Giant Natural Pearl Sells for $254,500 at Christie’s Dubai

A baroque drop-shaped natural pearl weighing 239.7 grains (59.92 carats) sold for $254,500 at Christie’s Dubai sale of Important Jewels on Wednesday. The pearl, set on a diamond foliate surmount with a spectacle-set diamond chain 42 cm. long, is the largest saltwater pearl ever recorded, according to the international auction house.

It was once part of the collection of Valda Virginia Vaughn