This astounding 5-pound pearl, found in the waters off the Philippines, will be auctioned in September.

OCEANSIDE, N.Y. – Sometime in September, on a day and time still to be determined, Philip Weiss Auctions will offer a truly unique object—a pearl weighing an incredible five pounds and measuring six inches across.

The brain-shaped specimen—officially a giant non-nacreous natural blister pearl—was found in the waters off the Philippines, in the giant clam Tridacna Gigas. It is one of the largest pearls ever found, according to Weiss.

A team of expert gemologists analyzed the pearl, using digital radiography, close magnification and data provided by a hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) unit.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime look at one of nature’s most unique treasures,” said Mitch Jakubovic, a gemologist with European Gemological Laboratory USA. “A pearl this size is not only the largest one we’ve ever seen, it is among the largest pearls ever seen anywhere.”

David Bidwell, a senior appraiser with Universal Gemological Services (EGL USA’s appraisal affiliate), said “This is clearly one of the most valuable pearls of its kind in the world today. I will be very curious to see what it sells for.”

The pearl was consigned to Philip Weiss Auctions by its current owner.

“To coin a phrase,” Bidwell said of the consignor, “you might say the pearl world is his oyster.”

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