A freshwater pearl believed to be the largest of its kind discovered in living memory is set to be auctioned later this month. The Abernethy Pearl, weighing in at a substantial 43.6 grains, is expected to fetch up to £60,000 when it goes under the hammer at Lyon & Turnbull’s August 21 auction.
Discovered in 1967 by the late William Abernethy, often hailed as Scotland’s last pearl fisherman, the gem is part of the Cairncross Collection. The pearl is thought to have spent over 80 years growing within a mussel, dating its origins back to the reign of Queen Victoria.
Ruth David, Head of Jewelry at Lyon & Turnbull, expressed excitement about the auction, stating, “The Cairncross Collection offers a final opportunity to own a piece of Perthshire history. The Abernethy Pearl is undoubtedly the star of the show.”
While the Abernethy Pearl holds the title for the largest freshwater pearl found in recent times, the record for the largest Scottish river pearl ever discovered belongs to the Kellie Pearl, which is currently part of the Crown of Scotland.
Image: The Abernathy Pearl. (Lyon & Turnbull/Stewart Attwood)