Cartier's Natural Pearl, White and Pink Diamond Necklace © Christie's

The Cartier's Natural Pearl, and White and Pink Diamond Necklace, was lot no. 78, at the Christie's "Jewels : The Geneva Sale" held on May 12, 2010, at the Geneva, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues. The lot was accompanied by report no.55405, dated January 25, 2010, issued by the Swiss Gemological Institute (SSEF), certifying that the drop-shaped pearl is a natural saltwater pearl. Another report bearing no.10229165, dated October 14, 1997 and issued by the GIA, certified that the 2.80-carat circular-cut pink diamond, has a color grade of Fancy Light Pink and a clarity of VS2. A moderate pre-sale estimate of CHF 210,000 - 315,000 (US$ 189,512 - 284,268) was placed on the necklace, but the lot performed beyond all expectations, registering a final hammer price of CHF 795,000 (US$ 717,568), which was 2½ times the upper pre-sale estimate and almost 4 times the lower pre-sale estimate. The price recorded was among the highest realized at the auctions, and one of the highest ever recorded for such necklaces at an auction.

Cartier's Natural Pearl and Diamond Ear Pendants © Christie's

Cartier's pair of natural pearl and diamond ear-pendants that appeared at the Christie's Geneva Sale 1374, on May 12, 2010, attained a selling price of US$ 419,710. This is the highest ever price recorded for a pair of natural pearl and diamond ear pendants that appeared at a public auction. The following table gives details of some of the natural pearl and diamond ear pendants that appeared at public auctions and the prices recorded at the auction.

(source: http://www.internetstones.com)