Cursed pearl's link to SS Koombana

Next month will not only mark the 100th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the SS Koombana, but also the disappearance of a famous piece of jewellery.

The Roseate Pearl was said to be a perfectly round, pink akoya pearl that was last bought by Broome man and pearl dealer Abraham de Vahl Davies for £20,000.

According to the legend, the Roseate Pearl was cursed and anyone who owned it died a mysterious or violent death.

Mr de Vahl Davies was thought to have had the Roseate Pearl in his possession the day the SS Koombana went down – March 20, 1912 – with up to 150 people aboard.

The pearl has not been seen since.

As reported by the North West Telegraph earlier this month, Port Hedland Historical Society is planning a weekend of activities to commemorate the disappearance of the SS Koombana.

In keeping with the pearl theme, Charmers Jewellers will host a huge pearl sale at Dalgety House Museum over the March 17-18 weekend.

“There will be loose pearls, set pearls, strands of pearls and lust pearls of all shapes and sizes,” Charmers owner Liz Brown said.

“It’s probably the biggest range of pearls in one place that Port Hedland has ever seen.”

Mrs Brown said she would be delighted to handcraft any of the pearls into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery.

Graham de Vahl Davies, a descendant of Mr de Vahl Davies, plans to visit Port Hedland for next month’s anniversary.