and a wide range of colors. They are typically larger than traditional freshwater pearls and can range in size from 8mm to over 18mm.
Pearl of Lao Tzu
The Pearl of Lao Tzu, also known as the Pearl of Allah, is a legendary giant pearl that was discovered by a Filipino diver off the Palawan Island in the Philippines in the 1930s. The pearl is reported to be one of the largest and most valuable pearls ever found, weighing around 14.1 pounds (6.4 kilograms).
It is said to have passed through the hands of several individuals and believed by some to possess mystical properties and is often
associated with good luck and fortune. The current whereabouts and ownership of the Pearl of Lao Tzu are uncertain, as it has not
been publicly displayed or seen for many years. It is valued at US$3.5 million.
Source: www.internetstones.com
Pearl of Asia
The Pearl of Asia, the largest known nacreous natural pearl in the world, boasts an egg-shaped form measuring 76 millimeters by 50 millimeters by 28 millimeters. Its white color showcases a well-preserved silver tint, signifying the presence of thick nacre.
It is currently adorned with jade and purple quartz in fruit-inspired designs and golden branches, this remarkable pearl exhibits its unique beauty. The Pearl of Asia has graced the exhibits of various museums, captivating visitors with its presence.
Source: thejewelleryaffair.wordpress.com
La Régente Pearl
La Régente Pearl is the fifth largest pearl in the world, weighing around 75 carats. It is a large, perfectly symmetrical, and nearly spherical pearl. La Régente Pearl has a rich history and has been in the possession of several prominent individuals.
The La Régente Pearl is currently housed at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France. It is one of the prized exhibits in the museum's jewelry collection and continues to attract visitors from around the world. Christie's Auction House in Geneva sold La Régente to an unknown buyer in 2005 for a sum of $2.5 million.
Source: www.mastoloni.com
La Pelegrina Pearl
La Pelegrina Pearl is a pear-shaped pearl found off coast of Islands in the Gulf of Panama by African slaves in the 16th century. The name is translated as "The Incomparable" and is a smaller pearl compared to La Peregrina. It weighs 70 grains less than the La Peregrina. It was sold at a Christie's auction in Geneva in 1987 for a price of $463,800. It remains under private ownership to this day.
Source: www.barnebys.com
La Peregrina Pearl
La Peregrina, translated as "The Pilgrim" or "The Wanderer" is the most famous pearl in the world. It is a larger pear-shaped pearl of 50.56-carats natural pearl compared to La Pelegrina, which began its journey in the Gulf of Panama. It passed through the hands of Spanish royalty, including King Philip II and Queen Mary I of England.
Later, acclaimed actress Elizabeth Taylor received the pearl as a gift and frequently wore it at events and in films. In a December 2011 auction at Christie's New York, La Peregrina shattered records, selling for an astounding $11,842,500—over five times its estimated value. This remarkable sale solidified its position as the highest-priced natural pearl jewel ever auctioned.
Source: www.iigindia.com
Marie Antoinette's Pearls
Featuring an oval diamond, a diamond-bow motif, and a pear-shaped drop, the pendant holds both pearls and diamonds. It was formerly worn by the unfortunate French Queen Marie Antoinette. In a Sotheby’s auction sale in 2018, this pendant has been sold at $36 million, surpassed the value of Elizabeth Taylor's 50.6-carat La Peregrina, previously recognized as the world's most expensive pearl jewel after being sold at Christie's in 2011 for $11.8 million. These remarkable gems, belonging to the Bourbon-Parma family, have been kept away from public view for over two centuries. The Bourbon-Parma family can trace their lineage back to the reign of French King Louis XIV.
Source: www.sothebys.com
