Big Old Oyster Found With Suspected Enormous Pearl Inside

An oyster believed to possibly be 150 million years old was recently found near the Solent strait, which separates mainland England from the Isle of Wight.  Discovered in the nets of a fishing boat, after the mud and dirt was washed off they realized it was not a rock but a large, solid, fossilized oyster shell which had turned to stone.  Given to the nearby Blue Reef Aquarium, they estimated the age based on the 200 annual growth rings found on the shell. The Aquarium recently performed an MRI on the oyster and found a golf ball sized object inside which experts believe could be one of the largest gem quality pearls in the world.  However, it is not expected to be larger than the clam produced, fourteen pound, uglier than hell Pearl of Allah (estimated worth of $60 million).

However pearl lovers...this oyster will not be opened anytime soon.  Experts are taking the high road on this one and preserving the integrity of the ancient find so anyone interested in the pearl as jewelry...you will have to wear this entire nasty thing around your neck along with the MRI results nailed so your forehead to everyone can see.

Abnormal MRI showing huge growth inside the oyster.  So glad this is not of my brain.

Contrary to popular belief, one should eat this oyster in months without "R"'s.

The Boris Karloff pearl...I mean the Pearl of Allah.

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...