AuctionsOct 03, 2024
Dame Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Ready for Their EncoreAuctionsAug 19, 2024
Scotland’s Famed Abernethy Pearl Is Up for Sale
Known as “Little Willie,” it’s the largest freshwater pearl found in recent history in Scotland and is notable for its shape and color.
PHOTO Ruth Davis, FGA DGA, the head of jewelry at Scottish auction house Lyon & Turnbull, poses with the Abernethy Pearl in a shell. The pearl is expected to be the highlight of Lyon & Turnbull’s “The Cairncross Collection” jewelry auction, scheduled to take place this Wednesday, Aug. 21. (Photo credit: Lyon & Turnbull/Stewart Attwood)
PHOTO The Abernethy Pearl in loose form. William Abernethy found the pearl that bears his name in 1967. It could have been growing in its mussel shell for more than 80 years prior to its discovery, meaning it began forming sometime during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). (Photo credit: Lyon & Turnbull/Alex Robson)
Edinburgh, Scotland—A large pearl fished out of a river in Scotland 57 years ago and nicknamed “Little Willie” is going up for auction this week.
On Wednesday, Edinburgh auction house Lyon & Turnbull will offer the Abernethy Pearl, a Scottish freshwater pearl named after the man who discovered it, the late William (Bill) Abernethy.
Trained as a pearl fisherman by his father and known as a master of the craft, Abernethy found the gemstone that bears his name in a mussel shell in 1967, though he never publicly disclosed where in Scotland he found it.
He took it to renowned family jeweler Cairncross of Perth, where it has remained ever since.
The natural freshwater pearl weighs 10.91 carats and is 10.5-10.6 mm in size, according to its report from The Gem & Pearl Laboratory in London.
It is the largest Scottish pearl recovered in recent history, though it is not the largest of all time, the auction house noted. That honor belongs to the Kellie Pearl set in the Crown of Scotland, which dates to the 1540s and is one of the oldest surviving crowns in Europe.
In a video made for the Lyon & Turnbull YouTube channel, Head of Jewellery Ruth Davis explains why the Abernethy Pearl was such a rare find.
“Scottish pearls are often very varied in color and shape. They display a cream to brownish, sometimes more whiteish colors, and the shape itself is often very misshapen—sometimes ovoid, sometimes round, sometimes completely baroque,” she said.
“To have a large example of perfect spherical form with a fantastic luster and beautiful color is very unusual.”
Watch: Ruth Davis Praises the Abernethy Pearl
On Wednesday, Edinburgh auction house Lyon & Turnbull will offer the Abernethy Pearl, a Scottish freshwater pearl named after the man who discovered it, the late William (Bill) Abernethy.
Trained as a pearl fisherman by his father and known as a master of the craft, Abernethy found the gemstone that bears his name in a mussel shell in 1967, though he never publicly disclosed where in Scotland he found it.
He took it to renowned family jeweler Cairncross of Perth, where it has remained ever since.
The natural freshwater pearl weighs 10.91 carats and is 10.5-10.6 mm in size, according to its report from The Gem & Pearl Laboratory in London.
It is the largest Scottish pearl recovered in recent history, though it is not the largest of all time, the auction house noted. That honor belongs to the Kellie Pearl set in the Crown of Scotland, which dates to the 1540s and is one of the oldest surviving crowns in Europe.
In a video made for the Lyon & Turnbull YouTube channel, Head of Jewellery Ruth Davis explains why the Abernethy Pearl was such a rare find.
“Scottish pearls are often very varied in color and shape. They display a cream to brownish, sometimes more whiteish colors, and the shape itself is often very misshapen—sometimes ovoid, sometimes round, sometimes completely baroque,” she said.
“To have a large example of perfect spherical form with a fantastic luster and beautiful color is very unusual.”
Watch: Ruth Davis Praises the Abernethy Pearl
Adding to the pearl’s rarity is the fact that pearl fishing has been banned in the country since 1998.
The ban was put in place because mussels were in danger of becoming extinct from Scotland’s rivers, partly due to over-fishing and partly due to higher rates of pollution, Davis said to National Jeweler via email.
“Traditional and highly experienced fishers were careful and trained to take only mussels that were likely to contain pearls; many could partially open the mussel and replace if it was empty, protecting the stock and therefore their livelihood,” she explained.
“However, there was an influx in less scrupulous [and/or] inexperienced fishers who took the mussels indiscriminately, and so stock became dangerously low.”
Through conservation work, Scotland’s mussel population seems to be slowly recovering, Davis added.
The Abernethy Pearl is expected to sell for £40,000-£60,000 (approximately $52,000-$78,000), plus fees.
It is the highlight of Lyon & Turnbull’s upcoming “The Cairncross Collection” auction featuring pieces from the renowned Scottish jewelers.
Opened in 1869 by brothers Alexander and George Cairncross, Cairncross of Perth was a family-owned jewelry store on St. John Street known for its strands of Scottish pearls and floral brooches.
The retailer championed Scottish pearls as a scarce natural resource and became the leader in the market, so much so that, according to Lyon & Turnbull, local pearl fishers, like Abernethy, brought their finds to Cairncross of Perth first.
Alistair Cairncross and his brother, Jimmy Cairncross, were the last member of the Cairncross family to own the store.
Scottish businesswoman Flora Rennie took over the shop in the late 1980s, and it stayed in business until July 2023. Its closure after 154 years marked the “end of an era,” the auction house said.
“The Cairncross Collection offers a final opportunity to obtain a piece of Perthshire history,” Davis said.
“As well as antique jewelry, including a beautiful pair of diamond stud earrings, weighing over 4 carats, the collection also includes more contemporary pieces, from high-end designers such as Picchiotti and enameled jewels by Victor Mayer, as well as a selection of Scottish river pearls.
“The Abernethy Pearl is, of course, the star of the sale and we’re excited to see the interest the auction will undoubtedly generate.”
The auction of the Cairncross Collection is scheduled to take place Wednesday at 2 p.m. BST/9 a.m. EDT live in Edinburgh and online.
Read more about the auction, browse the lots, and bid on the Lyon & Turnbull website.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
