This
Pearl was faultless in colour and weighed 104 grains, but its shape was
that of an equilateral triangle ; each point being beautifully rounded
off. Although its value was comparatively small, yet it was a great
curiosity to the student of Pearl-growth. The symmetry was in every way
perfect, but unfortunately it was badly damaged by the knife used in
opening the shell. This remarkable Pearl was exhibited at the Colonial
Exhibition of 1886.
The
varying tints and colours of Pearls are less difficult to understand
than some of their eccentricities of growth. The changing condition of
the sea, both as regards purity and temperature, the health of the
oyster, accidents such as the discharge of the inky fluid of the cuttle
fish in the neighbourhood of the oyster, all will probably affect the
colours of the successive growth periods of the Pearl.
Pearls
when of extraordinary beauty, size, or brilliancy will sell for sums
which appear extravagant in proportion to what is given for ordinary
specimens. The reason for this is obvious, for no sooner is one of
surpassing beauty in the market than it is removed from the common
category, and the price will depend, more upon the fancy of the
purchaser than any system of valuation.
It appears that the various forms presented
