The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently examined one of the largest saltwater cultured pearls ever seen—so massive it barely fits the definition of “pearl.”
Discovered as part of a lariat necklace, this semi-baroque South Sea pearl, likely from a Pinctada maxima oyster, boasts a silvery hue with creamy patches and astonishing dimensions of 31 x 28.07 x 27.24 mm 🤯. For comparison, most South Sea pearls measure between 9 to 14 mm!
X-ray analysis revealed an intriguing internal structure: a hollow core, a round bead nucleus, and even metal wires, possibly inserted for durability and weight stability. 🧪 The presence of high strontium and low manganese confirmed its saltwater origin.
GIA experts say such hollow pearls filled with foreign materials—resin, shells, even other pearls—are rare but not unheard of. Still, this specimen stood out for its gigantic size and engineered core, making it a one-of-a-kind marvel.
📸 [Images: A lariat necklace with the pearl (left); X-ray showing wiring and a smaller pearl inside (right)]