Exceptional Abernethy Pearl is showcased in Scotland's exhibition
Scotland's Rare Abernethy Pearl Now on Display at National Museum
The National Museum of Scotland has welcomed a new addition to its collection - the Abernethy Pearl, a one-of-a-kind freshwater pearl that is noteworthy for its beauty and size.
Discovered near the River Tay in 1967, the pearl was donated to the museum by Alistir Wood Tait, a retired Edinburgh jeweller and NMS volunteer. The pearl, which measures 11mm in diameter and weighs 43.6 grains, is the largest freshwater pearl found in Scotland since the 1621 discovery of the Kellie Pearl.
The Abernethy Pearl is named after its finder, William Abernethy, who was known as the nation's last pearl fisherman. The pearl was believed to have been growing in its mussel for more than 80 years, making it a rare and precious find.
The pearl's history is intertwined with the story of Scotland's freshwater pearl mussels, which are one of the UK's most threatened species. Water pollution, habitat-damage, overfishing, and falling numbers of salmon in Scotland's rivers have devastated the populations of freshwater pearl mussels. Scotland is home to about 50% of the world's freshwater pearl mussels, making their conservation all the more important.
Freshwater pearl mussels are an indication of the threats coming from all sides, including overfishing by humans. Between 1970 and 1998, pearl mussels were becoming extinct at a rate of "two rivers or tributaries a year" in Scotland. The ban on all pearl fishing in Scotland came into force between 1970 and 1998.
Rachel Walcott, principal curator of earth systems at National Museum of Scotland, expressed delight over the donation of the Abernethy Pearl to the national collection. "The Abernethy Pearl is a significant addition to our collection, and we are grateful to Alistir Wood Tait for donating it to the nation," she said.
The Abernethy Pearl is a pinky-white color, which is rare for freshwater pearls in the northern hemisphere. Its beauty is matched by its rarity, making it a treasure for the museum and for visitors to the museum to see.
The Abernethy Pearl was donated to the National Museum of Scotland by the person who discovered it, but the specific individual's name is not provided in the available search results. Alistir Wood Tait bought the pearl at auction last year for £93,951, which the auctioneers said was a world record for this type of pearl.
The Abernethy Pearl, a pearl with a rich history and a beautiful appearance, is now on display at the National Museum of Scotland, where it can be admired by all who visit.
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