It is estimated that for every 10,000 oysters harvested, only one will contain a high-quality pearl. The scarcity of natural pearls in turn makes them incredibly valuable—and incredibly well sought-after. Celebrities, jewelry connoisseurs, royals from every continent, and more have paid millions of dollars to get their hands on high-quality pearls, some of which fetched record-breaking sums. Here are seven of those fabulous pieces: the most expensive pieces of pearl jewelry in the world.

1. Marie Antoinette-Barbara Hutton Pearl Stand Necklace

This historic pearl necklace had two rather infamous owners. The first was the doomed Marie Antoinette, the vilified queen of France who was beheaded during the French Revolution in 1793. The next tragic owner was the socialite Barbara Hutton. Heiress to the Woolworth Department Store fortune, Hutton received the necklace as wedding gift from her father in 1933. Hutton was wildly wealthy in her youth, but frivolous and careless spending throughout her lifetime would ultimately leave her bankrupt by the time of her death.

This storied necklace features 44 pearls ranging from 8.7-16.33mm with a diamond and turquoise clasp. It sold at a Christie’s auction for $1.6 million USD in 1999.

2. Five Strand Natural Pearl Necklace

This five-strand pearl necklace includes 349 lustrous pearls, ranging from 4.1mm-11.35mm. (For comparison, the largest pearl was bigger than the width of an M&M candy.) Each pearl was tested by the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute who confirmed the authenticity of the saltwater natural pearls. The necklace’s comparatively modest closure is a simple blue silk cord. The necklace was auctioned in 2012 as a part of Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels showcase. The winning bid was $1.7 million USD.

3. Cowdray Pearls

The Cowdray Pearls were originally owned by Viscountess Cowdray, Lady Pearson (1860- 1932). Her husband, Weetman Dickinson Pearson, First Viscount Cowdray, made his fortune as a construction and oil industrialist and was allegedly the sixth richest man in Britain when he died in 1927. Viscountess Cowdray was revered for her fine taste and superb collection of art, furniture, and, of course, fine jewelry.

This pearl necklace features 38 grey pearls and a rectangular diamond clasp. The pearls range from 6.8-11.4mm in diameter and are brown to grey with purple and green overtones in color to give it even more dimension. This stunning necklace fetched over $3.35 million USD in 2012 when it was put up for auction at Christie’s in London.

4. Rare Double-Strand Pearl Necklace

This double-strand pearl necklace may not have a name, but it easily holds its own in quality against the other fabulous pieces on this list. The necklace features 120 large pearls, ranging from 6.5-12.25mm in size. (For comparison, the largest pearl is even wider than a penny’s diameter.) The pearls are strung together and secured with a cushion cut three carat diamond clasp, a type IIa piece—the most chemically pure type of diamond—signed by Cartier. The necklace was auctioned at Christie’s in 2012 and fetched $3.7 million USD.

5. Duchess of Windsor Single Strand Necklace

Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, was an avid and scrupulous fine jewelry collector. Throughout her life she amassed an exquisite collection of exceptional jewels, including this stunning single-strand pearl necklace.

The necklace was a gift from Simpson’s husband, the Duke of Windsor, who had famously abdicated the throne to marry Simpson. The Duke of Windsor had received it from his mother, Queen Mary and it is rumored to be the same necklace owned by King George V, who purchased it from his aunt, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia in 1929.

The exquisite quality of these pearls is a strong indication of the necklace’s imperial legacy. The necklace, designed by Cartier, is made of 28 large pearls, each with a beautiful sheen and are nearly perfectly round in shape. The clasp also features four diamonds.

The necklace was, at one point, purchased by fashion designer Calvin Klein who gave it to his wife. In 2007, the necklace was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for over $4.8 million USD.

6. Baroda Pearl Necklace

Maharani Sita Devi Sahib of Baroda in western India (1917-1989) was dubbed the “Indian Wallis Simpson” after she legally dissolved her first marriage and married her second husband, Maharaja Pratapsingh Gaekwar, who at the time was reportedly the second richest Indian prince and the 8th richest man in the world. To commemorate the couple’s wedding, the Maharaja gave Sita Devi several pieces of jewelry from the Baroda treasury, including a seven-strand pearl necklace.

The Baroda Necklace was re-fashioned into a two-strand necklace using the largest and most perfect pearls from the original seven-strand necklace. The necklace includes 68 graduated pearls, measuring 9.47mm to 16.04mm, and is joined by a cushion-cut diamond Cartier clasp. The necklace sold at Christie’s in New York for an incredible $7.1 million USD.

7. La Peregrina Pearl

With its long, 500-year history, the La Peregrina Pearl is one of the most famous pearls in the world. In the mid-16th century, the pearl was found off the coast of Santa Margarita, a Spanish colony, in the Gulf of Panama. Phillip II of Spain then gifted the pearl to Mary I of England before their marriage. Upon the Queen’s death in 1558, it was returned to the Crown of Spain where it remained for the next 250 years and was worn by multiple Spanish royals on special occasions and for their official portraits.

In 1808, the older brother of Napoleon, Joseph Bonaparte became the King of Spain. He ruled for five years until the French forces were defeated at the Battle of Vitoria and he was forced out of the kingdom. As he fled, Bonaparte took some of the crown jewels, including La Peregrina Pearl. The pearl was then left to Napoleon III, who, after his exile to England in the 1870s, sold the pearl to James Hamilton, Duke of Abercorn.

In 1969, the Hamilton family sold the pearl at a Sotheby’s auction in London. Actor Richard Burton was the winning bidder, nabbing the pearl for a mere $37,000 USD. Burton gifted the pearl to his wife Elizabeth Taylor as a Valentine’s Day gift to feed her fine jewelry collection. Taylor later commissioned Cartier to re-set the Peregrina Pearl in a necklace outfitted with rubies, diamonds, and even more pearls.

In 2011, Elizabeth Taylor’s estate was posthumously auctioned by Christie’s and the Peregrina Pearl necklace sold for over $11 million USD.

Father’s Day is just over a month away and we don’t want you scrambling at the day before to find the perfect gift for Dad. To make your holiday shopping easier, we made a list of our favorite Father’s Day gifts at every price point.

1. Rings

Help your father ring in the summer with a bold accessory. A ring is a memorable keepsake and the perfect statement to add interest to any look.

High, over $1,000:Tiffany & Co. Rockwell Corporation Black Onyx Ring)

Mid, under $1,000: White Gold and Diamond Tribal Ring

Low, under $500: Sterling Silver Art Deco Boy Scout Ring

2. Cufflinks
If you have a working dad, or even a dad who likes to look his best on the special occasion, consider gifting him a pair of cufflinks to add a special detail.

High: Hermes Marine YG Cufflinks

Mid: 14k YG Onyx and Diamond Cufflinks

Low: Tiffany & Co. Round Cufflinks

3. Timepieces
A watch is possibly the most classic men’s accessory and Dad will not forget this practical and beautiful gift!

High: Rolex Submariner in Steel with Gold and Diamonds

Mid: Vintage Omega Seamaster Cosmic

Low: Vintage Rolex Marconi

4. Tie Clips
A tie clip, like cufflink, is the perfect gift for a dad that likes to have a perfect and classic finish for his best suit.

Mid: Tiffany & Co. Atlas YG Tie Clip

Low: Tiffany & Co. Gold Tie Clip with a Mounted Pearl

5. Bracelet
Who said bracelets weren’t for men? These masculine accessories will make anyone rethink that assumption!

High: IBGoodman WG Bracelet with Wood Inlay

Low: John Hardy Sterling Silver Bracelet

The David Yurman brand, of cable design fame, hasn’t been afraid to take things to the next level – and the next generation! David Yurman’s son, Evan Yurman, created this $2 million blue tourmaline and diamond David Yurman necklace, which he named the Lagoon Tourmaline necklace. At that price tag, it makes this necklace the most expensive David Yurman piece ever created.

Created as part of The David Yurman High Jewelry Collection, this necklace was no small feat, it took over two years to complete with 13 cushion-cut blue tourmalines. The brand’s signature quatrefoil symbol even cradles each gem! Now that’s attention to detail.

Shop David Yurman:

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Paloma Picasso, Elsa Peretti and Jean Schlumberger are three of Tiffany & Co.’s most renowned jewelry designers whose designs remain timeless favorites with Tiffany & Co. fans and shoppers. Here is a brief personal history of these creative minds, how they got their start at Tiffany & Co. and their ongoing legacy in the jewelry industry.

1. Paloma Picasso

Born in 1949 to famed artist Pablo Picasso and his beloved muse, artist and critic Francoise Gilot, Paloma Picasso had artistic creativity in her veins.

Her career in jewelry design began in Paris in 1968. Paloma was working as a costume designer when her rhinestone necklaces—made from loose stones she purchased at flea markets—began to pique the interest of fashion critics. This initial positive response inspired her to pursue an official education in jewelry design. Paloma graduated a year later. Soon thereafter her friend and lauded haute-couture designer Yves Saint Laurent commissioned Paloma to create exclusive jewelry pieces to complement his designs.

From there, Paloma held a position with the Greek jewelry brand Zolotas before moving onto Tiffany & Co. in 1979 when she was invited by the then-Tiffany & Co. design director to create a table setting for a Tiffany & Co. exhibition. In 1980, Paloma debuted her first exclusive jewelry collection at Tiffany & Co. The collection, dubbed Graffiti, was influenced by the gritty graffiti emblazoned on New York City buildings. She deftly translated this unconventional inspiration source into a polished and contemporary jewelry collection of bold X’s and scribbles.

In 2010, Paloma celebrated her 30th anniversary working with Tiffany & Co.

2. Elsa Peretti

Born in Florence, Italy in 1940, Elsa Peretti grew up in Rome. As the daughter of a wealthy family, Elsa was well educated and pursued a degree in interior design in Milan. Her creative spirit was aroused in Barcelona where she posed as a model for the painter Salvador Dali and became a part of his artistic inner circle.

Elsa then traveled the world and met different artists and craftsmen who would later inspire her designs. Ultimately, Elsa settled in New York City in 1968 and became a fixture in fashionable artistic and literary groups that included Truman Capote, Andy Warhol, and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland.

Continuing to work as a model, Elsa first designed jewelry collections for Giorgio Di Sant’Angelo and Halston where she served as a model, muse and designer. Then in 1974, Elsa joined Tiffany & Co.

Elsa’s collections for Tiffany & Co. are marked for their simple, sensual and organic designs, most commonly made of sterling silver. She explained that she aimed to design without excess and transitioned fine jewelry from special-occasion pieces into approachable styles that could be worn every day. A notable example of this is her Diamonds by the Yard collection which featured bezel-set diamonds spread out along a delicate chain necklace.

Even still, her most famous design is the Open Heart pendant. Elsa credited sculptor Henry Moore as her inspiration. The pendant is an airy heart shape and remains one of Tiffany & Co.’s most recognized and celebrated styles.

3. Jean Schlumberger:

Jean Schlumberger was born in 1907 to a well-to-do French family whose family business was in textiles. Jean began his career working as a button designer for the wildly popular fashion designer Elsa Schiparelli throughout the 1930s. When World War II began, Jean enlisted in the French Army and bravely served at the Battle of Dunkirk, in England and the Middle East.

After his tour of duty, Jean moved to New York and, with his friend and nephew of couturier Paul Poiret, Nicolas Bongard, ran a small jewelry shop. Here he resumed a friendship with Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, building a coterie of high-profile clients including socialite Babe Paley and fashion icon Gloria Guinness.

In 1956, Jean was offered an impressive job title: vice president of Tiffany & Co. with his own department and complete creative control. Tiffany & Co. wanted to foray into more contemporary designs and Jean’s incredible talent and whimsical designs appealed to the staid jewelry brand. Jean’s designs for Tiffany & Co. drew inspiration from nature and the sea with starfish, shells, and even sea urchins working their way into Jean’s pieces. One of his most recognized designs are the Schlumberger Enamel Bracelets which were a particular favorite with Jacqueline Onassis.

Jean also designed two settings for a very special diamond. Dubbed the Tiffany Diamond, this gemstone was a stunning fancy yellow diamond, weighing an astounding 128.54 carats. Jean first set the stunning diamond in a now-famous “Bird Sitting on a Rock” mounting which is on display at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. And then in 1961, Jean designed a necklace of diamond ribbons, featuring the Tiffany Diamond, for Audrey Hepburn to wear in publicity photos promoting the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Jean passed away in 1987 and his eccentric designs remain a favorite with Tiffany & Co. fans.

Luxury jewelry fanatic or not, you most likely recognize the iconic Alhambra motif from Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry. The clover-like shape, enshrined in a gold setting and dotting a long chain, is a time-honored fan favorite.

We explore the Maison’s signature design’s history, its initial inspiration and the craftsmanship dedicated to producing each of these delicate pieces by hand.

History of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra Collection

The clover-shaped charms were introduced in 1968 and quickly became a signature design of the Maison. To Van Cleef & Arpels, the clover is a symbol of luck, health, fortune and love. The collection was also an immediate favorite of Princess Grace of Monaco’s, a longtime avowed devotee of the Van Cleef & Arpels brand. Princess Grace collected long strands of Alhambra necklaces made of coral, tortoiseshell and malachite, an opaque brilliant green mineral.

After its initial heyday, the Alhambra remained popular, although more quietly so. The collection saw a resurgence in popularity in 2001 after it again became a celebrity favorite. Today the unmistakable Alhambra Collection enjoys a prestigious rank as a symbol of luxury.

Alhambra’s Architectural Inspiration

The clover shape is borrowed from the Moorish quatrefoil which is a framework detail whose pattern is drawn from the outer edges of four overlapping circles. Historically the four-lobed, clover-like shape appeared at the tops of Gothic arches, within stained glass and affixed above doorways. And it was the collection’s namesake Alahambra Palace in Granada, Spain—with its ornate and scalloped archways—that particularly influenced the final design.

Move the slider below to compare the Alhambra Palace and the Van Cleef & Arpels icon.

The Making and Production of the Alhambra Collection

Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewelers abide by rigorous standards to produce the jewels of the Alhambra collection and ensure they’re nothing short of perfection.

The jeweler begins with sourcing materials for the clover’s settings like turquoise, diamond, onyx carnelian, malachite and mother-of-pearl. In order to vet out only the best stones and minerals, any material used must first pass through a 15-point inspection.

The focal material is then shaped and polished into the classic Alhambra clover motif. The gold frame that outlines the clover is separately shaped and hand polished. The setting is then finished by hand for a flawless fit and polished a second time. Meanwhile each link of the gold chain necklace is thoroughly inspected to ensure the links are uniformly shaped and secure.

Finally the chain and gold settings are carefully assembled by hand. The stone-setter then delicately but firmly secures each Alhambra motif within its gold setting, again by hand. After its final polish, the jeweler inspects the finished product to guarantee it meets Van Cleef & Arpels’ lofty standards.

We know you recognize the brand name when you hear it, but can you guess the designer behind these popular pieces when you see them? Move the slider to the reveal the answer, then scroll down for more information!

1. First introduced in 1938, this design is called Chaine d’Ancre and it’s featured in many Hermes designs such as rings, bracelets, bangles, cufflinks and more. The design was created by Richard Dumas who also created other timeless Hermes pieces, including the Kelly Bag.

2. In 1983 the cable bracelet propelled Yurman to success. Since, it has remained his most popular and recognized design. The bracelet was originally made by winding silver ropes with an automotive cable-winding machine.

3.These are motifs from the Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels, with the clover design being the most popular. Introduced in 1960, with the butterfly and heart motifs added later, these charms represent sweet sentiments like luck.

4.This is a combination of two Bvlgari staples — tubogas and serpenti. The tubogas effect is created by braiding the metals securely instead of soldering. The serpenti design is another Bvlgari classic an it represents wisdom, life and eternity. Both designs, introduced in the ’40s, have found their way into nearly every facet of Bvlgari design.

5.This final item is obviously Tiffany & Co. The heart design has been incorporated in countless Tiffany designs and quickly became a jewelry fanatic favorite. The heart motif has been included in many collections including collections by jewelry designers Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso.

Finding a stylish accessory that still retains its subtlety can be challenging, but it doesn’t always need to be. If you’re not sure where to look, we’ve got you covered. At TrueFacet, we’ve put together a list of the men’s accessories you can actually end up wearing, from a new casual wristwatch to an elegant Tiffany jewelry tie clip.

Unless you’re an NFL player or a Hollywood actor, you probably don’t want to rock substantial bling on a regular basis. For most guys, simplicity and classic style is the gold standard of fashion. So take a look below and see if these timeless pieces can compliment your next night out!

A Leather Band Watch

For most guys, the staple accessory you’ll wear day in and day out is your most versatile watch. While you may have a more formal option that you wear with a suit or on special occasions, a simple leather band watch is going to be something you can wear on a daily basis. An option like the IWC Portofino Chronograph features calibre 79320 Watch is a great neutral choice to pair with a variety of looks.

An Elegant Tie Clip

If you’re in the habit, or duty, of wearing a tie to the office each morning, one of the best things you can incorporate into your ensemble without extra thought is a high-quality tie clip. Even if you’re not the type to don brightly colored ties or take risks with your suits, a nice tie clip is a subtle way of accenting your personal style. It’s a simple addition you can add before heading out the door that’ll pay huge dividends to your overall office look. The Tiffany & Co. Atlas 18K Yellow Gold Tie Clip is a good option if you’re looking for something with universal appeal that’s flexible enough to match with day-to-day attire.

A Leather Wristband

The man that’s a little more modern in his style choices might not be the one to wear a pair of cufflinks regularly. In any case, a luxury leather wristband like the John Hardy Sterling Silver Leather Strap Bracelet is a great accessory choice that’s versatile to match and oriented toward a modern look. A masculine design that doesn’t yield style works perfectly for the younger sophisticated man.

Like what you see? Shop our full list of luxury men’s items and accessories to find the perfect pieces you’ve been looking for.

Celebrities hit the red carpet on Monday night for the 2015 Met Gala. The annual fundraising event raises money for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In spirit of the center, each year a theme is selected and guests are expected to dress the part. This year, the theme was taken from the exhibit, “China: Through the Looking Glass.” While all eyes were on the gowns, we couldn’t keep our eyes off of the jewelry. Check out our favorites from the event!

1. Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon proved that simplicity is elegance in a red Jason Wu dress. She completed her outfit in Tiffany & Co. diamonds. The bracelet, ring and necklace were all from the Masterpieces collection.

2. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys was beautiful in blue. She matched her outfit with sapphire jewelry from Jean Paul Gaultier and celeb favorite Lorraine Schwartz.

3. Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae’s earrings had us at first sight. The Jack Vartanian diamond studs radiate in a half circle for an elegant and original statement.

4. Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump knows a thing or two about jewelry considering she has her own jewelry line. Though for the event she strayed from her own designs in favor of Cindy Chao sapphire rose earrings.

5. Uma Thurman

These emerald tassel earrings by Anna Hu brought the color of life to Uma’s otherwise colorless look.

Shop the look with authenticated items from TrueFacet!

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