Pink Pearls: 277
the
Pearl is composed, which is widely different from the lustre and
cellular texture of the coral. In no instance has the coral ever been
found to possess the same lines as the pink Pearl. It is true that some
Pearls themselves lack this beauty, but they then fall considerably in
value. At the present time the pink Pearl is not so much in request as
formerly. Some few years back, from 1857 to i860, the supply was not
equal to the demand, as may be seen by the following instance : an
officer in the 1st Life Guards on his marriage, wished to present his
bride with a necklace of pink Pearls and diamonds, but Pearls of the
first quality could not be obtained, and in order that it might be
finished in time, the necklace had to be made up with some inferior
pink Pearls. It is the same with these as with all other commodities,
excepting specimen-gems, which always fetch their value ; according to.
the supply and demand, so the prices rise and fall. While black Pearls
are highly appreciated and eagerly sought after, pink Pearls are now
but little in request and are therefore, not of great value in the
market
In
the "Hope" collection, there was a curious cameo pink Pearl,
representing two hands mounted on a gold ring, with a device of
forget-me-nots in diamonds. The collection also contained a
cream-coloured Pearl, obtained from Polynesia. This was
