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THE PEARL
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on
the string. It is for this reason that a string of pearls can often be
bought for less than a like number of loose pearls apparently no better
but which in reality are much more perfect in shape and free from
flaws. Imperfections unseen in the strung pearls would be quite
noticeable in the loose and undrilled.
The
irregularities of baroques cannot propÂerly be called imperfections;
nevertheless a baroque is more valuable as it is free from indentations
and approaches the round in appearance, or has sides which will give it
a round face when mounted. The curious forms into which nature moulds
many of them are very attractive, and as they lend themselves to the
imaginative skill of the jeweller, are valuable. The faults common to
them are rough places uncovered by nacre and colored streaks or spots,
usually yellow tending to brown. These discolorations are confined
genÂerally to the point where the baroque was attached to the shell,
but not infrequently they extend far enough to leave no front which
would be quite clean to the eye, when mounted.
Oriental baroques as a rule are more lustrous,
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