THE PEARL OYSTER. 941 



pearl fisheries of the Gulf of Persia, of Ceylon, and Coro- 

 mandel, are still actively prosecuted during the appointed 

 seasons. 



Many other instances might be cited of large-sized 

 jewels of this kind, the values of which were proportionally 

 high. Pearls from the fisheries of Ceylon are considered 

 more valuable in England than those from any other part 

 of the world. 



A handsome necklace of pearls, smaller than large 

 peas, is \\orth from ,170 to ^300, whilst one of pearls not 

 larger than peppercorns may not be worth more than ^20. 



The largest round pearl that has been known belonged 

 to the Great Mogul, and was about two-thirds of an inch 

 in diameter. 



The following Table is taken from a work on " Dia- 

 monds and Precious Stones," by Mr. Harry Emanuel, and 

 gives the estimates for 1865 : 



A round pearl of 3 grains each, i8/- to zo/- 

 4 



v 5 > 



6 



8 

 10 







12 ,, 



> *4 



I O ,, 



r 8 



i> > 



2O ,, 



>> 2 4 ,, 

 > 



3 . 8o 



"At the present day (1886), says Mr. Streeter, black 



pearls, if of the finest quality, are more valuable than 

 white." 



