Their origin and formation. 121
The most valuable Pearls are those which are perÂfectly round ; the bouton or
button-shaped Pearl ranks next, and then comes the drop or pear-shaped
Pearl. Perfectly round Pearls over 25 grains in weight, are extremely
scarce, and secure high prices. They are greatly sought after to form
the centre of necklaces, and large Pearls of this character are safe,
and very profitable investments. New disÂcoveries of diamond-fields
have before now so largely increased the supply of diamonds, that these
gems are by no means steady in price. Other discoveries may again cause
a fall in value ; but the source of supply of Pearls is far more
closely sealed, and the difficulties attendant upon the prosecution of
Pearl-fishing are as great as its disappointments, risks, and uncertain
character, are deterrent to the would-be explorer. There is, indeed, no
prospect of Pearl-fishing being increased to any great extent, nor are
the habits of the Mother-of-Pearl oysters likely to alter and render
the formation of fine Pearls a less rare occurrence.
The
finest Pearl that has been seen for years in England, was taken by Mr.
Streeter's fleet, having been found by the late Capt. Chippindall, of
the Schooner "Sree Pas Sair," on December 26th, 1884, off the North
West coast of Australia. It weighed 40 grains, was absolutely round,
and was
