NOTE
	In these pages the story of the pearl is told from its birth and growth under tropic seas, through the search for it by dark skinned di­vers of the Orient and its journeyings by the hands of men who traffic in precious things, until it becomes finally the cherished familiar of the great. Historical and traditional allu­sions, the sentiment and superstitions, the romance of ancient and noble associations, drawn to it through the ages, are garnered here and to them added the more prosaic facts which a merchant's experience suggests, to enable lovers of the dainty sea-gem to discriminate. The qualities which make some pearls of great value and the imperfections which render others less valuable are described in detail, that owners and buyers may appreciate at their true value the gems they have or would pur­chase and the market price of all kinds is given. Means for the detection of imitations are included. Long time has been given to microscopic research and though much remains to be learned of the genesis of the pearl, it is hoped that