# Pearl Maxima

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**Pearl Maxima** is one of the largest true [pearls](/source/Pearl) or [nacreous](/source/Nacre) pearls in the [world](/source/World). This irregularly shaped pearl has a weight of 2385 [grains](/source/Grain_(mass)) (119.25 [grams](/source/Gram)) and is 71 millimetres long. Its colour varies from cream to gold.[1]

## History

The first known owner of the pearl was Sir Hendrik Coenraad Sander, who auctioned the pearl in Amsterdam in 1778.[2] The Polish count Plonsky from [Gdańsk](/source/Gda%C5%84sk) was the second known owner of the pearl. In 1865, King [Victor Emmanuel II of Italy](/source/Victor_Emmanuel_II_of_Italy) bought the pearl, but around 1868 he sold it to Willem van Kooten, a [Dutch](/source/Dutch_people) [goldsmith](/source/Goldsmith) from [Amsterdam](/source/Amsterdam). Willem van Kooten inserted the Pearl Maxima into a [golden](/source/Gold) basement with [precious stones](/source/Precious_stones). The current owner bought it from the heirs of Willem van Kooten.[1]

Since its arrival in the [Netherlands](/source/Netherlands) it has been on display only twice; the most recent time was from 19 December 2008 until 23 February 2009 in the National Museum of Natural History "[Naturalis](/source/Naturalis)" in [Leiden](/source/Leiden), the Netherlands.[1]

## References

1. Naturalis (2008). Reuzenparel twee weken te zien in Naturalis. Press Release dated 10 December 2008.

1. A description and history of one of the largest nacreous pearls in the world. *Journal of Gemmology* 2009, vol. 31, no 5-8, pag. 196-202

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