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value of a pearl is based on color, luster, translucency,
texture, shape and size. The finest have pure and even
color; a strong overtone with a high luster; strong
semi-translucency; no cracks, scratches, and dents or
blemishes; round shape; large size. The value of a pearl
is estimated by multiplying a base rate by the square
of the weight, so small increases in size have a large
effect on value.
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Large
pearls that 'he requirements for fine quality are extremely
scarce and tremendously valuable. The appraising of
pearls is even more complex than that of diamonds. |
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Pearl
rarity increases faster as sizes become does diamond rarity.
Only extensive training and considerable experi¬ence qualify
a person to appraise pearls properly.
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Pearl
Saltwater mollusks are the most important producers
of pearls today and by far the majority of the
world natural pearl production is from the Persian
Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Only about
one mollusk ii 40 contains a pearl, and the total
number of mollusks recovered tends a be small.
From the Gulf the pearls
travel to Bombay, where they arc cleaned by immersion
in hydrogen peroxide and by drying in the sun
After sorting and drilling, the finer grades are
sold to Western dealer, and most of these pearls
eventually appear in Paris and then the Unite(
States. Paris is a major distribution point for
pearls. Bombay is essen¬tially a brokerage
center.
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Fine
pearls also come from Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan,
Mexico Panama, Venezuela, and Tahiti. Freshwater
pearls are found in the Mississippi River and
its tributaries, as well as Scotland and China.
The pearl trade employs a variety of tradenames.
Among these art the following: "Oriental
pearls"-those found in saltwater mollusks
of the Persian Gulf. "Ceylon" or "Madras"
pearls-fancy blue, green, or violet over tone¬
a white or cream base. "Venezuela" pearls-white
or yellow; more transparent than Oriental "Tahiti"
pearls-white pearls with little overtone, sometimes
with , grayish metallic cast.
"Australian"
pearls-white with almost no overtone. "Panama"
pearls-usually black, grayish, or yellow.
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"Freshwater"
pearls-usually have strong colors and orient; fan( colors
are common. The shapes of pearls are classified as: round,
pear shaped, egg drop shaped (teardrop), button shaped, baroque
shaped (all irregular shapes except other named shapes), slugs
(baroque pearls but with poor luster), half-pearls (half of
around pearl), three-quarters pearls (three fourths round
with a flat side), seed pearls (unsymmetrical and very small
dust) pearls (too small to be used in jewelry), and blister
pearls ached to side of shell).
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