A couple from New Jersey unexpectedly discovered a valuable pearl while enjoying an appetizer at a restaurant they frequently visit.
Maria and Michael Spressler, who live in New Jersey, USA, dined at The Lobster House in Cape May, a restaurant that has been open since 1987.
Maria and Michael Spressler dining at the restaurant.
However, something unusual happened that neither of them could have anticipated. While Michael was enjoying a dish made from scallops, he felt something hard in his mouth.
Michael shared, “I started eating and noticed something hard in my mouth. At that moment, I thought one of my molars had broken. The reality surprised me immensely.”
He had bitten into a pearl measuring approximately 8.8 mm, estimated to be worth thousands of dollars.
“I had eaten about 12 scallops, and the pearl appeared in the last one. I placed it on the plate; it felt quite heavy. I have never encountered such an interesting situation before.”
Discovering a valuable pearl while eating an appetizer.
The couple has no plans to sell the precious pearl and intends to keep it to create a piece of jewelry.
Maria Spressler said, “I want to turn the pearl into a beautiful piece of jewelry. It’s a lovely memory for both of us.”
Sarah Stadnicar, an employee at The Lobster House, confirmed that this discovery is extremely rare. Sarah stated, “I have worked here for about 10 years. I have never heard of anyone finding a pearl in our food ingredients.”
Typically, pearls are found in mollusks such as oysters and clams. Most pearls on the market are cultured pearls, produced by hand in large quantities. Cultured pearls are valued much lower than natural pearls. The value of a pearl also depends on its size, shape, color, luster, and more.
