Pearls are at the height of perfection when taken from the shell and almost all can be set at once provided they have not been injured in the opening or in removal of the outer layers around the true pearly nacre. The following topics are discussed in detail: the method called faking which means legitimate pearl peeling and improving; improper treatment to conceal defects; dubious methods for restoring the beauty of pearls which have grown dim; hole drilling methods, carried out from both ends, involving the use of the bow- or fiddle-drill, centering calipers to mark the holes, special holding forceps; the modern, mechanical drills; the dangers of clogging, breaking the drill, cracking the pearl; the setting of pearls for jewelry pearl blisters; seed pearl work; the half-pearl industry for surface ornamentation of objects; the causes of injury and decay; the process of stringing and re-stringing; optimal care and storage. The discussion of drilling includes quotes from ancient sources. -- AATA