One of the world’s largest natural pearls has been sold for £811,000 ($1.46 million) − more than three times its pre-auction estimate.
The natural salt water pearl, which was auctioned by British auction house Woolley & Wallis, measures 16.5 mm by 17.4 mm and weighs 33.15 carats.
Woolley & Wallis department head Jonathan Edwards said that although it was incorrect to say the pearl is the biggest natural pearl in the world as there are probably a couple of bigger pearls in existence it was nonetheless one of largest natural pearls to come up for auction in the last 50 years.
He said the pearl came from “a private source” and has recently been origin-certified with the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF). According to the Institute’s report, the pearl “possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits a special mention and appreciation”.
“The pearl shows an attractive white colour with weak rosé and green overtones, poetically also referred to as the ‘orient of pearls’. Such overtones are due to an iridescence effect caused on the surface of pearls and greatly contribute to their beauty…”
“A natural pearl of such a large size and quality is very rare and exceptional.”
The pearls pre-sale estimate was £80,000-120,000 ($144,000- 216,000).