[Caitlin]

http://www.gia.edu/events/29547/allu...pearls_p_1.cfm

http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/Pearls/blackbeauty1.htm

Below is a picture of the Drexel Pearl from the GIA link above. The picture is originally from the Smithsonian exhibit, but doesn't seem to be in the Smithsonian link.

The Drexel Pearl is named after Mary S. Irick Drexel, a well-known philanthropist, passionate jewelry collector, and patroness of the arts. Born in 1868, Ms. Drexel commissioned Cartier of America to make the Belle Epoque pendant-brooch in 1905. She and her husband, George W. Childs Drexel, later became well known for their support of Drexel University.
Although the exact origin of this one-of-a-kind pearl is unknown, it was likely found in French Polynesia. Since the French became a protectorate of Polynesia in the mid-1800's, it is likely that fine pearls at this time made their way back to France, and leading jewelers such as Cartier incorporated them into jewelry.
In this stunning beauty, you can't help but notice its remarkable gray color and pink overtones.
The subtle gray bodycolor serves as the perfect background for the iridescent colors that result from the interaction of incident light with the pearl's nacre. Its exquisite color combined with its long symmetrical shape and smooth surface make it a rare addition to the collection.
It is extremely rare to see this type of world-class natural pearl being traded today, as their recovery is now virtually non-existent.

Top Pearl:

Size: 12.85 x 12.90 x 10.30 mm
Weight: 48 grains (12 carats)
Bottom Pearl:
Size: 29.00 x 13.65 x 12.20 mm
Weight: 135.2 grains (33.8 carats)

Lender: Andrew Cohen S.A. of Geneva, Switzerland

[pattye]

If you click at the end of the Smithsonian page it will take you to page 2, it is almost off my computer screen. There you will find the Drexel pearl and others. However, the Drexel pear appears much lighter gray in the Smithsonian photo. Has anyone actually seen it, and what color is it?
Thanks, Pattye Saab

[effisk]

I have posted that link a couple of days ago in an other thread. These pearls are fabulous. I wish there were hi-definition pictures of them.

It's funny that the pearl of allah is never mentionned in those listings of record-breaking pearls. It isn't a pearl stricto sensu (it's a giant clam pearl Tridacna maxima), but still: 6kg, that makes a heavy pendant!

[National Pearl]

nice pictures!

[Valeria101]

More

LINK to AMNH