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Black Pearls. 265
it
lasts only for a few months, and then gradually fades, leaving the
Pearl ultimately of a dull brownish hue, and the original delicate tint
never returning.
Here
it may be well to record an incident which occurred to a genuine black
Pearl. The Pearl, mounted with diamonds, was displayed in a jeweller's
shop window, but upon exposure to sunÂshine, the beautiful black sheen
gradually disappeared, apparently leaving the Pearl of a dull leaden
colour. The jewel was then returned to the original setter, and after
consultation it was decided to withdraw the Pearl from its setting.
When removed, it was found that the part of the Pearl which had been
hidden from the light had not been affected, but remained as black as
when the gem was first taken from the shell. Upon further examination,
it was deemed advisable to peel off the outer layer of the Pearl, and
when this had been accomplished, it was discovered, to the great joy of
the owner, that the Pearl, after losing only a few grains in weight,
was as bright and as black as in its original condition ; thus shewing
that the light had affected only the outer skin.
Among a consignment of Pearls from Koepang, and some other localities, a curious lusus natura
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