IMPERFECT PEARLS How TO IMPROVE 191 



in a ring. Another method is to remove the outer lay- 

 ers, although this plan has the disadvantage of reducing 

 the size and weight of the pearl. This method is known 

 as "peeling," and is an important system of improving 

 imperfect pearls by removing one or more of the outer 

 layers of the pearl. This is usually done with a sharp 

 knife, but it requires great skill to do the work nicely in 

 all cases. 



Some use acid for "peeling," but the difficulties ac- 

 companying its use are such as to make it rather imprac- 

 tical for those who have not had experience with it. The 

 imperfect pearls which are to be treated by "peeling" are 

 known as "peelers." 



"Mud spots" are commonly found in fresh-water 

 pearls of some fisheries. The pearls from the Illinois 

 River are particularly liable to these defects. The "mud 

 spots" are often very serious imperfections. The spots 

 have a dark appearance and contain mud or sand and 

 water. Such imperfections often cause pearls to crack 

 unless they are removed. 



Pearls containing "mud spots" are often improved by 

 some jewelers by concealing the imperfection in the set- 

 ting. It is, of course, very unfair to sell such a gem with- 

 out telling the customer of the "mud spot" and its tend- 

 ency to make the pearl crack. Responsible dealers will 

 not permit a customer to make a purchase under the 

 slightest misconception. 



Some pearls have a rather dead yellow color when 

 found. If this color extends through all the layers of the 

 pearl it is practically worthless. Very often, however, 



