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316 Pearls.
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grains, for a sum considerably higher than that quoted in the preceding table.
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Value of Pearls, A.D.
1886. The author of the present work has not attempted to give a Table
of the present value of Pearls, because in forming an estimate, so many
circumstances have to be taken into consideration, such as the shape,
the colour, and the brilliancy of the Pearl. For instance, a perfectly
round white Pearl of 40 grains may realize a fancy price, while a spot
or dent will lessen the value to one-half; and if the Pearl be a little
out of the round it may fall to even one-fourth. A bouton of equal
weight will not be worth more than a quarter the price of a round Pearl
of equal weight ; and a Pearl of pear or drop shape only half the value
of a bouton. Ear-rings of Pearl drops are not at present in fashion,
round Pearls having taken their place, and as there is consequently
little or no demand for drop-shaped Pearls, the price of such Pearls
has fallen considerably. This example sufficiently shews what a
difference in price is caused by fashion, or by any circumstance that
detracts from the perfection of the Pearl in either shape or quality.
At the present
day black Pearls, if of the finest quality, are more
*
valuable than white.
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