A stunning Imperial Pearl necklace broke world records, selling for $8.7 million at Sotheby's Auction House in Hong Kong.

According to the Malaysian Mirror, the necklace was thought to have been owned by 18th Century Qing Emperor Yongzheng. The necklace broke all world records for imperial jewelry at Sotheby's when a bidder bought the pearl and gemstone necklace for $8.7 million. The final auction price was over five times the estimated selling price.

This beautiful necklace is long and full of lustrous pearls and color gemstones. It it easy to see how this necklace would be treasured by anyone and fit for royalty. The necklace is comprised of 108 natural Freshwater Pearls with a luster that has lasted nearly 300 years. The design of the necklace is unique and linked to the Buddhist rosary - the 108 pearls are divided into four sections of 27 pearls each. Apart from the main strand of white pearls, red coral and lapis-lazuli, there are three strands attached to the main strand. These strands are known as 'jinian,' which are made of turquoise beads and attached to the necklace at points in the upper region of the necklace. Artwork featuring Qing Emperor Yongzheng wearing the necklace have been on view for the public.

Pearls have been adored for centuries and used to make many fine jewelry pieces. When you purchase one of these pieces, you also inherit a piece of history. If you are passionate about both pearls and history, attending auctions is 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 get close enough to see the object, a chance to see its entire beauty.

Pearl auctions may be held by both small and large auction houses so keep an eye out to see if there are any auction houses near you that hold jewelry or estate auctions.