Flawless Purple/Silver/White Quahog Clam Pearl Found 9/22/07

by Corey
(West Palm Beach, Florida)

Quahog Purple/Silver/White Pearl

Quahog Purple/Silver/White Pearl

I bought a bushel of littleneck clams on 9-21-07 and split them with my father. While eating a raw clam on the halfshell; I bit down into a pearl.


I really could not believe my eyes.

A pearl in a clam? How bizarre is that!

This pearl is different though.

It is about the size of a skittle, oval, perfectly symmetrical, perfectly flawless and shiny.

The most interesting feature is its color. It is dark purple or lavender on one side and gradually fades into silver and then to white. I think this pearl is seriously valuable just based on the information I have found.


I am posting this thread to find out more about other Quahog pearls, find out the value of my pearl and maybe find someone intrested in making an offer.

If anyone out there is knowledgable in this area please chime in.


Corey, West Palm Beach Florida

Comments for Flawless Purple/Silver/White Quahog Clam Pearl Found 9/22/07

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Aug 28, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Quahog pearls are non-nacreous
by: Kari

Hi Sulia, Congratulations on finding a quahog pearl on your birthday...wow, what fun and I'm glad too that you caught it in a cup.

Quahog pearls are non-nacreous, that's why you don't see the luster that some pearls have. Luster is one of the most important features of a pearl, still quahog pearls have significant value and are becoming quite collectable.

Thanks for sharing!

Aug 25, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A gift from God.
by: sulia

My story may seem a little bizzare but here it is anyway: It was my birthday, early in June, and being a clam lover all of my life I decided to treat myself for my birthday. I bought some cherry stone clams. I usually just open them over the sink but this time I had the strangest feeling to open them over a cup. I heard a clunck and thought, that must be a peice of the shell. Still, being a woman of faith that I try to be, I said, why not? I checked the cup and sure enough, there was a pearl. Now not only was it strange that I didn't open the clams as usual over the sink and could have lost it, but, it was my birthday and the pearl is one of my birthstones. I felt that it was a gift direct from God and cherish the thought. My pearl is about the same size as yours but the funny thing about it is that it doesn't have the lustre I see in all of the pictures on the web. It is a creamy color but, I guess you might say "opaque". Anyone know anything about that?
Apr 20, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Found one
by: Anonymous

I was having cohag clams the other night and bit down on a tiny pearl. Lavender in color, very small about the size of a bb.
Mar 25, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clam Pearl Massachusetts
by: Matty

I was eating some fresh dug Massachusetts clams this evening (3-25-2012) and bit down on something hard. Was afraid I broke my tooth. What I found was about half of a pearl (musta swallowed the other half) white in color, uniform, appears to be symmetrical. Too bad I bit down so hard. Would have been nice to have the entire pearl.
Jul 13, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just found one !!
by: Deb

I too was eating a clam ...in clam sauce..I had a clam partially opened .. when i saw the pearl.. mine is a little bit larger than a skittle, but shaped the same.

I bought the clams in CT...

Trying to find somewhere to get it appraised.
Sep 18, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstar 		found pearl
by: Pam

I found a pearl when biting in a clam this summer in the DC area. I am curious reading about other pearls found in clams, they have a purple color to them. This pearl is a off white color, no purple, oval, and the size of a jelly belly jelly bean. I thought that it was good size. It is very interesting reading about other pearls found in clams!
Aug 24, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		pink pearl
by: Anonymous

while eating clams from port townsend area, I bit into a perfectly round pink pearl. hmm, wonder whatever happened to it
Jan 04, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I have one also!
by: Wendy

I found a quahog pearl while I was digging for clams and eating them raw when I was a teenager (some 30 years ago!) I've kept it all this time, thinking I would put it into a piece of jewelry. It's perfectly symmetrical, off white and very pretty. It measures about 8.5mm. The picture doesn't show it's beauty.
Apr 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I have the same Pearl!!
by: Brandon**

I went clam Digging And bit into a pearl out in canada and It was exactly same color and same size as your pearl and I was wondering how much it is worth.. seems quite a bit!! I found it about a year ago and kept it in a little wooden box for quite a long time I was wondering who would buy it thoo
Mar 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Quahog Pearl
by: Terry

My mother was born in 1922 in Rhode island..she grew up during the depression. They were very poor and living near the ocean they had access to Quahogs, all they could eat. My mother found a teardrop Quahog pearl in 1939..she had it for years in her card board jewelry box and kept it because she Loved the purple color. About 28 years ago my oldest brother brought it to jeweler in NY and had it placed in a "bubble" pendant and was air-tight..it's been in there ever since..I have worn it occasionally but the bubble is not really attractive. I will not take it out though..it is sealed and safe. It is a Perfect tear-drop and we have it appraised for $18,000..it has all paper-work from a 1956 appraisal and has been verified with our insurance agency. It has been show-cased in 7 states via our jeweler and we have received a $12,600 offer on it. So, in fact there is a demand..it's just knowing where to go...and who to see. If I can figure out how to upload a pix..I'll be glad to show it. Until then.."Quahoggers" need to learn to generate their own market for these..they are rare and unique..everyone is different making them valuable therefore highly collectable...someone needs to start a web-page dedicated to those who wish to sell their pearls..each person should provide adequate pictures and sizes..the administrator can collect a fee or percentage from each sale..it should be a site dedicated to ONLY quahog pearls. I guarantee you'll be sitting on a goldmine. If there's any interest..let me know. I have a site that I can post on..and it can be tried instead of everyone sitting around wondering when, how and if. Thanks for your time. Terry..JBT and GIA Supervisor
Mar 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Upload photos
by: Kari

Photos and stories about your quahog pearls can be uploaded here: https://www.karipearls.com/quahog-pearl.html

I occasionally have folks wanting to buy quahog pearls, so if you are interested in selling your pearl please mention that in your post.

We love hearing these stories and it adds a lot to a post when a photo is included. I can add multiple photos for you as well if you email me at karipearls (at) gmail (dot) com

Thanks!
Mar 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pictures?
by: 3rd-gen-n8ive

So, let's see them!
Mar 16, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		I have lots of pearls
by: Anonymous

I've been in the clam business 30+years and have abut 30 pearls 4 or 5 are as pretty if not prettier....
Feb 24, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		2/24/09
by: Anonymous

My husband was eating littleneck steamers tonight at our local resturant and found a pearl on the edge of the clam.
Feb 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How rude!
by: Mandy

Having been the one to snap this up little beauty, I can tell you that, though small, it is *absolutely* something special. Sounds a lot like sour grapes to me. You might want to keep your comments positive or keep them to yourself.
Feb 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		nothing special
by: the truth

theres a lot better out there than that one,its small an not round,it isnt worth that much,a couple of hundred maybe,dont bother saving the quahog meat,save it for bait.if u could get a couple of hundred for it jump on it.
Jan 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wonder How Much Mine is Worth
by: Cathy

I just got on this site wondering about my pearl. I have one just like yours, but larger. Found it in a clam I was shucking in Colorado (yes, Colorado :). With this economy, however, I wonder how much I can actually get for it - or if I should hold on to it until the economy is in better shape.
Nov 12, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		lucky
by: 3rd-gen-n8ive

So lucky! Have lived (and eaten) on the Cape my whole life. Has always been my lot to get whatever was not supposed to be in the food on my plate. Have nearly broken teeth on pearls in oysters a dozen or so times. Wish the quahogs wold have given up their treasures to me as they have to you. Love the way the colors swirl. Will be keeping eyes open for one to make heirloom that won't break the bank. Seems to me that so many are hoping to sell them like an investment--it's only worth that much if someone's willing to pay it. I just want one to treasure for it's beauty.
Sep 28, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Quahog pearls
by: Mary Anne

I have two clam pearls that I aquired in 1965 when my mother died. My father caugth the clams in Barnegat Bay, NJ. One pearl is 8.5 mm and the larger one is 12.5mm. I recently met with a gemologist in NYC and was given the appraisals of $1,000.00 for the smaller one which has a crack in it thst can't be seen with the naked eye. The larger one was given a price between $8,000.00 to $10,000.00. They're both dark purple sorta like the one you have and the larger one has a lighter pale lavendar center. Both are fairly round, the smaller has more luster than the big one. My e-mail address is marostien(at)MSN(dot)COM
Aug 20, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		VA quahog pearl
by: Renee' , PA

In July of 2007 we went clamming in Chincoteague VA, came back and steamed and baked some. A friend found a pearl in one and gave it to me i thought he was pulling my leg. i made a charm out of it not thinking anything of it. decided to check into it and found your site. I am going to get it appraised. By the way he is now my boyfriend.
Aug 11, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Quick update
by: Mandy

This pearl has changed hands, and it is no longer for sale.
Jun 06, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		No luck?
by: Mandy

I saw your listing on eBay for this pearl. I'd love to own that little beauty, but it's way out of my price range. :\ What are you planning to do now?
May 28, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wanting to buy a Quahog Pearl
by: Kari

Is anyone interested in selling a purple Quahog pearl of at least 3mm for $300?

A lady who works with children cancer patients teaching them about gemstones is wanting to purchase one of at least that size.

Please contact me if you are interested in selling your Quahog pearl for this cause.
May 28, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		WANTING TO SELL
by: debbie

has anyone found how much much they are worth
i have 1 too
will sell it
thanks
May 27, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		FOUND A PEARL TOO
by: new orleans

i think i have found a quahog pearl, in an oyster. it's purple,black, and white. i was eating fried oysters at acme oyster house in new orleans and bit into something hard, to find a pearl. wounder if it's of any value. thank God did not break a tooth.
Apr 04, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Another Pearl
by: Joanne

Well-I have to say you found your pearl on my wedding anniversary of 28 years! Congrats to you! Just recently (March, 2008) my husband and I were enjoying some steamers and found a pearl also. We were in shock. No one finds pearls in clams-so we thought. To date we have not shown our find to anyone of importance, however, we are interested in finding more informaiton. I enjoyed reading your story.

Thanks,

Joanne
Mar 08, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I FOUND ONE TOO!!
by: LORI

HEY CORY, I FOUND A QUAHOG PEARL RIGHT HERE IN PORT ST. LUCIE FLA. MY SISTER TOOK ME TO THE FARMERS MARKET, AND I BOUGHT MYSELF 3 DOZEN CLAMS, CAME HOME, STARTED EATING THEM, AND BOOM,A PEARL!! TOOK IT TO THE JEWERLERS, AND IT WEIGHS 1.1 GRAMS. I WILL TAKE IT BACK TO OHIO WITH ME, AND SEE IF I CAN GET IT APPRAISED. GOOD LUCK WITH YOURS!! LORI P 03-07-08
Mar 07, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hey..
by: Rodolfo, and Nancy

Me and my wife just got back from eating at a restaurant and she did the same thing you did she bit a beautiful pearl that looks just like yours.. Perfect to that size of a pennie just as you show yours..Nice to have one. I think that was wierd to find actually come out of a clam..
Jan 23, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pennsylvania Quahog
by: Mark

I found a White Perfect Quahog about 9 years ago.

It looks to be the same size & shape as Corey's. It's really neat.

Mark in PA.
Jan 01, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cae Barton
by: Mark

I used to go quahog digging with my Aunt Cae Barton on the Cape a long time ago, we never found any pearls but my aunt was truly a gem, she passed away mid 2007.
Dec 31, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Found A Pearl
by: debbie

Hi,
I was eating cherrystone clams for New Year's Eve and bit into a pearl,
so got to surfing net and found your story. This is neat.

I was like, "Ohh my, what's this?"

My friend said, "That's a pearl!"

I was like, "No way."

But it is..was very excited and going to take it tomorrow to see of i can find anything about it.

Maryland
Dec 31, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I Got One Also
by: john

Just want to let you know I have had one for about 8 yrs. I found it in Florida and didn't think anything of it until I saw something on the abc news.

How much do you think they are worth?
Nov 11, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Quahog pearl for sale!
by: Kari

Corey's Quahog pearl is for sale!

He was offered $500-$1,000 for it, site unseen, but was told by other experts it was worth at least $5,000.

Check out more photos and contact form here on this website: www.karipearls.com/quahog.html

Let him know via the contact form on that page if you'd like to purchase his pearl.

Kari
Nov 11, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Interesting
by: Anonymous

Hi Corey,

Were you able to get more information about your pearl? Better yet, did you find out it's value?
Sep 30, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Quahog pearl
by: Greta

Hi there,



Absolutely neat. What a find. Hope he gets tons of money for it.

Greta


Sep 28, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How fascinating!
by: Felicity

What an interesting find! I hope your teeth are still in tact! Glad you didn't swallow it. Thanks for the show and tell.
Sep 28, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Amazing
by: Anonymous

The picture doesn't seem to do it justice
Sep 28, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Amazing!
by: Anonymous

Amazing! I'd liketo bite into a clam and find an pearl.

Good picture, too. Accurately shows the size of the pearl.

How much is a pearl like this worth?

--Mark
Sep 28, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Nice
by: john s.

I am just going to say that's a beautiful one of a kind pearl . You might say priceless if you didn't put it for sale ,hence not having an established price.
Sep 27, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Beautiful Pearl
by: Andrew

I do not know what it is worth but it looks like beautiful pearl. Thanks
Sep 27, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		B-Day Pearl
by: Chelsey Lynds

This may not be a knowledgable comment, but you found that pearl on my birthday September 21st! That is so cool! Maybe I am like that pearl...multi-faceted, complex, beautiful. I would make an offer but I have no money. Hope your selling goes well!
Sep 27, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		princess of my domain
by: Anonymous

that is a great pearl story. I write short stories, May I use that in one sometime in the future,

dianamo@carolina.rr.com
Sep 26, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A Beautiful Pearl !
by: Kari

Corey,

Your pearl is beautiful! The chances of finding a Quahog pearl are pretty slim.....Lucky You!

The three colors make it especially stunning.

A purple Quahog pearl was recently discovered in an antique brooch and is quite valuable.

Anyone else found a Quahog Pearl?

Kari

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