Pearls No Longer Rare Luxury

Press, Volume C, Issue 29648, 19 October 1961, Page 2

Pearls No Longer Rare Luxury

[By

ZALIA THOMAS]

LONDON. October 11. Through the mists of time, pearls have been one of the most coveted adornment* for the fairer sex—men have fonght and killed to posses* them; women have wept for them. Fascinating legends surround this jewel: one of the more romantic is that tears from the Queen of Night fell from the heavens, glistening with moonlight and dropped to the sea to become transformed into pearls. Until the twentieth century, pearls were so rare that this could easily have been the case. Comparatively few people owned them and these toll, into the categories at crowned heads, the aristocracy and the very rich. During the latter part of the nineteenth century, the Japanese decided to do something about this drastic state of affairs and began to experiment with artificial way* to induce an oyster to produce a pearl “naturally.” After a tot of scepticism by the ‘"know alia,” the early IMO’* brought the proof of their earlier experiments and the oultured pearl was universally accepted. Now, tor the first time,the pearl came somewhere within the reach of ordinary persons, Later another discovery changed things even more and brought pearls into the spending sphere of the most budget-consciou* purse. We learnt bow to make simulated pearls by scientific means—these pearl* are often impossible to detect from the real things (unless, of course, you are an expert). Today, simulated pearls sell at prices as tow as 8s 6d tor a single row—a tor cry from

the old days when they were rarely seen on anyone lower in rank than a queen or princess. Unlike any other, the pearl is a true jewel from the time of its creation. Nothing has to be done to it, no craftsman has to cut or polish it AH,that needs to be done is to grade the beads and have them expertly strung. It is interesting to note that no two pearls are exactly alike; therefore, the grading of pearls is a task only to be tackled by an expert. Both Paris and Italy used pearls as "flllers-in” for their low-cut dreaseu in their latest collections. There are few jewels that flatter a woman’s complexion as pearls do. Here are a few useful tips for care of your pearls, whether simulated or cultured. Apply cosmetics and perfume before putting on a pearl necklace or ear-rings and don’t let your pearls come in contact with hair lacquer sprays. Wear them often, as contact with akin improves their lustre and cotour. You can even wash them, provided they are finest quality simulated or cultured pearls. Dip them once or twice into luke-warm soapy water, dab gently with a soft cloth to remove any moisture and hang in an airy place to dry—over a clothes hanger near a window is a good place. It is also a wise plan to check the silk or nylon string for signs of weakness when you have washed them. If the necklace appears the least bit week, have it restrung. When not wearing your pearls, don't teas them m your jewel box with other bits and pieces but keep them safe from scratches In a box lined with satin or velvet.