Purple Pearl Cherrystone Clam Find

by Leslie Brock

Purple Cherrystone Clam Pearl

Purple Cherrystone Clam Pearl

We found a purple iridescent pearl, 6 mm. It's beautiful. News 12 WPEC has had it all over the news on 12-28-07. It came out of a Cherrystone Clam.


Please phone me with any info. It would be appreciated,

Thankyou,
Leslie Brock
561-793-5248

Comments for Purple Pearl Cherrystone Clam Find

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Oct 28, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Selling my pearl
by: Cip

I found a 7.84 carrot northern quahog clam In my clams casino. Took it to GIA and they loved it.
I have the GIA report if anyone is interested.
Thanks
Oct 21, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not sure about appraisal
by: Kari

Hello, Congrats on finding a purple pearl. One in the news so much lately was apparently appraised by GIA, however, I didn't know they appraised pearls. You could compare yours to some on my site to get a rough idea of value.

https://www.karipearls.com/quahog-pearls.html

Thanks for sharing!
Kari
Mar 30, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purple pearl
by: Anonymous

I found a purple pearl in a clam.
How can I get it appraised??
Mar 05, 2022
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I found a grey pearl in a clam
by: Anonymous

I found a grey pearl in a clam. Can I get it appraised?
Mar 02, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you message.
by: Francesco.

To Kari.

Thanks a lot for your prompt answer to my question, I do appreciate very much.

Francesco.
Mar 01, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Common appraisal
by: Kari

Hello,

Congratulations on finding a rare quahog pearl. Even if it is small....it is special!

These are commonly appraised between $200-800/carat. Maybe a kind, local jeweler would weigh it for you.

Thanks for sharing.
Kari
Feb 28, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black 4mm pearl just found in a Charrystone clam.
by: Francesco .

Black, shiny and beautyful little pearl.
Dimension: Perfectly sferic 4 millimeters.

Is there anyone that can tell me how much is its worth?
Jan 16, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help with my pearl!
by: Anonymous

I was in Honolulu Hawaii about a year ago, I was visiting my mother, and while visiting, I shucked an oyster, and retrieved a pearl. It was fairly dark outside, so I could not really get a good look at it until I returned to the apartment.

It is a purple pearl. I have never seen one before, it's s solid dark purple shade, the pearl is perfectly round with no blemishes or marks. It's perfect.

I'm back in Florida, and I never really put much thought back into the pearl, and I kind of forgot about it honestly, until I found the pearl in my jewelery box. I never had it set, bc I didn't have the money at the time.

I would like to get it appraised, but I cannot find anyone in the Orlando area that can give me a value. Does anyone have any suggestions?

My email address is awaisanen86@gmail.com

Thank you very much
Dec 27, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purple pearl
by: Kari

Hi Violet,

Thanks for your post. It would be unusual to find a purple pearl in an oyster. Perhaps it was from a quahog clam.

I don't know what size your pearl is but the offer seems very low to me. It's good you decided to wait on that.

On this page are listed 2 folks who appraise purple pearls, so you might check them out.

Bonhams auction house sold 4 purple quahog pearls and a polished purple quahog shell for $60,000. You can see the post on this page. I'm not sure that's the sale you are referring to, but it shows they can fetch a nice price.

In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying your pearl! What a treasure it must be from your father.

God bless & I hope you had a lovely Christmas!

Dec 26, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purple pearl.
by: Anonymous

About 70 years ago my Father was opening oysters and he found a purple pearl. I have it today. Last month I took it to a jeweler and he offered my $150 to $200 for it. Said he did not have a need for any but would give me some thing for it. I said I would think it over and get back to him. Some where long ago I read the some one got $40,000. for one. I do not know where to go to find out if it was worth more then he offered. I would like to investigate and find out just what the true value is. I am suprised to hear that so many people have found them. I was little but am almmost certin my Dad found it in an oyster shell. If you find anything out I will check this web site to read about it then give my contact address....Thank you Violet K.
Oct 22, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Appraisal
by: Kari

Hello Fritz,

Lucky you finding a pearl! I'd be thrilled to find a quahog pearl.

Here are 2 appraisers who will give you a value on your pearl:

David Bidwell in New York
(212) 730-7380 Ext. 215

Gina Latandresse in Tennessee
615-298-4111

I do offer a few for sale on my site, so contact me if that would interest you.

God bless and congrats again on your find!
Oct 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clam Pearl
by: Fritz

We bought 50 clams locally this weekend and I steamed them last night. Local Delmarva tidal waterway harvest, not sure of exact location at this time but will ask the merchant in the near future. We were almost finished with the count when I bit down on something hard. It was very dark, slightly iridescent, nearly a mahogany in color. measures 5.15mm in size. almost round with one slightly flattened side. If anyone knows what the value may be or who in the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia area we might contact for a fair appraisal would be appreciated.

Please call or send txt. message to: 410-430-8633
Sep 20, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Small White Pearl In My Clams Casino
by: Anonymous

Bit down on my clam casino and thought it was a shell and a small white pearl fell into my plate.

I have read the column and now wish I saved the shell. Not alot of white ones in this column.

Any idea on the rarity of this?

Please post
Sep 13, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dark Purple Clam Pearl
by: Jim

I have a very dark purple pearl that I found in a cherrystone clam a few years ago. It is a good size. If anyone has any idea on value,please contact me at - jcostatico(at)gmail(dot)com 9/12/10
Aug 24, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		quahog pearl
by: Kari

Quahog pearls are very rare and have value. They might not be worth millions as some rumors that are circulating may seem to indicate, but they do have value. Value is determined by weight in carats (maybe a local jeweler would weigh it for you), size, color (darker colors are worth more), shape, etc.

I suggest you have an appraiser check out your pearls. EGL lab in New York appraises quahog pearls and so does Gina Latendresse in Nashville, TN.

If you are interested in offering your quahog pearls for sale, please contact me and I'll explain my policies of offering them for sale on Karipearls.com

Congratulations on finding a quahog pearl. You have a rare treasure!

Aug 23, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		purple stone
by: Anonymous

I found a purple stone in a clam. What is it worth???
Aug 19, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		clam pearl
by: Anonymous

In late 70's, a boyfriend and I were clamming off Long Beach Island in NJ. While opening clams, a pearl dropped out into my bowl. I put it in a medicine bottle and have saved it since. Just today I came across reference to these pearls and wonder how I go about determining value. It is oval shaped with a darker purple at the wide end, then the color lightens as it comes to the narrow end. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Apr 25, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dark purple pearl good size cherrystone
by: Anonymous

Salt water cherrystone clam pearl. Good size, dark purple pearl. Where can I find out what this is worth?
Apr 18, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		quahog pearl. {pearl from clam}
by: Anonymous

these pearls can be worth alot of money, i know of 1 that was valued at 500,000 thats half of million a man bought for 14.00
Mar 03, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		purple pearl find!!
by: kimberly

Hello,
on our way home from las vegas 3 days ago, my boyfriend and I had dinner at the oyster bar in sparks nv. He had a sea food combo soup with plenty of claims. He bit into something hard. it turned out to be a dark purple oval shaped pearl.
We had never heard of claim pearls before but knew it had to be a pearl. We also would love to know it's value.
We had no luck in Vegas but turns out we got real lucky in sparks. From the small research I have found, they are extreamly rare.
anxious to know more.
Aug 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		purple pearl found in clam
by: mary


I was eating at Boston market and had 2 dozen clams. I found a little shell splinter in one I was eating and was being very careful as I ate them. Well I thought I had another splinter and looked at the clam, there was a black spot in the clam which is normal but I was being careful.
I was relived it wasn't a splinter but something round. Once in my hand and my glasses on I could tell it was a pearl!It looked black, and the room we were in was very dark so I couldn't tell any different except it looked black. I showed it to my family and our waitress all were shocked at the find. I carefully folded the pearl in a piece of napkin and placed it in my zipper pocket. Once I got home I showed my children who were surprised to discover it is purple. Dark dark purple with light purple, it almost looks like a cats eye stone only as a purple pearl. We are just starting to learn about this and having a ball.
Aug 04, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		another purple pearl in mystic nj
by: Anonymous

ed, i also found a pearl in mystic 2yrs. ago but never showed anybody but friends.trying to contact you. mine is also large and round and has 3 colors cream to lavender to purple.
Jul 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purple pearl
by: EdwdSeitz

We found A purple pearl in a quahog clam.
size less than 11 mm Round 9.5 kt weight

I will send pictures.
I have been told it is large with exceptional quality.I am going to an Auction house Wed [Freemans in Phila] to see what they will offer!!!
We are open to offers
We have been on TV all week.Inside edition wants the story.The Atlantic Press is coming tomorrow.

Any info would be appreciated
Don't miss this opportunity to buy it before the dealers get it.
Jul 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Purple pearl Found in Manilla Clam
by: John Schofield

I found A small shiny purple pearl eating clams in Tacoma Wa. I bit down on it while eating a small Manilla Clam, which are harvested locally. We got the clams at a local farmers market. Worth anything?
Jul 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purple Pearl
by: Anonymous

I found a purple pearl in St. Augustine Florida while eating oysters. Im interested in finding the true value. I have an appointment with a Gemologist this week but hope someone else can provide me with additional information. It about 5mm in size.
Jul 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wanting to Buy a Nice Purple Quahog Pearl
by: Kari

I have a friend who wants to buy a nice, large, purple quahog pearl for his pearl collection.

If you have one you are willing to sell, please email me at: karipearls(AT)gmail(DOT)com and send photos, dimensions and your asking price.

Many thanks!
Kari
Jul 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clam pearl
by: Anonymous

I have this pearl my father found in the mid 1960's on xmas eve (in) dinner. The dinner was "Zuppa clams". I'm not sure if it was cherrystone or little neck clams. Years later, after my father passed, I had it set into a ring.

I have no idea, the value or anything about a clam pearl, I only just found out that there is such a thing as clam pearls. However I'm glad to know that they do exist.
Jul 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clam pearl
by: C.I. Lady

On Christmas eve in the mid 1960's, while eating dinner "zuppa clams" my father handed me something from his mouth, as it turned out to be a pearl. My first thought was, he was joking. I keep it, and years later I had it set in a ring. In fact, I'm wearing the ring right now. My father passed in 1971, so to me this ring is a treasure.
Apr 06, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Any new info
by: Anonymous

hi,

I was wondering if anyone has any new information on these pearls? We have a nice lilac color one and want to sell it. Has anyone sold theirs yet? Has anyone had theirs appraised and by whom?

Thanks.
Jan 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		nc purple clam pearl
by: Anonymous

I found a purple pearl while opening chowder clams. It was quite a while ago 15 years or so. It IS dark purple on one side and gets lighter as you get the other side. I had it put into a ring. It is lovely. Would like to know the value of it, if it is of value would consider selling it.
Nov 19, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purple Pearl found in oysters
by: Bev

My father in law had found a purple pearl in oysters about 53 years ago in Reading, Pa. while dining at an oyster house. I have recently inquired about the value on this pearl and no one seems to have the values. I have trusted a prominent Jeweler who is an certified appraiser in pearls and gems...to appraise the pearl for me and he claims he has lost the pearl. I am devastated and I do not have any pictures of the pearl. I had shown the pearl to another Jeweler prior to being sent to the present Jeweler. He is willing to write what he had seen. I can not believe there is no one who can value these purple pearls from oysters. Jewelers know they are rare. This was a pearl that was an heirloom since my father in law has kept it all of these years. Jeweler knows this is valuable. He looses the pearl? How would you handle this devastating delema? Thank you kindly
Jul 25, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		perfect
by: Anonymous

congrats on your find.
May 23, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Also a clam recepient
by: Terry

I recently found a purple pearl from a baked clam. My local jeweler knew nothing about it. He put me in touch with a gemologist who said they are not appraising these pearls at this time but hold on to it and call back in 6 months. Alot of confusing information on the internet. Does anyone know where to go with this?
Apr 20, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		clam pearl
by: Teri

hi, I found a purple clam pearl several years ago I watched on New's 12 about a pearl found 2 carats, white. worth 1 million dollars... it was brought to n.y city...
I would hope because it is rare.... that these pearls would be worth a good amount of money. I too, will be taking it to my nearby jeweler to see, and hope that it is worth my while....
Jan 12, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Clam Supplier
by: Fred Dyer

My company, Dyer Shellfish, Inc. was the supplier
of clams to which this pearl apppeared. Contrary to previous reports, it actually came from an aquacultured clam that was grown in the waters off of Cedar Key, Florida. This area is in the Gulf of Mexico near the Suwanee River in northwest Florida and is the nation's largest producer of farm raised clams. Congratulations to Leslie, and everyone keep eating Florida farm raised clams! The benefits are many!
Jan 02, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Great find
by: Patti

We found a pearl several years ago. Ours is a very dark purple in color. I have searched the internet but haven't found much on clam pearls. We also would be interested in finding the value if any.
Jan 01, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		We have almost identical pearl!
by: Anonymous

Hi, leslie. We have almost the same pearl as you. We met with Antoinette Matlins last year but could not give us definites on value and the market. Please let us know what you find out as we are also interested in selling ours. Congratulations on your find! How exciting! Thank you - genevieve weber
Jan 01, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pearl
by: Jamie

About 5 years ago, the same thing happened to me eating cherrystone clams. My pearl looks like yours. I had a ring made out of it so I wouldn't loose it. I have no idea where to take it for appraisal. Please let me know what your going to do with yours.
Dec 31, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		clam pearls
by: Anonymous

Very interested in your story (saw it on CNN) about the clam pearl you found. I also found a pearl in a littleneck clam a few months ago. Same purple color, about 5mm. Would love to hear feedback on value and if there is a market for these.
Dec 31, 2007
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		GREAT FIND !!!
by: Anonymous

your pearl is very nice. Its great to see thise pearls being found,They are the most beautiful Ive ever seen. GREAT FIND!

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