Most expensive pearl

"La Peregrina" is a large and virtually symmetrical natural pearl with impressive provenance. Over the last 500 years, its owners have included Queen Mary of England, Napoleon’s brother (who was King of Spain at the time) and, much later on, actor Elizabeth Taylor. Working with Al Durante of Cartier, the latter had La Peregrina set into a necklace with other natural pearls, cultured pearls, rubies and diamonds in 1972. Weighing approximately 202.24 grains, equivalent to 50.56 carats, it sold for $11,842,500 (£7,583,080; €8,910,430) – including buyer's premium – at Christie's auction house in New York City, USA, on 13 December 2011.

The La Peregrina necklace was just one of 1,778 lots of fashion, fine art, jewellery and movie memorabilia all formerly owned by actor Elizabeth Taylor sold at Christie's in New York City, USA, between 3 and 17 December 2011.