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THE PEARL
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duction
into Europe, pearls were not used with the metals as freely as other
gems. As the art of the jeweller developed however, they came into more
general use and are now utilized with gold in every form of jewelry.
Round and button pearls with diamonds or other stones, or alone, are
set in gold as brooches, ear-rings, finger-rings, bracelets,
hair-ornaments, scarf-pins, dress-pins, studs, cuff and dress buttons,
etc., and baroques are also used for the same purposes. Brooches,
lockets and pendants are paved with solid masses of half pearls.
Some
ancient swords of Hindu warriors betray a curious custom. A groove with
overlapping edges was sunk in the blade and into this pearls were
introduced from the hilt end to represent the tears of enemies. There
are blades so constructed in the collection of Indian swords presented
to King Edward of England when, as the Prince of Wales, he visited
India.
Jewellers
frequently avail themselves of the odd shapes in which baroques occur
to construct unique jewels. Nature frequently gives them a resemblance
to animals, and sometimes to the human figure and face, which may be
accentu-
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