192 PEARLS AND PEARLING 



only the outer layer or layers are dead and by remov- 

 ing them a beautiful pearl may be found. There is no 

 telling what color of gem may be found under a dead 

 outer stratum. 



The cylindrical pearls, or egg pearls, which have chalky 

 bands or rings around them should not be peeled as these 

 imperfections are generally found throughout all the lay- 

 ers of the pearls. 



The jewelers sometimes conceal these faults under gold 

 bands in the jewelry settings; or cut the pearls in two 

 parts and use them for ring sets. 



The "peeling" of pearls often results in disaster. The 

 imperfections often extend to the centers of pearls, so 

 there is much uncertainty in this method of treatment. 



There are some large pearls which have noticeable 

 imperfections, particularly "mud spots," and it is a seri- 

 ous question as to the advisability of "peeling" them. 

 Perhaps an examination of such pearls with the X-ray 

 would enable one to decide the question. Sometimes 

 pearls have a slight chalky appearance when taken from 

 the shell. These can often be improved by allowing 

 them to lie in olive oil for a few hours. There are 

 other pure oils that are suitable for this purpose, but 

 olive oil is preferable. This method is known as "feed- 

 ing" pearls. In this plan of improvement the pearl ab- 

 sorbs a slight amount of the oil and becomes more lus- 

 trous, while the weight is also slightly increased. 



Pearls that are worn by some invalids for a long time 

 sometimes assume a dull color and are cabled "sick 

 pearls." Long ago such gems were fed to fowls, which 



