CHAPTER XX. 

 THE CARE, VALUE AND SALE OF PEARLS. 



THERE are some things which relate to the care, 

 value and sale of pearls which many amateur 

 pearl hunters desire to learn. The care of pearls 

 when found is very important, as these gems are more 

 liable to misfortune than the other jewels. 



All the "crippled" shells should be opened without 

 boiling, if convenient, as the boiling process sometimes 

 ruins the pearls, especially when the vat becomes dry. 

 The vat should be cleaned as soon as the mussels are 

 opened, and if any pearls or slugs are found they should 

 be allowed to cool gradually. The pearls should be 

 cleaned by washing in water to remove any adhering 

 substance. 



When pearls are carried loosely among other objects 

 they become injured or scratched. It is very necessary 

 to prevent friction and protect the lustrous surface of the 

 pearl. 



Many pearl hunters wrap them in cotton to prevent 

 friction. Pearls which are allowed to dry rapidly are 

 liable to check or crack, and for this reason it is better 

 to keep the cotton wrapper damp. Some men keep their 

 pearls and slugs in cotton in a small box, with a glass 



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