Marie's Pearl

by Pete Campanella
(Long Island, NY)

We have had a Clam Pearl for over 25+ years and until the recent publicity over a couple finding one while eating out, we did not think of it.

Many years ago my wife took it to a jeweler at Macy's and was told it was a "Rock". She wanted to have it made into a ring but never did.

We came across the clam while digging off the Great South Bay Flats, Long Island, NY, back in the 80s and it was a little neck clam that produced a pearl colored object the size of a large pea.

It was nestled in a niche that had formed in the shell and is still very visible today as we have kept the shell. Till today the "Pearl" fits perfectly in its formed pouch.

Of course, now we are wondering if this oddity has any value and it certainly is not a rock as the Macy's appraiser had stated.

Enclosed is a photo just taken and would appreciate any comments or advice on value etc. Thank You