'One of a kind' Abernethy Pearl goes on display

Abernethy pearl - photo by Kari

A "one of a kind" freshwater pearl that is the largest found in Scotland for more than 400 years has gone on display at the National Museum of Scotland (NMS).

The Abernethy Pearl was discovered inside a mussel near the River Tay in 1967, and is named after its finder William Abernethy.

It has been donated to the Edinburgh museum by retired jeweller and NMS volunteer Alistir Wood Tait who bought the pearl last year at auction for almost £94,000.

Measuring 11mm in diameter and weighing 43.6 grains, the perfectly round freshwater pearl is the largest found in Scotland since the 1621 discovery of the Kellie Pearl, which is set in the Scottish Crown.

Alistir says, "I'm delighted that it will remain in Scotland and is on permanent display in the National Museum, where as many people as possible will have the chance to see it."

SOURCE: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr5lg788r3o


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