MANILA – A Filipino-Canadian man now owns one of the world’s largest pearls, a family heirloom that once just sat in his family’s home in Manila.
Abraham Reyes, who is now based in Mississauga, Ontario, said the 27.65-kilogram pearl was brought by his uncle from Camiguin as a “pasalubong” to his aunt back in 1959.
The family heirloom, which was named “Giga Pearl,” came into Reyes’ possession in 2016.
“In 2016 when she was unloading her estate…the family members were more interested with the estate, the home, mine is the collection of art,” Reyes told Canadian broadcaster CTV News.
The pearl, now encased in bronze octopus sculpture, is valued between $60 and $90 million (P3.13 to P4.7 billion). Reyes had the pearl authenticated by the Gemological Institute of America in New York City, according to an Inquirer report.
Reyes said he has no plans of selling the pearl. He said he wants to showcase pearl in various museums.
“My goal is to have it brought to the museum or galleries for the world to see it. I want it to be used to create environmental awareness,” Reyes said.
“A pearl is [possessed] by luck. Owning it is an honor, It’s such an accomplishment, [as if] you were chosen by fate. I want the world to enjoy it.”
Although the Giga Pearl is massive, what is thought to be world’s largest pearl which weighs 34 kilograms is owned by a fisherman from Palawan.
The pearl was put on display at the city hall of Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital of Palawan.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
