The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Rare Quahog Pearl to Lead Bonhams Lapidary Sale
The purple non-nacreous pearl, weighing 16.64 carats, could sell for up to $30,000 in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Los Angeles--A rare and very large purple non-nacreous Quahog pearl found by a man shucking oysters for dinner will highlight Bonhams Lapidary Works of Art, Gemstones and Minerals auction on Wednesday.
At 16.64 carats, the gemstone is believed to be the largest Quahog pearl ever offered at public auction, according to Bonhams. The pearl has a near-spherical to button shape, displays a rich lavender hue and excellent porcelaneous luster.
It’s slated to sell for between $25,000 and $30,000 in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
A man from Boston found the pearl when he was shucking Little Neck clams for dinner that he had purchased for $25.
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.
In an issue of Gems & Gemology, Gemological Institute of America staff gemologist Joyce Wing Yan Ho said, “This Quahog pearl’s large size, clean surface, fabulous luster, near-round shape and evenly distributed rich color combine to make it an exceptionally fine and rare example of its type.”
Other highlights of the Bonhams sale include one of the largest tanzanite crystals in existence. Coming from the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, it is almost 7.5 inches high and weighs 4,015 carats.
Very few large tanzanite mineral specimens make their way into the collector market, Bonhams noted, as the majority of such crystals recovered are cut into valuable faceted gemstones.
The sale also includes a flower study gemstone carving depicting poppies in full bloom, realistically rendered in red chalcedony, nephrite, black diamonds, rock crystal and 18-karat yellow gold.
There also are a number of phenomenal stones in the sale, including a rare, large yellow star sapphire weighing 75.43 carats from the alluvial gem gravels of Sri Lanka. The stone displays a strong central star effect and a medium yellow hue, according to Bonhams.
Visit Bonhams.com for a full list of lots.
The Latest
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.