Memorable Pearls - Gigantic Pearls

PEARL OF ALLAH:  The largest pearl on record is the Pearl of Allah, discovered in the Philippines in 1934.  It got its name due its resemblance to a turbaned man.  Measuring about 9.45 inches long and weighing 14 pounds, it has a sort of porcelain look to it that was caused by the interior of the giant clam (and I do mean giant) from which it was recovered. It is now valued at $40 million.  This pearl definitely creeps me out and looks a more like Boris Karloff from the Mummy...

Spooky resemblance........
 

ARCO-VALLEY PEARL:  The second largest pearl in the world is the the Arco-Valley pearl. It is a baroque, natural, saltwater blister pearl weighing 575 carats and dates back to the 11^th century. The Arco-Valley pearl is said to have been owned by several emperors and travelers including Marco Polo and Genghis Kahn. The Arco-Valley pearl has a nacreous effect rather than the porcelain effect of the Pearl of Allah. It is also not nearly as scary looking as the Pearl of Allah. Small holes can be found on the Arco-Valley pearl which suggest that it was once used in a tiara or a crown, which would have been really heavy considering how big the thing is. The Arco-Valley Pearl was unseen for many years until 2007 when the pearl was put up for auction in Abu Dhabi.  It was valued at $8 million, however it is not known  exactly the pearl was sold to but it is said to have a home somewhere in Europe.  It probably has it's own wing.

Very possibly the irritant used to form the Arco-Valley pearl.

This photo of the Arco-Valley pearl puts the pearl's size into perspective.  Next to the hand, you can see  how big the pearl really is.  Talk to the hand...

HOPE PEARL:  The Hope Pearl is an irregular pear-shaped pearl weighing approximately 450 carats and is still one of the largest pearls in the world.  It is two inches long and is four and half inches in diameter.  This pearl is so large it even has its own tiara - a crown of rubies, diamonds and emeralds.  The color at one end is white and the other is more of a bronze or green tint. It is considered baroque and currently resides in the Natural History Museum in London. Previously, it was owned by the former owner of the Hope Diamond, Henry Philip Hope. The audacity of one man owning the Hope Diamond AND the Hope Pearl - and both are in museums and not on a woman's finger or around her neck.   I could only hope it shows up in my jewelry box one day...