Freshwater pearls are a kind of pearl that comes from freshwater mussels. They are produced in Japan and the United States on a limited scale, but are now almost exclusive to China. However there has always been a small population of these mussels in Ireland and the River Strule in County Tyrone was once renowned for its fresh water pearls. This ring was made by my grandfather, John Clark, using two of the pearls and it was passed down to me. I love the ring and I used to wear it a lot, particularly when I was living away from home in Leeds. It always reminded me of home. Contributed by Viola Higgins at the AHOW event in Enniskillen Library.
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