Chinese Imperial Pearl Necklace Breaks World Record: Sold at 8.7 Million
Last time we reported on this auction, we expected the sale to close above $1million, but this even shocked us.
Last time we
reported on this auction, we expected the sale to close above
$1million, but this even shocked us. A stunning Imperial pearl necklace
broke world records, selling for 8.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction
Thursday, April 8th.
According to the Malaysian Mirror.com, the necklace was thought to have been owned by 18th century Qing Emperor Yongzheng. It broke all world records for Imperial jewelry at auction. A lucky telephone bidder was the final bid, picking up the pearl and gemstone necklace for 8.7 million dollars. The final auction price was more than five times the highest estimate for the piece.
This is a beautiful necklace, long and full of lustrous pearls and colorful gemstones. It is easy to see how this necklace would be treasured by any wearer and would be owned by royalty. Originally pearls were considered to be a gemstone exclusively worn by royalty and the elite. Fortunately today, we all can enjoy these lovely natural gemstones of the sea. We even can enjoy the pearls once owned by royalty, just like this beautiful Imperial necklace from the 18th century!
We discussed this necklace as it was headed to auction earlier this Spring. How exciting to see its final auction. We do hope the lucky bidder enjoys their beautiful necklace and treasures it.
Artwork featuring the Emperor wearing a similar (or the same) necklace was on view. The esteemed Emperor wore a gold print robe and the Imperial necklace.
The Sotheby’s auction held in Hong Kong on Thursday, April 8th was very popular and offered quite a few pieces from the 18th century in China. This was not the only world record broken that day. A white jade seal from Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty also in the 18th century was sold for 12.29 million. This also broke the world auction record for both white jade and Imperial seals.
Sotheby’s and competitor auction house Christie’s states that Hong Kong is now the third largest auction location in the world. New York and London are first and second. Interest in Chinese art of many kinds is increasing.
If you have a passion for pearls, attending auctions such as these are a unique opportunity to see one-of-a-kind pearls you simply won’t see anywhere else. Many auctions have viewing periods where you’ll have the chance to see the object (behind protective glass of course). For a pearl lover we can’t think of anything more exciting – other than being the lucky final bidder of course. Pearls have been adored for centuries and there are many fine jewelry pieces made from pearls or including pearls you can look at – from just about every time period in history. This is an ideal experience for those who are passionate about pearls and also enjoy history.
Pearl auctions may be held by both large and small auction houses. Sotheby’s and Christie’s are two of the largest auction houses. But there may be auction houses near you that hold jewelry or estate auctions that can be of interest.
Viewing historical pearls is an experience like no other. To realize you are looking at pearls loved so long ago, and still enjoyed today is quite exciting!
