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Shape. To return to the topic of factors governing the value of pearls, the shape of the pearl makes a vast difference in the value. Perfectly spherical pearls are most highly valued and closely following come those of drop or pear shape, as this shape lends itself nicely to the making of pendants. Oval or egg shaped pearls are also good. After these come the button shapes, in which one side is flattened. Pearls of irregular shape are much less highly valued. The irregular shaped pearls are called baroque pearls in the trade. The rivermen engaged in the fresh water pearl fishery call them slugs. Some of the more regular of these are called "nuggets." Others are termed "spikes" because of their pointed shape, and still others are called "wing" pearls on account of their resemblance to a bird's wing. Most of the baroques are too irregular in shape to have any special name applying to their form.
Weight. After orient, color, skin, and shape have been considered, size or weight finally determines the value. Pearls are sold by an arbitrary unit of weight known as the pearl grain. It is not equal to the grain avoirdupois, but is one fourth of a diamond carat. As the new metric carat is one fifth of a gram and as there are 15.43 avoirdupois grains in a gram, it is seen at once that there are but 3.08 real grains in a carat rather than four. Thus the pearl grain is slightly lighter than the avoirdupois grain. |
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Precious Stones Guide Vol 7
>> The Shape and Weight of Pearls
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