100 SEALE. 



No one but an experienced buyer can pi-ijpcily estimate the value of a 

 l)earl, as many conditions, such as size, shape, luster, flaws, etc., must be 

 taken into consideration. In 1896 a very interesting publication was 

 issued by the TTnited States (lovernment,^^ giving the value of pearls all 

 over the world, together with an estimate of the yield. In Manila, a 

 perfect pearl of O.OtUS gram (1 grain) with good luslei- and shape retails 

 for aljnut 5 pesos. The price increases more rapidly than the size of the 

 pearl, as from 70 to lOi) pesos per 0.2()5 gram (1 carat) is asked for 

 perfect pearls over 0.41 gram (2 carats) in weight. 



"Pearl Fisheries and Pearl Supply. XJ. 8. ConKidar Rrport. (1896), 51, 6-22. 



