The Loan Collection, South-Kensington: Largest known pearl, 1862

The Loan Collection, South-Kensington, 1862. 'A very large pearl, straight-sided, widening towards the lower part, which has a dark opalised tint. This pearl (the largest known) weighs 3oz., is 2in. long, and 4½in. in circumference; it is mounted as a pendant, in an arched crown of five vertical bars set with brilliants on a lining of crimson enamel, a gold border of emeralds, sapphires, and rubies; the back of the crown is chased gold. A. J. B. Beresford Hope, Esq.'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images)