Source: CCTV.com

04-27-2007 10:28

The Baroda pearls, called the most important pearls in history, have been sold at Christie's in America for over 7 million US dollars, a record for a natural necklace. Once belonging to an Indian Maharaja, the pearls are steeped in mystery and controversy.

The Baroda pearls, a two strand necklace of giant natural pearls as large as marbles, were assembled for the Maharaja of Baroda in the 1850's. They sold for almost 7.1 million U.S. dollars at Christie's auction house in New York on Wednesday.

Rahul Kadakia, head of Jewelry for Christie's Americas, said the auction house was "thrilled" with the sale.

Rahul Kadakia said, "The pearls with premium will probably go on to make just about 7 million (USD) in change which is what we estimated them to make, so fantastic in that sense, and it more than doubled the last world record price of 3.2 million (USD) for a natural pearl necklace. So we're absolutely thrilled."

But the exquisite necklace comes with a controversial history. The pearl necklace was among the most valuable items in the treasury of the royal family of Baroda in India. Their ownership is being disputed by family members in the Indian courts. And despite reports that the current Maharaja tried to stop the sale, the auction still went ahead.

 

Editor:Liu Fang