Kulthum's pearl necklace to be auctioned

Cairo -- A nine-row pearl necklace which once belonged to the late Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum reportedly is to be auctioned off in Dubai next month.

The necklace, which was a gift to Kulthum from the United Arab Emirates' late ruler Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, is said to have been made around 1880, al-Arabiya reported Tuesday.

It could sell for close to $120,000 when it hits the auction block as part of the Contemporary Jewels and Watches sale in Dubai April 29, the report said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.