Extremely Rare Natural Saltwater Pearl, Turban snail, Astraea undosa, Sea of Cortez, near Baja California. Photo Bonhams.

A very large, nacreous pearl from the saltwater marine mollusk, the Turban snail, prevalent in the waters of the Gulf of California. Graceful and feminine in form, this extremely rare pearl has a strong pink and green orient as well as fine luster. Weighing approximately 48.33 carats and measuring 23.0 x 20.5 x 14.0mm. Estimate US$ 55,000 - 65,000 (€40,000 - 47,000)

See lot 1336, Auction 21032, 21 May 2013 for a comparable pearl, the only other Turban snail pearl to have been offered at public auction

Bonhams. GEMS, MINERALS, LAPIDARY WORKS OF ART AND NATURAL HISTORY. Los Angeles, 20 May 2014 10:00 PDT - www.bonhams.com