Scottish freshwater pearl sets world record
A famous Scottish freshwater pearl, the largest in living memory, sold recently at Edinburgh auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull for a total of £93,951, a world record for this type of pearl. It was estimated at between £40,000-60,000.
The Abernethy Pearl, part of The Cairncross Collection which sold to a Scottish buyer, was discovered nearly six decades go in 1967 and is the size of an average marble. It was named after its finder, William (Bill) Abernethy, known as Scotland’s last pearl fisherman. Pearl fishing was banned in Scotland completely in 1998.
Weighing 43.6 grains, the measurement used for natural pearls, the Abernethy peal is remarkable in its size and quality. It’s thought that only one in every 5,000 mussels found in Scottish rivers contains a pearl, and generally they are smaller than those found in saltwater.
It is believed the Abernethy Pearl, affectionately known as Little Willie, could have been quietly growing in its mussel for over 80 years before Bill found it, meaning it was created during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Bill died in 2021 aged 96 and never disclosed where he made the discovery.
Ruth Davis, Head of Jewellery at Lyon & Turnbull, said: “Cairncross’s championing of Scottish pearls made them a world-famous destination.
“It is wonderful that the world record price for The Abernethy Pearl, and the white glove result for The Cairncross Collection as a whole, will cement this legacy.
“We are pleased to be able to say that The Abernethy pearl has found a good home with its new buyer and will be staying in Scotland.
“It has been a real pleasure to present this collection and see the admiration given to Cairncross from across the UK and beyond.”
The collection featured pieces from renowned Scottish jewellers, Cairncross of Perth, which was established in 1869 by brothers Alexander and George Cairncross and finally closed its doors 154 years later in 2023.
Other auction highlights included an impressive Scottish freshwater pearl necklace, which fetched £17,640 and a stunning pair of diamond stud earrings, which sold for £13,860.