Black Pearls. 265 



it lasts only for a few months, and then gradually 

 fades, leaving the Pearl ultimately of a dull brownish 

 hue, and the original delicate tint never returning. 



Here it may be well to record an incident 

 which occurred to a genuine black Pearl. The 

 Pearl, mounted with diamonds, was displayed in a 

 jeweller's shop window, but upon exposure to sun- 

 shine, the beautiful black sheen gradually disappeared, 

 apparently leaving the Pearl of a dull leaden colour. 

 The jewel was then returned to the original setter, 

 -and after consultation it was decided to withdraw 

 the Pearl from its setting. When removed, it was 

 found that the part of the Pearl which had been 

 hidden from the light had not been affected, but 

 remained as black as when the gem was first taken 

 from the shell. Upon further examination, it was 

 deemed advisable to peel off the outer layer of the 

 Pearl, and when this had been accomplished, it was 

 discovered, to the great joy of the owner, that the 

 Pearl, after losing only a few grains in weight, was 

 as bright and as black as in its original condition ; 

 thus shewing that the light had affected only the 

 outer skin. 



Among a consignment of Pearls from Koepang, 

 and some other localities, a curious lusus naturce 



