Items that gorgeous may be extremely expensive but may not be collectible - in the sense that by holding it, its value may rise unlike such as pipes, art, pens, stamps, antique furniture. Jewelery is expensive because of its uniqueness so, I think that only by making it more unique then it's value will rise. For instance, as Jeremy mentioned, putting the pearl as the part of a designer's masterpiece, or creating utterly baseless rumours that some royalty of some faraway kingdom has eyes on it.
Great topic and great responses!