Most expensive pearl necklace sold at auction

On 14 December 2011, a pearl necklace known as "La Peregrina" once owned by actress Elizabeth Taylor sold at Christie's, New York, USA, for $11,842,500 (£7,601,630), more than four times the estimated price. The 50.6-carat necklace, which dates from the 16th century, was a present to Taylor from her then husband Richard Burton, who bought it in an auction in 1969 for $37,000 (£15,400). The pearl, ruby and diamond necklace was given to Queen Mary of England by her husband, King Philip II of Spain, and was owned by royalty for centuries.