A single strand of white pearls holds some of Marilyn Monroe's fondest memories with second husband, Joe DiMaggio.

Baseball legend Joe DiMaggio gifted Marilyn Monroe a pearl necklace on the couple's 1954 honeymoon in Japan. The necklace is a simple, single pearl strand comprised of 44 Akoya Cultured Pearls, measuring 16 inches in length. Legend has it that the Emperor of Japan gave the necklace to DiMaggio; however, Marilyn's second husband actually purchased the necklace directly from Mikimoto. Very little information is known regarding the size, quality and shape of the pearls; though, photos show the pearls appear to be spherical and of nice quality.

Though the couple divorced only nine months later, Monroe continued wearing the necklace, citing that it reminded her of happier times. In fact, Marilyn Monroe even wore the pearl necklace to court one day during divorce proceedings.

Years later, Monroe gifted the pearl necklace to close friend Paula Strasberg, wife of Monroe's acting coach Lee Strasberg. After Marilyn's death, Strasberg passed the pearl necklace to her daughter, Susan, saying that Monroe would have wanted her to have it. This passing of pearls through generations is a common tradition associated with pearls. This tradition speaks volumes to the gem's symbolism of love and friendship.

Susan Strasberg sold the necklace in 1998.

The necklace is still preserved in the original box - an oval-shape leather box lined with velvet - in which the pearls were presented to her by DiMaggio in 1954. The necklace is displayed in this box when exhibited to the public.

Marilyn Monroe's pearl necklace has been on public display in many countries worldwide and is currently owned by Mikimoto America Co, Ltd. The necklace was last on display in London as part of 'The Bond Street Culture & Heritage Week' in June 2010.