The price of pearls

Coveted by both Eastern and Western collectors for centuries, pearls have historically adorned some of the world's most extravagant monarchs and society figures. Famous wearers of pearl jewellery include King Henry VIII, Coco Chanel, who wore cultured pearls, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — whose natural 16th-century pearl 'La Peregrina' set two world auction records when it sold for $11,842,500 at Christie's in 2011.

Pearls are even cited for their beauty in scripture — in the bible, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a 'pearl of great price', while the Qu'ran says that dwellers of paradise will be adorned with pearls. According to Marco Polo, the Hindu kings of Malabar wore a necklace of 104 rubies and pearls, given from one generation of monarchs to the next.

 Yet, despite their formidable history, pearls can be for everyone: It is possible to find beautiful natural and cultured pearls below $10,000.

For weddings or weekdays

Pearl jewellery is eminently wearable — the same piece can be dressed up for a formal occasion, or worn effortlessly to the office.

The variety of designs by some of the world's most famous jewellery brands means there's a piece to fit everyone's personal style: Pearls come in such a range of colours and shapes that they sit beautifully in different settings and jewellery — and hold the unique distinction of being a naturally beautiful, without the use of cutting, faceting or treatment.

Today, both natural and cultured pearls feature prominently in jewellery by all of the world's most renowned makers, including Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati and Mikimoto — all of which feature in our online auctions.

Black, green or pink pearls? Consider colour

A pearl's colour is essentially determined by the type of oyster in which it is produced. Cultured Tahitian pearls, for example, are formed from the Pinctada Margaritifera, a black-lipped oyster that gives the dark charcoal colours that many collectors have grown to know and love.

Other types of oyster produce pearls of different shades: both the white version and the warmer Golden South Sea Pearl are created in the Pinctada Maxima, which is the largest type of oyster capable of producing cultured pearls. Akoya pearls are formed by the Pinctada Fucata, a smaller type of oyster than those that produce the South Sea varieties of cultured pearl, which most often results in a white body colour with wonderful rosé and green overtones.

…But steer clear of artificial shades

Collectors are advised to avoid artificially coloured pearls, and instead enjoy the wide range of naturally-occurring colours that are found in jewellery from top makers included in Christie's jewellery auctions.

Wear, and store, with care

The variety of pearl jewellery means there's a piece to suit every occasion — though experts advise that daily wear should be approached with caution. It really depends on your skin, and its acidity. With some people's skin, daily use may be fine. Other factors, like using a lot of hair spray, can result in their degradation, however.

Treated correctly, pearl jewellery can last a lifetime — making a timeless addition to a wardrobe, or perfect heirlooms for future generations. To ensure their longevity, proper storage is vital.

Never store your pearls in cotton wool: this is the most vital piece of information pearl collectors should be aware of. Each pearl contains moisture, and if you put them in cotton, it draws that out and they crack. Pearl dealers in the Middle East wrap them in a silk cloth — follow suit, and wrap them in a silk handkerchief.

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