Philippine Stamp: National Gem (South Sea Pearls)

The South Sea pearl is the unofficial national gem of the Philippines.

South Sea pearls are produced by the Pinctada maxima, a species of pearl oyster in the family Pteriidae. Pinctada maxima, the largest pearl oysters in the world, are found in the Philippines, Australia and Fiji.

The South Sea pearl is also featured in the reverse side of the Philippine one thousand peso bill of the New Generation Banknote Series.