Bill Abernethy Last of Scotland Pearl Fishers

Little Willie, as this pearl is affectionately called, was found in 1967 by a well-known pearl fisherman by the name of William Abernethy...hence the nickname. It came from the River Tay.
The speed and rapids totally surprised me as I'm accustomed to the slow steady flow of the mighty Mississippi River near my home. Salmon and trout fishing is popular in the River Tay.

It's hard to realize the Abernethy pearl is a freshwater river pearl, which came from a Unio Margaretifera mussel, so perfectly round, so large (comparable to the size of a marble) and full of glowing luster. It was like you could look into it, not just at it.