lakes,
and ponds in nearly all parts of the temperate zone. American
fresh-water pearls are found largely in the Western rivers, and are
generally of irregular shapes, either button or baroques, although
some fine pearls have nevertheless been found there. In fact, some
very fine American pearls have been discovered which have commanded a
very large price.
The value of a pearl depends first on its luster or orient, as it is termed in the trade; second, on its shape, round being the most valuable, next drop or pear shape, and lastly on its texture or skin. The
skin of a fine pearl should be free from any wrinkles, scratches, or
spots. Pearls increase in value in proportion to an increase in size
much faster than does any other gem, and are figured unlike any other
gem. For instance, if
A one-grain pearl at $5.00 base is valued at $5.00.
A five-grain pearl at $5.00 base is worth $125.00.
A ten-grain pearl at $5.00 base is worth $500.00.
For
a long time pearls have had a far greater sale in Europe than in
America. All jewelers of much prominence abroad carry very large stocks
of pearls. But the pearl business in America is now very large and
gives every promise of increasing greatly in the future.
