JAPANESE PEARLS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 192, 10 May 1921, Page 5

JAPANESE PEARLS

SENSATION AMONGST ENGLISH JEWEL MERCHANTS FEARS FOR FUTURE OF TRADE By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright London, May 6. ‘The cultured pearl bubble has been deflated by a statement from the gems section of the London Chamber of Commerce that they have long been in the market, are well known, and are sold as such. The statement declares that the pearls are quite different in appearance from the Oriental pearl, are only produced in small sizes, are easily distinguished, and are comparatively valueless. The Chamber of Commerce statement by no means disposes of the cultured pearl sensation. Jewel merchants are distinctly alarmed, and have now resorted to X-ray examinations, experiments with which prove that the rays disclose an inferior pearl. This is deemed to he the only effectual safeguard. Experts in West End shops were again besieged on Saturday by processions of pearlbearers anxious for an authentic opinion on their cherished gems, or ready to sell or exchange them for gold articles and diamonds. The “Daily Mail” interviewed leading experts, who frankly admit that they are non-plussed. They state definitely that it is impossible to distinguish between the Oriental, cultured pearls without Xray exapiination or 'breaking in the pearl. Hatton Garden merchants are gloomy, but express the hope that a real test ultimately will bo found. Meanwhile they fear the destruction of the trade by unscrupulous dealers handling the cultured pearls.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.