GENEVA (AP) — A large, drop-shaped natural pearl pendant (above) sold for
a hammer price of $32 million at an auction of jewelry that once belonged
to French Queen Marie Antoinette, which Sotheby’s is calling a record
price for a pearl at auction.

The "Queen Marie Antoinette’s Pearl," a diamond-and-pearl pendant, was
among the highlight offerings on the block at the Sotheby’s sale of Bourbon-
Parma dynasty jewelry.
     
 

Marie Antoinette (Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna)
November 2, 1755 – October 16, 1793)

Marie Antoinette was the last Queen of France before the
French Revolution. She was convicted by the Revolutionary
Tribunal of high treason and executed by guillotine on the
Place de la Révolution.