The widow of an American tycoon sold her engagement ring to help Ukrainians

A 5,7-carat emerald engagement ring donated by the widow of a Salisbury, Maryland poultry tycoon to help the people of Ukraine sold at Sotheby's on Dec. 7 for $1,2 million. Coastal Point.

Photo: IStock

Mitzi Perdue said she treasured the ring, made from a gem found in a 1988th-century shipwreck off the Florida Keys. Her husband had given her the ring as an engagement ring before she married in July 2005, but according to Mitzi, her late husband, who died in XNUMX, was "the most philanthropic person I have ever known" and would have supported her decision.

“I believe he would be fascinated that this ring could save countless people in Ukraine from a truly terrible winter. Many of those who became internally displaced people left in the spring with one suitcase, they didn’t bring warm clothes, so they really need help,” she said.

New York auction house Sotheby's has not disclosed who bought the ring.

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The gem was once on board the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish ship in the fleet that left Havana in the autumn of 1622. According to reports, there were about 40 tons of silver, gold and riches from the regions of South America on board. A series of hurricanes swept over the ships, and they sank, as did the treasures on board, which eventually scattered across the ocean floor, scattered from the Marquesas Islands to Dry Tortugas and Key West (Florida).

Treasures were discovered only in 1985, although they were diligently searched before. During an American commercial expedition led by Mel Fisher, $400 million worth of gold and silver bars, coins and jewelry were found, as well as 6 pounds (2,7 kg) of emeralds. Frank Purdue helped fund the search and received part of the reward, including an emerald, which he inserted into the ring. Frank donated other items he received, including coins, gold chains, and gems, to the Delaware Technical Community College and the Smithsonian, leaving only a gold coin and a gem.

“The amount of attention this gets is overwhelming,” Purdue said. “It just excites me beyond measure. … I was told that every major newspaper covered this story. I just did an interview with CNN. I loved having the ring, but I really enjoy the knowledge that it will help keep thousands of people warm.”

Many houses in Ukraine lack heating, light and clean water; residents struggle to survive in temperatures well below freezing.

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She recently visited the country and plans to return when the items purchased with the proceeds from the ring arrive, including thermal clothing and portable heaters.

“There are such good people in Ukraine. I loved them. Once I met a woman on the street, she spoke to me in English. We got to talking, and the Ukrainian woman told me about how in the first month of the invasion she could only cry. And then she looked at her 9-year-old daughter and said: “I am no use to my daughter if I am not strong. I will be strong for my daughter." “It touched me,” the American noted.

“That woman said, 'I'm not afraid of death. I'm not afraid of losing a limb. I’m not afraid of anything except that the West will stop supporting us.” No matter what tiny role I play, I will help support Ukraine,” Mrs. Perdue assured. “Frank would probably do the same thing as me.” If this ring can save people, perhaps even from death, then I think he would be happy to support it.”

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