La Lollo's Pearls for Stem Cell Research

Gina Lollobrigida auctioned her magnificent jewelry collection to raise money for stem cell research. Once considered an iconic sex symbol and "the most beautiful woman in the world", she donated the nearly US$ 5 million from the sale to support the research.

"I bought this jewelry to make a gift to myself for my very successful career. These jewels made me feel independent. Now I have another desire, a bigger one. This jewelry will help a lot of children to have a normal life.” said Lollobrigida in the interview posted on Sotheby’s website.

Gina Lollobrigida wearing her gorgeous natural pearl earrings (Photos via dailymail.com.uk)

The noble cause attracted generous collectors. A pair of diamond and natural pearl earrings, which the actress wore on numerous landmark occasions in her career, sold for a record US$2.39 million!

Natural pearl earrings fetched a record-breaking price of US$ 2.39 million
(Photos via dailymail.com.uk)

The record-breaking earrings are adorned with silver white drop-shaped natural pearls measuring approximately 15.6 x 12.1 x 24.9mm and 15.9 x 13.8 x 23.3mm and clusters of diamond sparkles. Said to have belonged to the historic collection of the House of Habsburg, the jewel was pursued by no less than eight bidders before selling to a buyer in the room.

Battle of the Titans: Lollobrigida's pearls beat the record set in 2011 by earrings that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor
(Photos via: sothebys.com and christies.com)

The earrings beat a previous record set in 2011 from the sale of natural pearl and diamond earrings owned by Elizabeth Taylor. The other pair fetched a measly US$ 1.98 million…

Beautiful pearls with a beautiful purpose.