Philippine Pearl, World's Second Largest, In Gems Auction

November 26, 2009 3:12 p.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (AHN) - A Philippine pearl reputed to be the world's second largest of its kind will be the main sale item in Sunday's winter auction of Natural History by U.S. auctioneer Bonhams & Butterfields.

Called the Palawan Princess, the rare and immense pearl weighs five pounds and measures six inches in diameter. The pearl's estimated value is between $300,000 and $400,000.

The pearl is accompanied by the lower half of the original giant clam shell from which it was removed showing the point of attachment where the pearl formed, according to a press statement from the auctioneer.

The clam was discovered by a professional pearl diver off the coastal waters of the Philippines.

The record holder for the largest pearl is the 14-pound Pearl of Allah.