Pearls on parade

October 01, 2007

Multicolor Ikecho freshwater-pearl necklace by A and Z Pearls with 18-karat yellow-gold clasp and pearls ranging from 14-18 millimeters; suggested retail price is $15,000-$20,000.

By Catherine Dayrit

Forget the Year of the Pig—2007 is very well shaping up to be the year of the pearl.

This spring, Christie's saw the sale of the world's most important natural pearl necklace with matching earrings, brooch and rings—the Baroda Pearls—fetch $7.1 million, a new record for pearls at auction.

But it isn't just the ultra-luxe end of the market that's seeing an upswing. Mid-level consumers are also clamoring for the luminous baubles as editorial pages in fashion magazines touting fashion-forward designs put renewed interest on the once-dowdy gems.

To see the latest entry-level, mid-level and couture pearl designs, download Pearls on parade.