JAPANESE PEARLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1921, Page 8

JAPANESE PEARLS.

EXPERTS NONPLUSSED.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn —Copyright. London, May 6. The cultured pearl bubble lias been deflated by a statement by the gems section of the London Chamber of Commerce that they have long been marketed, are well-known, and sold as such. The statement declares that they have quite a different appearance from the Oriental pearl, are only produced in, small sizes, are easily distinguishable and 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 proving that the rays'disclose the interior of pearl, which is deemed the only effectual safeguard. Experts in West End shops were again besieged on Saturday with a procession of pearlbearers anxious for an authentic opinion regarding their cherished gems, or ready to sell or exchange them for gold articles or diamonds. The Daily Mail interviewed leading experts, who frankly admitted that they wore nonplussed, and state that it was definitely impossible to distinguish between Oriental and cultured pearls without an X-ray examination or breaking the pearl. Hatton Garden merchants are gloomy and express a hope that a real test will ultimately be found, but meantime fear the destruction of the trade by unscrupulous dealers handling cultured pearls—Wnited Service.