Quahog pearls (pronounced KO-hog) are extremely rare organic gems produced naturally by the bivalve clam, Venus mercenaria or Mercenaria mercenaria.
Quahog pearls are found by fishermen off the eastern coast of the United States, typically in the New England region, where clams are harvested for their delicious meat for use in popular dishes such as clam chowder. It is estimated that only 1 out of every 100,000 quahog clams will produce a pearl of any kind and the majority of them are not attractive enough to be used in jewelry. Purple and lavender are considered to be the most valuable shades of quahog pearls.
These one-of-a-kind platinum earrings feature two natural purple quahog pearls totaling 2.99 carats, framed by diamond halos. The overall diameter of each earring is 11 millimeters. They are fastened by butterfly pushbacks, for pierced ears. Hallmarked "PLAT".
Accompanied by GIA Pearl Identification Report Number 1216073387.
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FAMOUS QUAHOG PEARLS:
In 2005, a Rhode Island jeweler named Alan Golash purchased a brooch from an antique store for $14, that was believed to be costume jewelry. This brooch turned out to be a Georgian Era enameled high karat gold brooch, circa 1835, set with one of the world's largest, and finest quality, quahog pearls along with an additional quahog pearl dangle. The brooch was later named The Golash Brooch after its discoverer. The large, center pearl was named Pearl of Venus by Golash.
In 2015, a 6-plus carat lavender Quahog pearl was found by a policeman while eating a seafood soup. This pearl received national media attention and wound up selling at Kaminski Auctions for $16,500.00.
| ITEM DETAILS |
| Metal: |
Platinum |
| Gender: |
Lady's |
| Size: |
11mm Diameter
|
| Hallmarks: |
"PLAT" |
| Gross Weight: |
4.0 grams (2.6 dwts) |
| Age: |
Contemporary (21st Century) |
| Condition: |
Brand New |
|
|
| PEARL DETAILS |
| Quantity: |
2 |
| Type: |
Quahog
|
| Mollusk: |
Mercenaria Mercenaria (Northern Quahog Clam)
|
| Nature: |
Natural |
| Environment: |
Saltwater |
| Size: |
a.) 6.40 x 4.68mm
b.) 6.62 x 4.82mm
|
| Shape: |
Button
|
| Color: |
a.) Deep Purple & Cream, Natural
b.) Deep Purple, Natural
|
| Luster: |
Porcelaneous |
|
Treatments: |
No Indications of Treatment |
| Carat Weight: |
a.) 1.33 ct.
b.) 1.66 ct.
|
|
Total Carat Weight: |
2.99 ct. |
| GIA Report Number: |
1216073387
|
|
|
| DIAMOND DETAILS |
| Quantity: |
30 |
| Shape/Cutting Style: |
Round Brilliant Cut |
| Color: |
G-H |
| Clarity: |
VS2-SI1 |
| Measurements: |
1.70mm Diameter |
| Total Carat Weight: |
0.61 ct. |
