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The skin of an oriental pearl is formed like that of an onion, and very highly skilled workmen can sometimes remove the outer layer of a pearl with a bad skin and thus produce a smaller pearl of good skin. This is very seldom done in America, however, and at best it is always a gamble whether the risk should be incurred. Fresh water pearls, on the other hand, are not formed in layers, but in sections, and cannot be peeled.
Pearls vary greatly in color and shade. Those of pure white or white with a rose pink tint, with good luster, are the most valuable of the regular colors. Creamy white is also desirable. Of the fancy colors black pearls of fine skin and shape are very valuable, as are also fine pink pearls. Button pearls are those with one side flat, while baroque pearls are always of odd and irregular shapes.
Colors of Pearls
Pearls may be injured by acids or by being scratched, but are not harmed by pure water. A string of fine pearls should always be carefully wiped and put away in soft cotton after being worn. They should be restrung quite often. |
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Precious Stones Guide Vol 3
>> About the Skins and Colors of Pearls
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