
An official shows a piece of jewelery confiscated by the Philippine government from former first lady Imelda Marcos in 1986.

One of the most notable pieces up for auction is a rare 25-carat pink diamond.

The collection was seized in three batches. Philippines officials value the collection to be worth approximately 1 billion pesos, or $21 million.

Philippine authorities had the dazzling haul valued by auction authorities from Christie's and Sotheby's in November 2015, ahead of a possible sale.

The jewels will be exhibited to the public prior to auction. The collection has deep historical significance in the Philippines.

The government wants the entire collection to be auctioned before President Benigno Aquino III steps down next year.

An agency official displays a diamond-studded piece of jewelery from the collection. Imelda Marcos was renowned for her lavish spending during her husband's time in power.

The collection provides a stark look at how the Marcos family were living while the nation sank into poverty.

The collection includes a Cartier diamond tiara. It was valued as being worth up to 10 times initial estimates of $50,000.

The full collection includes pieces from famous jewelry makers such as Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bucellatti.