The 9.8mm natural quahog pearl at the center of the engagement ring Ken Steinkamp presented to Sandy Sikorski last summer continues to be a symbol of their love story. The couple just hosted a pearl-themed wedding at the famed Ocean House resort, high on the bluffs of Watch Hill, RI, and Inside Edition was on hand to chronicle the festivities.

Pearl and clam iconography abounded.
There were faux pearls affixed to the place settings, pearl beads decorating the champagne bottles and pearl-like candies streaming down the side of the wedding cake. At the top of the cake was an open clam revealing what appears to be a white meringue treat in the shape of a giant pearl. Guests also enjoyed clam-shaped cookies, and Sikorski’s granddaughter got into the spirit by wearing pearls on her shoes.

The couple’s pearl-themed adventure began in the winter of 2021.
While sharing a dozen quahogs (pronounced Kwo-hogs) at The Bridge Restaurant and Raw Bar in downtown Westerly, RI, the couple encountered a rare jewel that would forever change their lives.

In an interview with Providence NBC affiliate WJAR, Steinkamp described the scene as only one clam remained uneaten on the tray.

“No, no, no. You have it,” Steinkamp said. “You really like these.”
When Sikorski attempted to slurp down the tender morsel, something was not quite right.
“I tasted this big, round thing in my mouth and I was thinking, ‘What the heck is this?” she recounted.
What Sikorski nearly consumed was a very rare natural pearl.
“What were the odds of a pearl being inside the shell?” Sikorski wondered out loud.
A local jeweler later told her that the odds of finding a natural pearl of that size in a perfectly symmetrical oval shape was one in a million.
On July 8, 2023, Steinkamp got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend of four years with a diamond-accented engagement ring featuring their special pearl at the center.
“We felt that [the pearl] was kind of a signal, or an odd bit of synchronicity,” Steinkamp told WJAR. “And we said, ‘This would be a great engagement ring.’”
The natural pearls found in clams are classified as non-nacreous and have a porcelain-like appearance. The cultured pearls grown in oysters present a deeper glow resulting from layers of nacre that refract the light.
A natural quahog pearl is very rare, and a single specimen — depending on the size, quality and shape — can be worth thousands of dollars.
“We’re both romantics and this is the perfect type of ring for that and the perfect place,” Sikorski told Inside Edition. “We feel it’s part of our life’s journey and it’s all come together for this.”
The couple will be honeymooning in Paris.
Credits: Screen captures via YouTube.com / Inside Edition.
... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Experience personalized service like never before by booking a private appointment at Elliott’s Jewelers.
Meet one-on-one at Elliotts Jeweler's personal showroom, where you can explore our stunning collections and receive tailored advice in a serene and private setting.
Appointments are available 6 days a week. Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today.
See how far your jewelry can take you with us!
💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/ By appointment 6 days a week.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
Learn More
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
There are still a few available.... ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Naturally mined diamonds, endless possibilities. 🌟 At Elliott’s Jewelers, we make designing your dream jewelry simple and personal. We’ll help you narrow it down to perfection during your personal appointment. Book your appointment today! 💍
Call or text Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Every natural diamond tells a story of time, beauty, and love. At Elliott's Jewelers, we cherish the uniqueness of naturally mined diamonds—because your forever deserves nothing less. 💎❤️
Call or text Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Celebrate a Love That Lasts This Valentine’s
The perfect Valentine’s surprise—FREE with a $3,000+ purchase.
Valued at over $350, this exclusive package is available for a limited time!
Don’t miss the chance to make this Valentine’s Day one she’ll never forget. Includes dinner, roses and candy and more.
Learn more about this fantastic package ...https://www.elliottsjewelers.com/celebrate-a-love-that.../
Reserve yours today at www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ with Elliott or call 936-251-6799 ... See MoreSee Less
Shop Now
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Something really Special for Valentine's Day.......or any other day!
We offer only natural real genuine mined diamonds.
By Appointment Only. Available 6 days a week.
Come view our complete selection in our showroom!
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Beautiful
In Huntsville now I miss you lunch at SHSU lunch 12 tomorrow 🩵🩵
A new year, a new chapter. Redesign family treasures or create something fresh. Elliott’s Jewelers offers personal appointments to focus on you.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at:
www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Something really Special for Valentine's Day.......or any other day!
We offer only natural real genuine mined diamonds.
By Appointment Only. Available 6 days a week.
Come view our complete selection in our showroom!
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We make something unique and special to last a lifetime- Just for you. By appointment 6 days a week. We make one of a kind jewelry she wants to wear. Elliott’s Jewelers is a private jeweler. Schedule your appointment here www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Something really Special for Valentine's Day.......or any other day!
Naturally Yellow Oval genuine diamonds are surrounded by white natural diamonds set in 14 kt white gold with a total diamond weight of 1.44 carats. The PERFECT Anniversary Ring!
Regular Price $4,500. !!!! SALE Priced: $2,929. !!!!
By Appointment Only. Available 6 days a week. Come view our complete selection in our showroom!
Visit www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment or call 936-661-5363 ... See MoreSee Less
Call Now
0 CommentsComment on Facebook