IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
AuctionsDec 08, 2016
Quahog Pearl Fails to Sell at Bonhams
The 16.64-carat purple pearl was expected to sell for up to $35,000 Wednesday and lead the Lapidary Works of Art, Gemstones and Minerals auction.
Expected to sell for up to $35,000 at Bonhams on Wednesday, this 16.64-carat non-nacreous Quahog pearl failed to meet its reserve price.
Los Angeles--A large purple Quahog pearl found by a Boston man shucking clams for dinner failed to sell at auction Wednesday.
The 16.64-carat non-nacreous pearl was expected to lead the Bonhams Lapidary Works of Art, Gemstones and Minerals auction in Los Angeles, with a pre-sale estimate of $25,000 to $35,000 (though the auction house first said the high would be $30,000, they later amended that.) But, it failed to meet its reserve price when it was on the auction block.
A man from Boston found the pearl when he was shucking Little Neck clams for dinner that he bought for $25.
RELATED CONTENT: 27-Carat Diamond Fails to Sell at Sotheby’s NY
Another Top Lot Fails to Sell, This Time at Sotheby’s HK
Rather than coming from an oyster, Quahog pearls come from thick-shelled North American “chowder” clams.
It’s estimated that only one in 100,000 Quahog clams actually produce a pearl of any kind and when they do, most are too unattractive to be used in jewelry. Very few have ever come up in public auction.
Bonhams described this one as having a near-spherical to button shape, rich lavender hue and excellent porcelaneous luster.
A few other stones that Bonhams highlighted ahead of the sale also failed to sell, including a rare, large yellow star sapphire weighing 75.43 carats expected to garner up to $80,000, and one of the largest tanzanite crystals in existence at 7.5 inches high and 4,015 carats, which had a pre-sale estimate of between $200,000 and $300,000.
The top lot of the sale ended up being a large gold nugget weighing 18.18 ounces that garnered $52,500.
A few of the other top lots were a large fossil of a palm from the Green River Formation of southwest Wyoming, which sold for $37,500, and a pair of demantoid garnets from the Ural Mountains in Russia. The transparent green rectangular cushion brilliant-cut garnets weighing approximately 2.68 carats and 2.43 carats sold for $33,750.
There also was a nephrite jade table on a custom forged iron stand, weighing 26 tons, by Ken Williams that went for $31,250, and a “superb” green beryl weighing 104.59 carats that went for $20,000. Bonhams called the stone “an exceptional example” of green beryl in terms of both its size and strength of hue, with a leaf-green color shown to its best advantage through the cut, clarity and luster.
For the full list of results, visit Bonhams.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
WatchesDec 18, 2025
Bob’s Watches to Open Store in New York’s JFK AirportThe boutique is slated to open this week inside Terminal 8, offering pre-owned Rolex watches and more to international travelers.
Supplier BulletinDec 18, 2025
Cell Jammers Are Targeting Your Business. Here's How to Beat ThemSponsored by Digital Monitoring Products
CrimeDec 17, 2025
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Swallowing Fabergé PendantThe special-edition egg pendant ingested in a New Zealand jewelry store was recovered after a six-day wait.
EditorsDec 17, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: The Best Piece of the Week PicksAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco plays favorites with Piece of the Week, selecting a standout piece of jewelry from each month of 2025.
CollectionsDec 17, 2025
Lucy Hale Stars in Jacquie Aiche’s Holiday CampaignThe “Love and Desire” campaign is inspired by the magic that follows when one’s heart leads the way, said the brand.
