The only gemstones in the world that originate from living things are pearls. These priceless gems are created by mollusks like oysters and mussels, which humanity has sought since ancient times. But did you know that a fisherman from the Philippines found the largest pearl weighing 24 kilograms?
The giant pearl measures 30 cm wide, 67 cm long, and weighs 34 kg. It was said to be worth more than $100 million. The fisherman was unaware of the pearl’s value and kept it under his bed as a good luck charm
The Discovery of the Giant Pearl
The largest natural pearl that has ever been discovered may have been hidden in the home of a Filipino fisherman for more than ten years.
The giant pearl measures 30 cm wide, 67 cm long, and weighs 34 kg. It will probably be worth more than 100 million dollars if it is determined that it formed within a giant clam, as stated.
A man from Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan reportedly discovered it more than ten years ago while out fishing, according to an article in the neighborhood Palawan News. He had to swim down to free the anchor from his boat since it had become stuck on the enormous clam.
He kept it as a charm for luck even though he was unaware of its potential value.
He gave it to his aunt Aileen Cynthia Maggay-Amurao, a tourist officer employed by the local government, when the time came for him to relocate to another area of the province.
That’s why he brought it to me, since it’s quite heavy.
Cynthia Maggay-Amurao, Tourist Officer
Maggay-Amurao gave the mayor, Lucilo R. Bayon, the pearl with the owner’s consent so that it may become a brand-new city attraction for tourists. It is currently exhibited in the atrium of Puerto Princesa’s New Green City Hall.
To verify the genuineness of the pearl, Maggay-Amurao told the Guardian that she was now looking for professional assistance.
So far, based on our research on the web, we cannot find any recorded article about this kind and as big as this size.
Cynthia Maggay-Amurao, Tourist Officer
Maggay-Amurao said the man was her nephew and had kept the pearl under his bed as a lucky charm.
He said every time he goes out for fishing, he will touch the pearl.
Cynthia Maggay-Amurao, Tourist Officer
(Source: The Guardian)
Is it the Largest Pearl in the World?
Maggay-Amurao encouraged all residents of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and Filipinos around the globe to raise awareness of the potential record-breaker. The post was shared on Facebook thousands of times.
If proven authentic, the pearl would be much larger than the previous record-holder, which, as Maggay-Amurao pointed out, also came from Palawan. The Pearl of Lao Tzu, measuring 6.4 kg, was discovered in 1939 by a local diver from Brooke’s Point in Palawan. Michael Buzz Steenrod, a gemologist based in Colorado Springs, estimated its value at $93 million in 2003. (Source: The Guardian)
Image from SBS