The Purple Pearl
A Newport, Rhode Island man picked this piece up for $14 in 2000 thinking it was a piece of costume jewelry. It turns out that the pin features a rare quahog pearl that could fetch upwards of $250,000 when it goes up for auction in Hong Kong after it has been exhibited in shows and museums. The brooch is suspected to be a Victorian piece. It is made of 18-karat gold, enamel and three small rose-cut diamonds and features two large natural quahog pearls. The quahog is a thick-shelled member of the clam family and so the quahog pearl is not technically a pearl since it does not come from an oyster or mussel. I grew up digging for quahogs on Cape Cod (or at least I sat in the boat while the quahoging was going on) and we never turned up any pearls, perhaps it's time to try again this summer.
Live from Microsoft's New Generation Xbox event!
Xbox Reveal liveblog on Joystiq
Dozens Killed in Oklahoma Tornado; Death Toll to Rise
Justin Bieber Booed, Gets Standing Ovation at Billboard Music Awards
2013 Billboard Music Awards Best and Worst Dressed
Watch: Kansas Meteorologist Seeks Shelter From Tornado
Xbox One architecture panel liveblog!
Selena Gomez Leaving Justin Bieber's House: Booty Call Rumors Swirl
Two Pilots Fired After Brazilian Pop Star Takes Captain's Seat Mid-Flight
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Carolyn Bourgault Dec 18th 2005 6:01PM
I have a gorgeous purple pearl out of a quahog, it looks just like that one. Any idea who I contact about it?
Nisha Wink Dec 27th 2005 11:17AM
My neighbor has a purple pearl found 30 years ago off Long Island. We'd also like to know who to contact about an appraisal.