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The Giga Pearl - The World's Largest Natural Pearl - Resurfaces in Toronto

  • Writer: Anthony Wu
    Anthony Wu
  • Feb 28
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 3

It's been a while since I last wrote about the Giga Pearl! To be exact, my last blog on this subject was July of 2019 after the Giga Pearl was unveiled to the public. Because of the attention brought through the Toronto newsfeeds, the Giga Pearl quickly got picked up by the international media like the BBC.


For those who are not familiar with the Giga Pearl, it is the world's largest GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) certified natural pearl. It weighs an incredible 27.65 Kg (61 lbs) and sits on a custom-made bronze octopus mount created by Buffalo-based artist Bethany Krull. The Giga Pearl's owner is Mr. Abraham Reyes, and it was passed down to him as a family heirloom. Over the years, I have been assisting Mr. Reyes as an art advisor.


But of course after the Giga Pearl's introduction to the world, the pandemic occurred and this massive specimen had to go into hibernation for a couple of years. (Note: since then, the Giga Pearl did end up getting its own wikipedia page and got certified in the 2021 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest non-nacreous pearl!)


As friends of Mr. Reyes would know, he has a profound love of collecting pearls, gemstones and Asian art. During the pandemic years, he developed himself as an artist that combines each of these elements.


So in 2025, Mr. Reyes produced his first solo exhibtion titled 'Beneath the Surface' which runs from February 18 to March 18 at Avante Garde (by private appointment only). This show contains artwork that Mr. Reyes created during and after the pandemic years.


In the exhibition, the focus is to allow the viewer 'to reconsider what we often define as rare and valuable'. Based on his love for pearls and gemstones, including diamonds, sapphires and rubies, Mr. Reyes uses these natural wonders of the world and applies them directly to his works. In addition to the objects' obvious intrinsic worth, he attempts to showcase their innate beauty and imperfections as well.


Introduction text panel to Toronto-based artist Abraham Reyes and his art show at Avante Garde 'Beneath the Surface' in February of 2025

Image 1. The introduction to 'Beneath the Surface' with Mr. Reyes' work 'Eruption' (2022) which is made of 100 natural pearls, rubies, emeralds, multicolour tourmaline and glass shards.


A view of various artwork at Toronto-based artist Abraham Reyes' art show  'Beneath the Surface' at Avante Garde in February of 2025

Image 2. A view of the gallery with a whole series of works encrusted by pearls and precious gemstones. (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel)


'Sacred Beauty Series' (2022) at Toronto-based artist Abraham Reyes' art show  'Beneath the Surface' at Avante Garde in February of 2025

Image 3. 'Sacred Beauty Series' (2022) which is made of natural pearls, rubies, natural crushed diamonds and metalwork. (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel) These works depict a dialogue between the sacrifice and violence associated with the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.


Various natural pearls at Toronto-based artist Abraham Reyes' art show  'Beneath the Surface' at Avante Garde in February of 2025

Image 4. A group of natural pearls from Mr. Reye's collection. (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel)


Various Chinese Song (Sung) Dynasty ceramics at Toronto-based artist Abraham Reyes' art show  'Beneath the Surface' at Avante Garde in February of 2025

Image 5. A group of Sung Dynasty Vessels. These objects are from Mr. Reye's private collection and are in fact historical objects from China's Sung (Song) Dynasty (AD 960-1279). These were exported throughout Southeast Asia as daily utilitarian wares.


Mr. Reyes added some gold leaf to one of these vessels to transform what would be a common household item into a contemporary work of art.


Anthony Wu taking a photo with 'Forbidden' by Abraham Reyes at his February 2025 exhibition 'Beneath the Surface' in Toronto

Image 6a. An 'artsy' photo of myself taking a photo with 'Forbidden' (2024).


'Forbidden' by Abraham Reyes at his February 2025 exhibition 'Beneath the Surface' in Toronto

Image 6b. 'Forbidden' (2024) is constructed of thorns, rough and faceted rubies, cabochon garnets, and glass shards. This work plays on the dichotomies of desire and restraint.


Anthony Wu taking a photo of 'Belief' from the 'Sacred Beauty Series' by Abraham Reyes at his February 2025 exhibition 'Beneath the Surface' in Toronto

Image 7a. Another 'artsy' photo of myself taking a photo with 'Belief' (2022).


'Belief' from the 'Sacred Beauty Series' by Abraham Reyes at his February 2025 exhibition 'Beneath the Surface' in Toronto

Image 7b. 'Belief' (2022) is made of a natural blister pearl, natural pearls, rubies, amethyst, and metalwork. This work is the focal point of the 'Sacred Beauty Series'.


The world's largest pearl, the Giga Pearl, sitting in artist Bethany Krull's octopus mount at Abraham Reye's February 2025 exhibition 'Beneath the Surface' in Toronto (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel)

Image 8a. And finally, the focal point of the 'Beneath the Surface' exhibtion is the Giga Pearl! (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel) This shot was taken by the professional photographer prior to the exhibition's opening.


Anthony Wu taking a photo of the  world's largest pearl, the Giga Pearl, sitting on artist Bethany Krull's octopus mount at Abraham Reye's February 2025 exhibition 'Beneath the Surface' in Toronto (Photo courtesy of George Pimentel)

Image 8b. A photo of myself taking a photo of the Giga Pearl amidst the heavy security presence. Those are actual Toronto police officers!


Photo of Anthony Wu and Mr. Abraham Reyes with the Giga Pearl at the exhibition opening 'Beneath the Surface' in February 2025

Image 8c. A photo of myself and Mr. Abraham Reyes with the Giga Pearl.


Since 'Beneath the Surface' started, there were numerous Toronto online articles about Mr. Reyes and his artwork. But of course most of the attention is focused on the Giga Pearl! Some of these include (with current updates):



So what's next for the Giga Pearl? I asked Mr. Reyes about this and he says he is trying to make up for lost time because of the pandemic. In addition to showcasing the Giga Pearl, he intends to present his artwork to a global audience. So hopefully there will be more opportunities for his wonderful artwork and the Giga Pearl to be showcased over the coming months and years!


Hope you enjoyed reading this blog and if you haven't done so, please follow me on my Instagram feed @anthonywuart. You can also read more about Mr. Reyes' artwork on his website Abraham Reyes Art.

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