Abernethy pearl

The Abernethy pearl, also known as the Little Willie pearl, is a 43.60-grain (2.825 g) freshwater pearl[1] discovered in the River Tay, Scotland in 1967. The pearl is named after its discoverer, William Abernethy (1925–2021).[2][3] It was previously known as Bill's pearl.[1]

The River Tay, where the pearl was discovered

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 £164,596 in 2019).[5] It is now displayed at the A&G Cairncross in Perth.[6]

References
  1. Manutchehr-Danai, Mohsen, ed. (2009). "Abernethy Pearl". Dictionary of Gems and Gemology. p. 2. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-72816-0_36. ISBN 978-3-540-72795-8.
  2. Larif, Shihaan. "Abernethy Pearl aka Little Willie Pearl - Scottish Freshwater Pearl". Internet Stones.COM Network. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  3. "Bill Abernethy obituary". The Times. 4 December 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  4. Ferguson, Chris (26 November 2021). "Bill Abernethy, who found Scotland's largest freshwater pearl, dies aged 96". The Courier. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  5. "Call for a ban on pearl fishing to save endangered river mussels". The Herald. 10 November 1996. Retrieved 22 May 2021. ...the more recent exploits of Mr Bill Abernethy, who discovered the famous Little Willie pearl - valued at #10,000 in 1967 - have inspired hundreds of fortune-seekers.
  6. Farn, Alexander E. (1986). Pearls, natural, cultured, and imitation. London: Butterworths. p. 54. ISBN 9781483162737.


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