was
a baroque Pearl weighing 1,800 grains, which. is thus described in the
catalogue of the Hope collection, published in 1839:—
"A
_most extraordinary large specimen of an Oriental Pearl, of an
irregular pear shape, measuring 2 inches in length, 4-1/2 inches in
circumference at the broadest end, and 3-1/4 inches at the narrower end
; weighing 3 ounces, or 1,800 grains. About 1-1/2 inches of the Pearl
are of a fine bright orient ; the bottom part is of a fine bronze tint,
or dark green shaded with copper colour. This gigantic Pearl was
detached from the shell, but it was deemed necessary to leave a small
portion of the shell adhering to it, but which is of so fine an orient,
and so well polished, that it is not distinctly perceived to be of the
nature of shell.
"
Considering the growth of Pearls in general, .that they are a morbid
secretion of a species of oyster, which is of small size, it is
surprising to behold, in the present specimen, a mass of Pearl which
must surpass the fish which formed it at least six times in weight ;
and we may presume that it is the largest Pearl ever found. It is
surmounted with a royal crown of red enamelled gold, and studded with
fine brilliants, rubies, and emeralds."
This
specimen was for many years exhibited at the South Kensington Museum,
by permission of A. J. Beresford-Hope, Esq., and was sold this year/
