3i6 Pearls. 



grains, for a sum considerably higher than that 

 quoted in the preceding table. 



Value of Pearls, A.D. 1886. 

 The author of the present work has not attempted 

 to give a Table of the present value of Pearls, because 

 in forming an estimate, so many circumstances have 

 to be taken into consideration, such as the shape, 

 the colour, and the brilliancy of the Pearl. For 

 instance, a perfectly round white Pearl of 40 grains 

 may realize a fancy price, while a spot or dent will 

 lessen the value to one-half; and if the Pearl be 

 a little out of the round it may fall to even one« 

 fourth. A bouton of equal weight will not be worth 

 more than a quarter the price of a round Pearl of 

 equal weight ; and a Pearl of pear or drop shape 

 only half the value of a bouton. Ear-rings of Pearl 

 drops are not at present in fashion, round Pearls 

 having taken their place, and as there is conse- 

 quently little or no demand for drop-shaped Pearls, 

 the price of such Pearls has fallen considerably. 

 This example sufficiently shews what a difference 

 in price is caused by fashion, or by any circum- 

 stance that detracts from the perfection of the 

 Pearl in either shape or quality. At the present 

 day black Pearls, if of the finest quality, are more 

 valuable than white. 



