Abernethy pearl
Scottish freshwater pearl discovered in 1967
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Abernethy Pearl, also known as the Little Willie Pearl, is a 43.60-grain (2.825 g) freshwater pearl[1] named after William Abernethy (1925–2021), who discovered it in the River Tay in Scotland in 1967.[2][3] It is also known as Bill's Pearl.[1]
The Abernethy Pearl was produced by a mussel belonging to the species Margaritifera margaritifera. It is spherically shaped and coloured white with a slightly pink overtone.[2][4]
The pearl was reportedly valued at £10,000 in 1967 (equivalent to £205,926 in 2024).[5] It was displayed at A&G Cairncross jewellers in Perth[6] before being sold at auction for £93,951 in 2024.[7] It is now on display at the National Museum of Scotland.
