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On Wednesday, Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy condemned the ad in a note to staff.

During the 1970s, award-winning wildlife cameraman Doug Allan worked with Mr Abernethy as a pearl diver.

The Abernethy Pearl is expected to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000 when it goes under the hammer on 21 August.

The Abernethy Pearl is, of course, the star of the sale and we’re excited to see the interest the auction will undoubtedly generate.”

It is believed the Abernethy Pearl, affectionately known as Little Willie, could have been growing in its mussel for more than 80 years before Mr Abernethy found it, meaning it was created during the reign of Queen Victoria.