August 1st 2024.
The beautiful country of Scotland is home to many treasures, both natural and man-made. But there is one particular pearl that stands out among the rest. Known as the Abernethy Pearl, it holds the title of being Scotland's largest freshwater pearl, and it is about to be sold at an auction for an estimated price of £60,000. This rare gem was discovered back in 1967 by a man named Bill Abernethy, who was famous for being Scotland's last pearl fisherman. Despite its immense value, Bill never revealed the exact location where he found it, adding to the mystery and allure surrounding the pearl.
Weighing an impressive 43.6 grains, the Abernethy Pearl is not only large but also of exceptional quality. Sadly, Bill passed away in 2021 at the age of 96, taking the secret of the pearl's origin with him. It is believed that only one out of every 5,000 mussels found in Scottish rivers contains a pearl, and they are typically smaller than those found in saltwater. The practice of pearl fishing was completely banned in Scotland in 1998, making the Abernethy Pearl even more valuable and rare.
Ruth Davis, the Head of Jewellery at Lyon & Turnbull, has had the privilege of handling and examining the Abernethy Pearl. It is clear that she holds a great appreciation for the pearl, as she affectionately calls it "Little Willie." The pearl had been growing inside its mussel for over 80 years before Bill discovered it, meaning it was created during the reign of Queen Victoria. This makes it not only a valuable gem but also a piece of history.
Another interesting fact about Bill is that he worked as a pearl diver alongside award-winning wildlife cameraman Doug Allan in the 1970s. In an obituary written after Bill's passing, Doug shared how Bill had a unique talent for knowing if a mussel contained a pearl just by looking at its size and shape. He also fondly remembers learning about the old craft of pearl fishing from Bill, including the specific words that only true pearl fisherman would use.
Doug and Bill would often walk for miles over fields until they reached their designated spot, carefully chosen by Bill for its high likelihood of finding pearls. He would then use his glass and stick to peer down at the riverbed, searching for the small lips of the shells buried in the sand. Doug admits that it was hard work, but Bill made it look effortless.
Bill's father, Robert, had trained him in the art of pearl fishing. This gave Bill a deep understanding of the mussels and the rivers in which they could be found. Once he had discovered the Abernethy Pearl, he carefully wrapped it in a dock leaf to prevent scratches and took it to Cairncross of Perth, a renowned Scottish jeweler that unfortunately closed down in 2023. The firm was known for its beautiful pearl jewelry and had a reputation for offering fair prices to local pearl fishers, preserving the legacy of this dying art.
The Abernethy Pearl will be the star of the upcoming auction of The Cairncross Collection on 21 August. Along with antique pieces, the collection also features contemporary designs from high-end designers and a selection of Scottish river pearls. Ruth Davis is excited about the auction and believes it will generate a lot of interest. She also adds that this collection is a final opportunity to own a piece of Perthshire history.
If you're interested in learning more about Scotland's culture and heritage, be sure to check out more stories on our website. And don't forget to subscribe to Scottish Field to read the latest issue. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be lucky enough to come across a rare gem like the Abernethy Pearl yourself.
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