20 fun facts that showcase why pearls are the most unique and intriguing gemstone(2)

Sep 18

2 min read

11. Pearls Come in a Rainbow of ColorsWhile white and cream are the most common pearl colors, pearls can also be found in hues of black, gold, blue, and lavender. The color comes from the inner shell lining of the mollusk.
12. Cleopatra’s Legendary Pearl BanquetOne of the most famous pearl legends involves Cleopatra. To impress the Roman Empire, she is said to have dissolved a valuable pearl in vinegar and drank it, making it one of the most extravagant banquets in history.
13. Pearls as CurrencyIn 1912, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand natural pearl necklace valued at $1 million for a mansion on 5th Avenue in New York, valued at $925,000.
14. The World’s Most Expensive PearlA massive clam pearl found off the coast of the Philippines is valued at an astonishing $100 million. It was discovered by a fisherman who kept it under his bed for years without realizing its worth.
15. La Peregrina: The Most Expensive Pearl JewelryThe famous La Peregrina pearl, once owned by Elizabeth Taylor, fetched over $11 million at auction. Its illustrious history includes ownership by Queen Mary of England and Napoleon Bonaparte.
16. Queen Conch Pearls: The Rarest of Them AllThe stunning salmon-pink pearls of the Queen Conch are the rarest and among the most expensive pearls. They are unique in that they are sold by carat weight instead of millimeters.
17. Pearls in Medicine and BeautyPearls that don't meet jewelry-grade standards are often crushed into powder and used in cosmetics and skincare treatments. Pearl powder has been valued for its health benefits in places like China, India, and Europe for centuries.
18. The Susa Necklace: The Oldest Known Pearl JewelryThe oldest pearl jewelry, known as the Susa necklace, was found in the tomb of an ancient Persian queen and is believed to be around 2,400 years old.
19. Pearls: Once Reserved for the EliteIn ancient Rome, Japan, and Medieval France, pearls were a symbol of wealth and were reserved for the aristocracy. Even in Elizabethan England, only royalty and nobility were permitted to wear pearls.
20. Oysters: Aged to PerfectionLike fine wine, oysters that produce pearls can continue to do so multiple times over their lifespan, with the quality of the pearls improving as the oyster ages.

At Aurora International, we directly supply cultured pearls from our pearl farms, offering competitive prices on freshwater, Edison, Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls. Through our expertise and dedication, we bring the beauty of pearls to you at lower costs.