Centring on an oval-shaped conch pearl measuring 13.57 x 11.94 x 10.62mm, encircled by two surrounds of brilliant-cut diamonds, embellished with briolette diamond fringe, flanked on each side with a heart-shaped diamond and pavé-set diamonds to half hoop, diamonds together weighing approximately 4.12 carats; mounted in 18 karat white gold. Ring size: 6 3/4.

Potential bidders are advised to contact Jewellery Department before bidding relating to certain permits which may be required for export.

Conch pearls are considered to be among the rarest, naturally formed pearls in the world. They are produced mainly by the Queen Conch, which are found primarily in the Caribbean near southern Florida. Only 1 in 10,000 conches produces a pearl, and that less than 10 percent of those are of gem quality.

Like assorted candies, conch pearls come in various colours including pink, salmon, golden, brown, yellow, beige or even white, of which pink is the most desirable colour. In addition to its colours, the “flame structure”, an optical effect of unique pattern created by perpendicular arrangement of concentric layer of fibrous crystals, is another feature which makes conch pearls valuable..It appears almost exclusively in pink or white-pink pearls, although sometimes it is also exhibited in other colours.

Large conch pearls are very scarce as they are usually around 3 millimeter or less in size. Most conch pearls have an elongated, oval or baroque shape, while nearly-round specimens are very rare. Since natural conch pearls are both rare and unique, finding matching pearls for sets, earrings and strands is extremely difficult, thus significantly increasing both the cost and the value of such sets.