A RARE PUZZLE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10896, 10 May 1921, Page 6

A RARE PUZZLE

GULTURED PEARLS DIFFICULTY IN DETECTION CAUSES MISGIVING. SOME MERCHANTS HOPEFUL. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, May 7. The cultured pearl bubble has been deflated by a statement from the gems section of the liondon 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. LONDON, May 8. The Chamber of Commerce’s statement by no means disposes of the cultured pear] sensation. Jewel merchants are distinctly alarmed, and have now resorted to X-ray examinations, experiments with which prove that the rays disclose an interior pearl. This is deemed to be the only effectual safeguard. Experts ip. West End shops were again besieged on Saturday by processions of pearl-bearers anxious for an authentic opinion on their cherished gems, or ready to sell or exchange them for gold articles and diamonds. The “Daily Mall” interviewed leading experts, who frankly admit that they are non-plussed. The state definitely that it is impossible to distinguish between the Oriental and cultured pearls without X-ray examination or breaking the - pearl. Hatton Garden merchants are gloomy, hut express the hope that, a real' test ultimately will be found, but meanwhile fear the destruction of the trade by unscrupulous dealers handling the cultured pearls.