Quahog Pearl Necklace
Varney’s attraction to quahog pearls is intense and borders on obsession. His personal collection of quahog pearls is purported to be the one of, if not the largest in the world; and he continues to seek out and acquire these large beautiful and rare purple-colored organic gems produced by the Hard-Shell Clam - Mercinaria Mercinaria. This necklace represents his first creation completely dedicated to his love, respect, and fascination with the purple quahog pearl.
It took more than a year for him just to select and arrange the order of these large richly colored pearls. Each pearl must be a certain size, indicative of the age of the pearl, and for quahog pearls this distinction is marked by rings on the shell of the Hard-Shell Clam, much like the rings of a tree. To produce a natural purple pearl, these bi-value mollusks must be greater than 4 inches in diameter, and, to those who eat clams, are known as Chowder clams. The existence of quahogs more than 40 years of age are not unusual, provided they are free from natural predators and exploitive fisherman. In addition, not all quahogs produce pearls, so that it is rather remarkable to amass a collection of such large pearls anything like these that appear in this necklace. These pearls also share: similarities of shape (almost spherical); unblemished surfaces; they are possessed of an enticing orient (iridescence); and, are of a matched luster. All of these qualities are important and difficult to match, making their appearance together anomalous. What Varney the colorist has chosen, beyond these consistent and conventional virtues by which one measures the quality of the pearl, is the quahog pearls’ seductive body color which ranges from lilac, to violet, to deep lavender. This combination of elements makes this a rare and unique masterpiece.
Once the quahog pearls have been chosen, Varney picks a pleasing geometric silhouette with a slightly softened bombay field, which is bead set with pavé-set diamonds randomly punctuated with cabochon blue moonstones. The diamonds artfully chosen for their brilliant scintillation are balanced by the mystical and floating light or adularescence of blue moonstones, and together create a dramatic stage for the spectacular purple-colored pearls. The placement and careful choice of this trio, quahog pearl, diamond and blue moonstone is typically cryptic, even mysterious, but perfectly logical to master jeweler Varney.
Right Body:
The circular motifs are created in a slightly graduating size, the center disk a crescendo to Varney’s opus. Joining these circular links are wisp-like blades of sea grass, gently curved, organic and bending with the gentle flow of the ocean breezes. It is significant that Varney has chosen the blades of sea grass to harmonize with nature’s salt-water gems, the phenomenon stone blue moonstones, and the stars of this night at the ocean’s edge, diamonds. It is telling that on the obverse of each circular-form, is a detailed, 18-karat yellow gold textured sea grass grillwork, this, an echoed and secret detail, only for the knowledge of the wearer. One can almost smell the salt on the cool night breeze.
Paramount is the subconscious affection and connection that Varney feels to this creation. For he has created both a song and a sonnet that embodies his love and respect for the Native Americans; who utilized quahogs in their wampum, strings of beads cut from the quahog, to record documents and treaties. Wampum also symbolizes mystical powers; it was used for ceremonies, marked binding agreements and played a most significant and, to us, mysterious role in the culture of the Six Nations that inhabited the eastern seaboard of North America. Figuratively, he has melded these highly sought after beautiful pearls with the strength, brilliance, and durability of diamonds, and the shimmer of the blue moonstones. These phenomenon stones poetically capture and hold the rays of the moon granting good spirit guidance to those who hold it.
The totality is that Varney expresses in iconic symbols a story steeped in mystery, enveloped in cultural ties, and layered with beauty… of story of love. Varney’s typically careful choice of materials and motifs represent his personal attachment to nature, the spirit world and magic, which transcends the physical magnificence of this masterpiece forged in his heart and mind.
12 purple quahog pearls, total weighing approximately 75.00 carats
Circular-cut diamonds, total weighing approximately 29.65 carats
Oval cabochon-cut blue moonstones, total weighing approximately 28.20 carats
Signed on the clasp, Nicholas Varney
