What may be the world’s largest natural pearl was given to authorities last week after serving as a Filipino fisherman’s good luck charm for more than a decade.
The giant pearl measures in at 1 ft. wide, 2.2 ft. long and weighs 75 lb. If confirmed to be authentic, it could have a value of more than $100 million, according to the Guardian. The pearl was discovered off Palawan Island in the Philippines after the fisherman’s anchor became lodged on a giant clam. Unaware of its potential worth, the pearl remained tucked away under his bed for good luck.
Ten years later the man’s aunt, a local tourism officer, entrusted it to the city’s mayor to serve as an attraction, and it is currently exhibited at New Green City Hall in Puerto Princesa. She is seeking gemologists to authenticate the enormous jewel.
“So far based on our research in the web we cannot find any recorded article about this kind and as big as this size,” the aunt, Aileen Cynthia Maggay-Amurao said.
If the pearl is authentic, it would be much larger than the current record holder, which was found in 1939, also in Palawan waters.
[Guardian]
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