Here is a transcript from CNN stating the Royal Family of Baroda is contesting the sale of the Baroda Pearls. Christie's isn't volunteering how they acquired the pearls, and the current owner is private. More pearl intrigue.
"New Delhi: It’s the ultimate double helix of royalty's DNA - two strings of 68 natural pearls each as big as a marble and considered to be the most beautiful in the world.
Created in 1850s for the Maharaja of Baroda, Khande Rao Gaekwad, his son gifted the royal necklace to his second wife. The marriage didn't last, but the pearls survived and were auctioned on Wednesday by Christie’s in New York for a $7.2 mn.
"It more than doubled the last world record price of $3.2 million (USD) for a natural pearl necklace. So we're absolutely thrilled." Says Head Of Jewelry at Christie's, Rahul Kadakia.
But the auction wasn’t without its share of controversies. How Christies managed to get the necklace is still a mystery.
Its ownership is being disputed by royal family of Baroda in Indian courts who are opposing it going under the hammer despite reports that the family tried to stop the auction.
And perhaps the biggest point of contention: A piece of Indian history is now owned by an anonymous phone bidder!"
Here's a video, although I don't know long the link will be active.
http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/39244/indias-royal-pearls-sold-for-72-mn.html
