Indian pearl carpet fetches $5.5 mln at Doha auction

An unidentified buyer bought the famous Indian pearl Baroda carpet, which is regarded as an Indian national heritage, for 5.48 million U.S. dollars at Sotheby's auction in Doha, Qatar, this week, the official website of the auction house said Saturday.

Encrusted with 2.2 million Basra pearls, and weighing 30,000 carats, the Baroda pearl carpet was commissioned in 1865 by Baroda King Khande Rao Gaekwad, as a gift for the Mausoleum of Prophet Mohammed at Medina.

Until 1947, the year of India's independence, Baroda was a city kingdom located in today's western India state of Gujarat.

The silk carpet also has three large diamond-filled rose designs in silvered gold, besides pearls. The carpet has been a part of the king's family collection.

Read entire article here.

Read more about the Baroda Carpet here.

Pearl Offerings at Christie’s Geneva Sale

Christie’s will hold its 85th jewelry sale in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 13 at the Four Seasons, Hotel des Bergues with a selection of more than 200 lots that includes natural pearls, diamonds, and jewels signed by the renowned jewelry houses throughout Europe from the 1920s to the modern day.

three-row, white natural pearl necklace on a Cartier clasp Among the items for sale is a natural black pearl necklace with a diamond clasp by Cartier with an estimated auction price of $130,942 - $196,413. In addition, a three-row white natural pearl necklace on a Cartier clasp (estimate: $109,121 - $165,865).

Other pearl items for sale include a Belle Epoque bandeau set with natural pearls (estimate: $27,931 - $36,660) and a pair of pearl and diamond ear pendants exhibit a triangular geometry characteristic of the Art Deco period to which they date (estimate: $65,464 - $87,265).

Double Strand Natural Pearls for sale at Bonhams

The Art of Jewels: Fine Jewellery in Iconic Gems will take place on Wednesday 9th December at Bonhams Bond Street. One of the highlights of the sale will be a pearl necklace, belonging to philanthropist and benefactor Lady Houston.

The double-row necklace with graduated pearls is expected to fetch £30,000-£50,000. It is made up of large natural pearls of 5.8-12.8mm. The owner Lady Houston, donated a considerable amount of her personal fortune in support of British aviation which would eventually lead to the design of the Spitfire, an integral part of the national defense during WW2.

Natural Pearl Prices Realized at Christie's Auction

• A pair of diamond and natural pearl ear pendants from Chaumet featuring a natural pearl drop joined to a floral motif surmount set with a brilliant-cut diamond pistil within collet-set, pear-shaped diamond petals mounted in platinum. The pre-auction estimate is $230,000 to $350,000. PRICE REALIZED: $298,138.

• A multicolored graduated natural pearl necklace. The necklace is composed of 79 multicolored graduated natural pearls measuring from 4.0 to 9.9 mm each. The pearls are joined to the navette-shaped onyx clasp accented by a marquise-cut diamond and mounted in platinum. The pre-auction estimate $150,000 to $230,000. PRICE REALIZED: $173,698.

• A pair of natural pearl and diamond ear clips by Cartier. The pre-auction estimate is $160,000 to $230,000. PRICE REALIZED: $235,918.

Large Historic Collections of Natural Pearls Up for Auction in Los Angeles December 7 & 8, 2008

A natural history auction for Bonhams & Butterfields International Auctioneers is taking place this Sunday/Monday, December 7th and 8th at 7601 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, which features nearly 50 lots of rare natural pearls including Melos, Quahogs and Baja natural pearls, many of which used to be exhibited in the Museum of Natural History in NYC.

Here is a sampling of what's up for auction:

Large Historic Collection of Nacreous and Non-nacreous Pearls and Shells

Lot No: 1655

Estimate: $40,000 - 50,000

Deaccessioned from the American Museum of Natural History in New York during the 1970s to the present private collector this extensive pearl collection contains innumerable pearls separated into parcels including: 33 baroque pearls from freshwater clams, U.S localities; 4 baroque pearls from Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas; 1 baroque freshwater pearl, weighing approximately 32.5 carats from the Diedrich Collection; 9 hinge pearls from Tennessee and Texas; 8 abalone pearls from the Pacific Coast, near San Diego County, California; 1 abalone blister pearl still attached to a section of a shell; 66 ?pearl masses? from Arkansas, Wisconsin and Tennessee; 8 near-spherical pearls from Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas; 1 opaque white pearl from the marine shell Arca, California; 75 pearls from the Hudson River, Nyack, New York; 4 pearls from Pearl River, New York; 20 pearls from an unknown locality in natural hues of lavendar, pink and pale green; 18 freshwater pearls from Unio clams, Constable Hill, Lewis County, New York; 2 boiled pearls; 12 mallet-shaped pearls from freshwater clams; 3 from unknown U.S. localities, 3 pearls from the common oyster, unknown locality; 1 black non-nacreous clam pearl from the East Coast of the United States; 1 white non-nacreous clam pearl from an unknown United States locality; 1 conch pearl Key West, Florida; 92 conch pearls of white, pink and orange hue, unknown locality. Pearls from other world localities including three seed pearls from the Sandwich Islands; 13 ?Inca Eyes?, which are actually the mummified eyes of cuttle-fish, from Indian tombs at Mummius, Peru, South America; 1 cultured pearl in the form of Buddha, unknown locality; 1 mabe cultured pearl, unknown locality; 1 cultured pearl from lower Mexico.

Together with several unusual oyster shells, many with blister pearls still attached including: 1 pearl in a mother-of-pearl shell from the coast of Cape York near Thursday Island, Queensland, Australia, (with label), 2 abalone shells, Mexico; and numerous others; measuring up to 9 inches across. Many pearls and shells bear American Museum of Natural History painted inventory numbers and labels.

And another sampling for sale:

Rare Natural Pearl Collection
Pinctada mazatlanica
Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico

Lot No: 1654

Estimate: $12,000 - 15,000

The present rare collection of lustrous pearls consists of 138 undrilled, natural pearls in hues of silver, cream, white, green, brown, pink and lavender exhibiting a variety of shapes including mallet?shaped, near-spherical, baroque, conjoined and bouton-shaped, measuring 10mm to 4mm in length.

Another sampling--Quahog pearls for sale.

Rare and Historic Suite of Four Purple Non-Nacreous Quahog Pearls

Lot No: 1695

Estimate: $60,000 - 80,000

The largest is a bouton-shaped pearl of slightly pinkish-purple color, weighing approximately 13.0 carats and measuring 12.0 x 9.0; the second, also a bouton-shaped pearl of deep lavender color, weighing approximately 12.0 carats and measuring 12.5 x 9.2mm,; the third, is a drop-shaped pearl, graduating in color from deep plum at the top to lavender at the bottom, (with lightly painted inventory number on the side 673 subscript 4), weighing 7.0 carats and measuring 11.2 x 8.5mm,; and the fourth pearl, also an oval drop shape, weighing 3.5 carats and measuring 9.0 x 7.0mm, (with white painted American Museum of Natural History inventory number 673 subscript 6). Offered together with a polished purple Quahog clam shell.

There are 50 lots which also include single pearls. As well as melo pearls and non-nacreous pearls there are cultured pearls some of which are made into gorgeous jewelry pieces.

If you are a lover of natural pearls or pearls in general...you'll want to see this!


View the online catalog here.

Second largest pearl documented: "Palawan Princess" on Sale, December 6, 2009

by Kari
(Muscatine, IA, USA)

Second largest pearl documented: 5 pound Tridacna gigas, Giant Clam "Palawan Princess" on Sale Tomorrow in Los Angeles or online.

Bonham Natural History
including Exotic Gemstone Jewelry and Pearls
Sunday December 6, 2009

Rare and Immense Natural Non-Nacreous Pearl?"The Palawan Princess"
Tridacna gigas
Saltwaters near Palawan Island, The Philippines
Possibly the second largest pearl ever discovered and documented, surpassed only by the renowned 14 pound (approx 31,893.5 carats) "Pearl of Allah" (so-called because it resembled the turbaned head of Allah), the present pearl is the product of the giant clam shell Tridacna gigas found off the coastal waters of the Philippines.

Almost any shelled mollusk can, by natural processes, produce some kind of "pearl" when an irritating microscopic object becomes trapped within the mollusk's mantle folds and the conditions are correct. Interestingly, not all "pearls" are made of nacre, that combination of aragonite (calcium carbonate and conchiolin that is secreted from a mollusk and layered together to form what gemologists call a "nacreous" pearl. Some marine animals?namely snails and clams?produce gorgeous gems made up of non-nacreous calcium carbonate. Calcite, rather than aragonite is the primary material here and they are, thus, technically classified as calcareous concretions. A pearl that is not "mother-of-pearl", might best be qualified "porcellaneous." It indeed possesses a brilliant luster like porcelain, a hard resistant appearance, and occurs in a variety of colors according to the species producing it. The Tridacna gigas was first described by Lamarck in 1758, and is known as the true "Giant Clam". Reaching lengths of greater than 4 ½ feet (1.4 meters) and weighing hundreds of pounds, they can live well past 50 years of age (see lot 2376). This is the largest species of bivalve mollusk to have ever lived in the fossil record of our planet. They can still be found in the waters of the Pacific stretching from the Philippines to Micronesia.

The present example is an incredible, five-pound blister pearl?measuring six inches in diameter and bearing an uncanny resemblance to a human brain. The pearl is accompanied by the lower half of the original giant clam shell showing the point of attachment where the pearl formed, (measuring 19 x 13 x 6 ½ in)?small by comparison to other such shells we have seen?indicating that most of the energy of the this particular clam went into producing the blister pearl rather than growing the size of its shell.

According to gemologists at the European Gem Laboratories USA in New York, who examined the pearl and provided a certificate of authenticity: "This is an once-in-a-lifetime look at one of nature's most unique treasures," said Mitch Jacubovic, director of EGL USA. "A pearl this size is not only one of the largest ones we've ever seen, it is among the largest pearls ever seen anywhere." David Bidwell, a senior appraiser with Universal Gemological Services, called it "clearly one of the most valuable pearls of its kind in the world today."
Weighing 5 pounds (approximately 11, 339 carats)

Estimate: $300,000 - 400,000

Pearls sold at Sotheby's jewel sale

A pink diamond ring of 8.02 carats was bought for nearly 1.60 million Swiss francs ($1.33 million) by a man in the room. It was the evening's best result.

A pearl necklace with a clasp set with a large emerald surrounded by diamonds fetched the same sum, which includes the premium paid by the buyer in addition to the hammer price.

A stunning necklace with nine rows of natural pearls soared to 1.14 million francs, going to another bidder in the room.

Read entire article here.

Famous Arab Singer's Pearl Necklace to be Sold

Dubai • A necklace presented to legendary Arab singer Um Kulthum by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late UAE president, is expected to fetch anything from $80,000 to $120,000 when it is put up for auction by Christie’s at the ‘Contemporary Jewels and Watches’ sale in Dubai late next month.

The pearl necklace has been up for sale by her family members. The late singer was revered in the Arab world and millions thronged the Cairo streets for her funeral in 1975. Known as ‘The Shining Star of the Middle East’ she regaled spellbound audiences worldwide with her vocal talents and received treatment on a par with heads of state in Arab countries.

The nine-row pearl necklace with multi-coloured enamel and white stone details in the style of a traditional Indian ‘Stalada’ necklace, was created around 1880 and consists of an estimated 1,888 pearls.

Umm Kulthum's Pearls to be sold at Christie's

The sale will include four items from her jewellery collection, the highlight of which is an emerald, diamond and pearl set comprising a brooch, a bracelet and a pair of ear pendants, estimated at $40,000 – 60,000.

Also included is an impressive Indian multi-strand pearl and turquoise necklace, the front designed as a stylized peacock, which is estimated at $15,000–25,000, a cultured pearl and paste ‘festoon’ brooch which was a gift from the late Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi (1919-1980) to Umm Kulthum on the occasion of his wedding to Princess Fawzia, the sister of King Farouk, the late King of Egypt (estimate: $3,000-5,000) and a lady’s cultured pearl and diamond wristwatch (estimate: $4,000–6,000).

Enjoy this video of her last necklace selling for $1.4M.

Article source: http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Heritage_and_Culture/10299980.html

Tiffany & Co Pearl Brooch Sells at Auction

Recently sold at a Bonhams Auction, an early twentieth century pearl brooch, Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1910
the lozenge-shaped plaque of openwork design with filigree and beadwork detail, accented by clusters of pale pinkish and purplish pearls at the center and terminals; signed Tiffany & Co, attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany; mounted in eighteen karat gold and platinum. (pearls untested)


Sold for $4,270 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

Belle Epoque Pearl & Diamond Ring Sells at Auction

Recently sold at Bonham's Auction, a belle époque diamond and pearl ring, circa 1905
centering a slightly off round pearl, measuring approximately 6.50mm, flanked by old European-cut diamonds, and further accented by old mine-cut diamonds; old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately: 1.75 and 1.85 carats; mounted in platinum; size 4 1/2. (pearl untested)


Sold for $9,150 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

(Photo & text used with permission.)

South Sea Necklace sold at Auction

Recently sold at Bonham's Auction, a very fine South Sea cultured pearl necklace
comprising a single strand of twenty-five round cultured pearls measuring 17.5mm. to 17.0mm., completed by an openwork diamond clasp; mounted in fourteen karat white gold; length: 18 3/4in.


Sold for $39,650 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

Accompanied by GIA report #5101562049, dated February 19, 2009, stating: saltwater cultured pearls, no indication of treatment.


(Photos & text used with permission.)

HISTORIC INDIAN AND PEARL EMERALD NECKLACE FROM KOHI-NOOR COLLECTION TO BE SOLD ON 8TH OCTOBER LONDON

NECKLACE OWNED BY WIFE OF THE LAST SIKH RULER, THE LION OF THE PUNJAB, FOR SALE AT BONHAMS

THE FIGHTING INDIAN QUEEN WHO DEFIED BRITAIN

An important 19TH Century emerald and seed-pearl Necklace from the Lahore Treasury, reputedly worn by Maharani Jindan Kaur wife of Ranjit Singh, the Lion of the Punjab (1780–1839), is for sale in Bonhams next Indian and Islamic sale on 8th October 2009 in New Bond Street.

The necklace has six polished emerald beads, one later converted to a pendant, each bead gold-mounted and fringed with seed-pearl drop tassels, fastened with a gold clasp. It comes with a fitted cloth covered case, the inside of the lid inscribed: "From the Collection of the Court of Lahore formed by HH The Maharajah Runjeet Singh & lastly worn by Her Highness The Late Maharanee Jeddan Kower" It is estimated to sell for £25,000-35,000.

This rare necklace comes from the Collection of Maharajah Ranjit Singh and Maharani Jindan Kaur (1817-63), which was sold by Frazer and Hawes from Garrards, Regent Street, London.

Between 1849 and 1850, when the British took control of the court in Lahore, they entered the Treasury, where they found the court jewels wrapped in cloth. The Treasury was fabled to be the greatest and largest treasure ever found. The most famous and well-known jewels were taken away as gifts for Queen Victoria, including the Koh-i Noor and the Timur Ruby.

The Maharani Jindan Kaur was born in 1817 in Chahar, Sialkhot, Punjab. Of humble origins, she was the daughter of Manna Singh Aulak, the Royal Kennel Keeper at the Court of Lahore. She grew into a young lady of exquisite beauty and came to the attention of Maharajah Ranjit Singh at a young age. Manna Singh was reported to have pestered the Maharajah, promising that his daughter would make him youthful again. In 1835, she became Ranjit Singh's seventeenth wife and in 1838 bore him a son, Duleep. Duleep was his last child and just ten months later Ranjit Singh died following a stroke. Jindan was the Maharajah's only surviving widow, rejecting the practice of 'Sati' or throwing herself on the funeral pyre with his other wives, choosing to bring up her young son instead.

Ranjit Singh's empire stretched from the Indian Ocean to the Himalayas, with its southern boundary bordering British India. His court was fabled for its patronage of the arts and sciences, and for its riches. The Russian painter Alexis Solykoff wrote on visiting the court: "What a sight! I could barely believe my eyes. Everything glittered with precious stones and the brightest colours arranged in harmonious combinations". Upon the Maharajah's death, his body was carried through the streets to his funeral pyre in a golden ship, "with sails of gilt cloth to waft him into paradise'. Immediately after his death, Ranjit Singh's golden empire began to crumble. His eldest son, Kharak Singh took the throne, but was murdered two years later; the reign of Sher Singh was similarly short-lived and he was assassinated in 1843, upon which Duleep was proclaimed Maharajah at the age of five, with his maternal uncle as Prime Minister and his mother, Jindan, as Regent. His uncle's position as Prime Minister was brief, after the Khalsa Army declared him a traitor and killed him. As Jindan came to power, she was swiftly confronted by the British army that had moved to her southern border in the hope of conquering one of the last independent states of northern India.

As Regent, Jindan became a thorn in the side of the East India Company. She waged two unsuccessful wars against the British, the First and Second Anglo-Sikh Wars of 1846-49, which brought about the annexation of the Punjab. In 1846 she was deposed as Regent and in February 1847 the British took possession of the capital, Lahore, installing Sir Henry Lawrence as British Resident to oversee their affairs.

The British continued to see her as a major threat to their control of the Punjab, since she was instrumental in organising Sikh resistance, rallying her armies to battle and plotting rebellion against the British. Thus in August 1847, to halt her influence on the young king, Duleep was sent away from the palace and Jindan was ordered by Sir Henry Lawrence to the Summan Tower of Lahore Fort and was then was incarcerated in the fort at Sheikhurpura. After being moved around several prisons, in 1849 she escaped from British captivity at Chunar Fort, leaving a note for the British: "You put me in a cage and locked me up. For all your locks and your sentries, I got out by magic....I had told you plainly not to push me too hard – but don't think I ran away, understand well that I escape by myself unaided...When I quit the fort of Chunar I threw down two papers on my gaddi and one I threw on a European charpoy, now don't imagine I got out like a thief!". Disguised as a beggar woman, she fled to the Himalayas, where she found troubled sanctuary in Kathmandu, Nepal. All her jewels and gold that had been left in the government treasure in Benares were confiscated, with the added threat that if she went to Nepal she would lose her pension as well.

In Kathmandu, she lived under the protection of the Nepalese King and government, and spent her time studying scriptures and doing charitable work through a temple she had built near her house. Life was not easy for her and she was kept as a virtual prisoner with a meagre allowance. Under pressure from the British officials at Kathmandu, who portrayed her as dangerous with her alleged efforts to create disaffection against the British, the Nepalese imposed humiliating restrictions upon her.

The young Maharajah, Duleep, was moved to Fategarh, where he lived under the guardianship of Dr John Login and his wife, and eventually arrived in Britain in 1854, at the age of sixteen, where he was adopted as a godson by Queen Victoria. Under the influence of the Logins, he converted to Christianity and was brought up as a young English gentleman. In 1860, Duleep sent his native attendant to Kathmandu to find out about his mother and a report came back through the British resident at Nepal that: "The Rani had much changed, was blind and lost much of her energy, which formerly characterised her, taking little interest in what was going on". The Governor General agreed to a meeting based on this report of the Rani's condition, thinking that the last queen of the Punjab no longer posed a threat.

In 1860, tired of her exile and isolation, and the indignity she was made to suffer, she travelled to meet her son in Calcutta. For the first time in thirteen and a half years, they were reunited at Spence's Hotel in January 1861. Duleep found her almost blind and suffering from poor health. He offered her a house in Calcutta, but she expressed her wish to stay with her son, following years of enforced separation. And so it was agreed that the Rani would travel to England. Her private property and jewels, previously taken by the British authorities, would be restored to her on the basis that she left India and in addition she would be granted a pension of £3,000 per annum. Her jewels were returned to her at Calcutta at the start of the journey.

On the 1st August 1863, Jindan died in her Kensington home in the country of her sworn enemy, just two and a half years after being reunited with her son and leaving him inconsolable. In 1864, permission was granted to take the body to India, which had been her dying wish, and she was cremated at Bombay (Duleep was not allowed to go to the Punjab), her ashes scattered on the Godavai and a small memorial or samadh erected on the left bank. In 1924, her ashes were later moved to Lahore by her grand-daughter Princess Bamba Sutherland, and deposited at the samadh of Ranjit Singh. Finally the 'Messalina of the Punjab' returned home to rest.

Photo & article used with permission by BONHAMS.

Marie Antoinette Pearls Fail to Sell

by Kari
(Muscatine, Iowa)

Marie Antoinette's pearls were bid up to only 340,000 pounds sterling, which was below Christie's auction reserve price. The 33 natural pearls were expected to bring at least 400,000 pounds.

50 years after Mrs. Sutherland smuggled then out of France she had them made up into a necklace to celebrate her granddaughter's wedding.

The necklace features 21 drop-shaped natural grey pearls, each suspended from a diamond collet, and 12 button-shaped pearls mounted in gold on a ruby collar.

Raymond Sancroft-Baker from Christies, said: "The owner phoned me up one day and said 'I have Marie Antoinette's pearls to sell'.

"I nearly said 'oh yes, we've had three this week,' but I held my tongue and said 'how fascinating'.

"He is directly descended and it's an amazing thing to have happened."

Natural Pearls sold at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels Sale

December 10, 2009 - NEW YORK, NY – Sotheby’s sale of Magnificent Jewels brought a total of $30,582,751, exceeding the pre-sale estimate of $20/26 million* and achieving the second highest total for a various owners sale of Jewelry at Sotheby’s
New York since 1995, according to a press release received by Elite Traveler.

Among the highlights from the group of spectacular natural
pearls were the elegant Single Strand Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, which sold for $602,500 (lot 274, est.
$250/350,000);

a Pair of Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendant Earrings which brought $230,500 (lot 273, est.
$75/100,000);

and a stunning Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring that more than quadrupled the high estimate of
$50,000 to sell for $218,500 (lot 270, est. $30/50,000).

Six bidders competed for a Double-Strand Diamond
Necklace weighing approximately 90 carats from the late 19th Century driving the final price to $458,500 (lot 266,
est. $200/300,000).

Christie's to sell Annenberg's 32-carat diamond

A giant gem will hit the auction block in New York this autumn with the sale of the 32-carat emerald-cut Annenberg diamond, which is expected to fetch as much at $5 million, Christie's said on Wednesday.

The flawless ring-mounted diamond, owned by philanthropist Lee Annenberg, widow of publishing magnate Walter Annenberg, leads the auction house's magnificent jewels sale on October 21.

"Gems of this size are extremely rare, and their presence on the market is always an important event in the world of diamonds," said Rahul Kadakia, Christie's head of jewelry.

Read entire article here.

Natural Saltwater Pearl Necklace for Sale at Auction June 1, 2009

Lot No: 1434
Natural Pearl Necklace
Pinctada radiata
Persian Gulf
This delicate and very pretty necklace is composed of 207 white to light cream natural pearls, graduating from 1.7 to 4.1mm at the center and weighing a total of approximately 23.07 carats,

Estimate: $1,200 - 1,400

Five-pound 'Palawan Princess' pearl to be auctioned at Bonhams

Los Angeles--Bonhams and Butterfields will auction off what is believed to be the world's second-largest documented pearl, a five-pound gem found off the coast of the Philippines that has been dubbed the "Palawan Princess."

The natural non-nacreous pearl was found in saltwater near the Philippines' Palawan island and "bears an uncanny resemblance to a human brain," the auction house said. Both rare and immense, the gem is thought to be surpassed in size only by the 14-pound "Pearl of Allah," an approximately 14-pound, 31,893.5-carat pearl that, like the Palawan Princess, was the product of the giant clam shell Tridacna gigas and was also found off the coastal waters of the Philippines.

The approximately 11,339-carat Palawan Princess is a blister pearl measuring six inches in diameter and accompanied by the lower half of its original giant clam shell, which shows the point of attachment where the pearl formed.

The pearl, which will be on the auction block at Bonhams and Butterfields' Dec. 6 holiday auction of Natural History in Los Angeles, is valued at $300,000 and $400,000.

Natural Pearls at Christie's Magnificent Jewel Sale

Christie's said in a media release that natural pearls and jadeite are among additional strong draws for collectors in Asia. The Magnificent Jewels sale will feature a pair of diamond and natural-pearl ear pendants from Chaumet ($230,000-$350,000), a multicolored, graduated natural-pearl necklace ($150,000-$230,000) and a rare pair of natural-pearl and diamond ear clips from Cartier ($160,000-$230,000).

Hong Kong--Christie's annual Fall Sale of Magnificent Jewels will feature more than 250 gemstones and pieces of jewelry valued in excess of $33 million.

Taking place on Dec. 1 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the sale will be a showcase of important diamonds, fine colored gemstones, top jadeite jewels and signed creations from the likes of Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Van Cleef and Arpels and Wallace Chan.

Sotheby's Sale of Magnificent Jewels

Salles’ collection also contains a wonderful selection of pearls, both natural and cultured, which she would wear in varying combinations, suggesting the influence of Coco Chanel herself. Featured amongst the many pearl jewels is the Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace composed of 59 natural pearls measuring approximately 12.20 to 6.30 mm completed with a marquise-shaped diamond clasp (est. $250/350,000) and the Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring set with a rare greyish rosé natural pearl mounted in platinum (est. $30/50,000).

Works of Art by 20th Century Master Jewelers The sale will also comprise rare examples of miniature works of art by 20th century master jewelers. Two seminal pieces from Cartier's most creative period in the 1920's will be featured -- an Egyptian-Style Jeweled Scarab Belt Buckle created in Paris in 1926 (est. $250/350,000) and an Egyptian-Style Lapis Lazuli

Turquoise, Diamond, Black Onyx and Enamel Bracelet made in Paris and dating to 1929 (est. $75/100,000). Both pieces reflect the world's obsession with all things Egyptian following the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922. In 2009, the belt buckle was prominently featured by Cartier in their retrospective exhibition celebrating their 100th anniversary in America.

Read entire article here.

Dreicer & Co Natural Pearl Necklace Sold at Auction

A fine belle époque diamond and natural pearl necklace, Dreicer & Co, circa 1905
designed as a delicate openwork cascade of old European-cut diamonds accented with sixteen slightly off round gray natural saltwater pearls measuring from approximately 9.2 to 4.9mm, completed by a diamond-set backchain; signed Dreicer & Co; estimated total diamond weight: 22.50 carats; mounted in platinum; length: 15in.

Accompanied by GIA report #2105557187, dated February 5, 2009, stating: natural saltwater pearls, no indication of treatment.


The first known information about the firm of Dreicer & Co. dates to the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition held in St. Louis. J. Dreicer & Son represented the Parisian dealer, A. Eknayan who showed an extensive diamond exhibit at the exposition. Perhaps it was this early introduction into the diamond business that propelled the firm to its ultimate position as a purveyor of beautiful platinum and diamond jewelry.

Sold for $67,100 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

(Photo used with permission.)

Ceremonial Pearl Necklace for Sale at Sotheby's

Emperor Yongsheng's Ceremonial Pearl Necklace for Sale at Sotheby's

A ceremonial court pearl necklace from the Qing dynasty is displayed in front of a portrait of the Yongzheng Emperor at a Sotheby's preview in Hong Kong. The item is expected to fetch $1-1.5 million at an auction on April 8, 2010.


One of the outstanding highlights of the sale is undoubtedly the Magnificent Ceremonial Pearl Necklace of Qing dynasty, 18th century. The necklace matches one depicted in the formal portrait of Emperor Yongzheng and it is believed to be the same one.”

The importance of the present court necklace, or chaozhu, is immediately evident in the use of large white and flawless Eastern pearls – one of the most treasured and precious materials employed for the wardrobe and paraphernalia exclusively made for the emperor and his family members. Court necklaces consisted of 108 beads, with a bead of a different colour or material, called the fotou (Buddha’s head), placed between groups of 27.

The seated portrait of the Yongzheng Emperor, dressed in formal court attire in the collection of the Palace Museum Beijing depicts Yongzheng wearing an almost identical, if not the same chaozhu as that to be sold. While chaozhu were made in a variety of precious and semi-precious materials, with a number of examples in important museums and collections, those made with Dongzhu or Eastern pearls are extremely rare and no other example of such magnificent pearl in the 18th century is known in the Palace Museum Beijing or has ever appeared on the market.

The chaozhu was introduced as part of the official ceremonial attire by the Qing rulers. Rules also specified that only the emperor and his family members were allowed to wear this precious pearl that was made into necklace or sewn into Imperial robes. The emperor’s own accessories are meticulously documented, with specific instructions given for four necklaces of different colours so that they are suitable for the different occasions.

Pearls auction in Bora Bora

Pearls auction in Bora Bora

The French Polynesia minister in charge of pearls Temauri Foster announced last week that a major pearls' auction should take place by the end of the year.


The event is scheduled to take place in Bora Bora, Leeward Islands, a government press release states.

Aerial View, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

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The auction should attract buyers from different countries, the press release adds.


This event will be a good opportunity to boost the Tahitian black pearls' industry.


The official date set for this international auction has however yet to be announced.

Michael Jackson's Pearl Shirt Sells for $52,500

The custom long-sleeve shirt was expected to sell for $1,000 to $1,500 and went for $52,500, Julien’s said. It has a white spandex lining and is completely covered in small pearls on one side and a combination of pearls and Swarovski crystal on the other. It was created by designer Bill Whitten and was once part of the collection of David Gest, former husband of Liza Minnelli, according to the auction house.

Handwritten Letter

The handwritten letter had a presale estimate of $200 to $300 and sold for $12,500, the company said. Other items included a pencil drawing of a boy by Jackson, the company said previously.

Catalogue of the Collection of Pearls and Precious Stones of Henry Philip Hope for Sale

Catalogue of the Collection of Pearls and Precious Stones of Henry Philip Hope up for Auction at Bonhams.

Hope, Henry Philip, A Catalogue of the Collection of Pearls and Precious Stones

42 mounted lithopgraph plates, bound in contempory decorative Morocco gilt, covers with gilt coat of arms of the Hope family, folio measurements 36.0-27.7cm., London, William Clowes, 1839, accompanied by various related writings and cuttings

Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000


Sold for £26,400 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

Footnote:
Provenance
Adrian John Hope (1811-1863), nephew of Henry Philip Hope
Adrian Elias Hope (1845-1919), his son
Ethel Mummery (his daughter and great niece of Henry Philip Hope)
Mildred Astley-Smith (her elder sister)
John de Lisle (her nephew)
Everard de Lisle (his son)
Thence by descent to the vendor

Henry Philip Hope, of the renowned Anglo-Dutch banking family, was a patron of the arts and a great connoisseur of gems and jewellery. His celebrated collection included the famous Hope Pearl, a very large natural saltwater pearl, and the infamous Hope Diamond, the rare blue diamond of 45.52 carats, believed to be cursed, which had been part of the French crown jewels and is now in the Smithsonian Institution. After his death in 1839 his collection was eventually divided between his three nephews. Items of furniture and works of art belonging to the Hope family will be sold by Bonhams on 3 November 2010.

Jackie O.'s Faux Pearls up for Auction

Jackie O.'s Faux Pearls up for Auction

First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Walking Through Crowd in Udaipur During a Visit to India

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Jackie O.'s iconic style continues to be so universally revered, even her costume jewelry fetches huge bucks.






Jackie Kennedy, Brother in Law Ted Kennedy and His Wife Joan in Crowd During Visit of Pope Paul VI

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Auction house Bonhams will be auctioning off three faux pearl pieces from the late First Lady's collection at the "Pioneers of Popular Culture" sale, part of its inaugural Goodwood Vintage Festival — to be held Aug. 15 in London.






First Lady Jackie Kennedy Supervising Workman in Room at the White House

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The items include a prim triple-strand faux pearl necklace worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis while living at the White House and on a state visit to Colombia. It comes in its original Sotheby's box and carrying pouch, accompanied by copies of images of her wearing the bauble. It's expected to sell for between £25,000 and £35,000 ($39,672 and $55,541.)






First Lady Jackie Kennedy Polo Ground on a Visit to India

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Bonhams will also be offering a single-strand faux pearl necklace for an estimated £15,000 to £25,000 ($23,803 to $39,672) and faux pearl-and-diamond clip-on earrings, for between and estimated £10,000 to £15,000 ($15,868 to $23,803.)








Jackie Kennedy Onassis

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The provenance of all three pieces is quite strong — they were bought at a Sotheby's auction, “From the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis," held in April 1996, and are owned by a British private collector who purchased them at the sale.





More about Jackie O.'s Faux Pearls up for Auction

Pearl & Diamond Necklace sold at Auction

Recently sold at Bonham's Auction, a pearl and diamond necklace
the gray drop-shaped baroque pearl measuring approximately 11.65 x 9.57mm. suspended from a V-shaped diamond surmount and fine-link chain; mounted in silver; length of chain: 15 1/2in.


Sold for $1,220 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

Accompanied by GIA report #16860993, dated February 19, 2008, stating: natural pearl, no indication of treatment.

Offered without reserve.

(Photo & text used with permission.)

Natural Saltwater Pearl for Sale at Auction June 1, 2009

Lot No: 1435
Natural pearl
Pinctada radiata
Persian Gulf
A semi-baroque light cream to cream colored drop-shaped natural pearl, having slightly pinkish overtones and very good luster, suitable for mounting as a pendant, undrilled.
Weighing approximately 3.75 carats and measuring 11.12 x 8.12 x 6.20 carats

Estimate: $600 - 800

Accompanied with certificate of authenticity.

Pearl Sale to Benefit Crisis Center

by Duaa Eldeib-staff writer
(SouthTownStar.com)

Michelle Paluch believe pearls, like women, have a certain grace and beauty to them.

"It's a natural phenomenon," she said. "And they get better with age."

Those were the attributes that factored into the decision to start a pearl campaign as a fundraiser for the Crisis Center for South Suburbia's year-long 30th anniversary, said Paluch, who currently serves on the center's board of directors.

"We wanted to do something that would be very special," Paluch said. "And pearls are classic."

Sorry....entire article is no longer available.

Natural Pearls Command High Prices at Christie's Auction

by Stephanie Nebehay

But vintage jewelry -- especially Cartier Art Deco pieces -- and natural pearls commanded strong prices, he said.

"Vintage and signed jewelry and natural pearls went through the roof, even in this market," Kadakia said, pointing to several lots that quadrupled their pre-sale estimate.

"Diamonds haven't hit bottom yet, they are still searching. But pearls continue to rise and so do Kashmir sapphires. In this market there is interest in things that are truly rare and irreplaceable," Cohen told Reuters in the saleroom.

Read entire aritcle here.

Klein Pearls Sell High

by Kari
(Muscatine, Iowa)

Kelly Klein's natural pearls, once owned by the Dutchess of Windsor, sold high at a recent Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels auction in New York. The pearls brought a whopping $4.82 million. $3.1 million was the expected estimate.

Apparently, Calvin Klein, Kelly's famous husband, knows a good investment when he sees it....and knows when to sell.

Kelly Klein is known for wearing her expensive pearls often and thoroughly enjoying them....but not to worry, she no doubt has others to enjoy.

The Klein pearls were a part of Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels auction in New York Tuesday in which 366 lots went for a total for $48.827 million.

Read details of these pearls in this Sotheby's article used with permission:
https://www.karipearls.com/calvin-klein-jewelry.html

Natural Pearl & Diamond Necklace at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels Auction

Salles' collection also features a selection of pearls, including a natural-pearl and diamond necklace ($250,000-$350,000) and a natural-pearl and diamond ring ($30,000-$50,000).

"Lucia Moreira Salles' very personal collection offers a window into the innate style and elegance for which she was revered," Hubbard said in the release. "She did not collect to impress; these are pieces that she loved to wear and which were part of the remarkable style that enabled her to work for two of the most influential fashion designers of all time during a legendary era in Paris."

Prior to the December pre-sale viewing, highlights from the Magnificent Jewels auction will be exhibited in Geneva, Hong Kong and Los Angeles.