Doing Good: Mitzi Perdue

The Hope Diamond may well be the most recognized gem of all time, but the award for best cut stone of 2022 goes to Mitzi Perdue’s Atocha 5.27-carat emerald engagement ring. Presented to Mitzi back in 1988 by future husband Frank Perdue, second-generation chicken king of Perdue Farms, the green beauty had a measure of notoriety from the get-go. The original much larger rough stone was recovered from the 1622 wreck of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, perhaps the most famous Spanish galleon ever, discovered by treasure hunter Mel Fisher about seventy miles off the Florida Keys in 1985. Perdue, an early investor in Fisher’s salvage company, received the emerald as part of his dividends from the find.

Mitzi, a well-known philanthropist, and author, traveled to Ukraine recently, was touched by the patriotism and resolve of the people there, and wanted to help. She engaged Sotheby’s to auction off the ring in mid-December, dedicating all proceeds to humanitarian efforts in the war-torn nation. With a presale high estimate of $70,000, bidding on the ring quickly escalated, astounding even the most seasoned auctioneers. Sotheby’s characterized it as a “five-minute bidding frenzy.” The final hammer price of $1.2 million will enable Mitzi to go far beyond her dreams of making a meaningful contribution: After fees and commissions, the sale yielded about $950,000.

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About the Author(s)

Scott Chase

Scott Chase joined Family Business 20 years ago and is a frequent contributor to the magazine.


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