This encyclopedic 1908 volume comprises 17 chapters as follows: pearls among the ancients; medieval and modern history of pearls; origin of pearls structure and forms of pearls; sources of pearls; the pearl fisheries of the Persian Gulf; East African pearl fisheries; pearl fisheries of the British Isles; pearl fisheries of the South Sea Islands; pearl fisheries of Venezuela pearl-culture and pearl-farming; mystical and medicinal properties of pearls values and commerce of pearls; treatment and care of pearls; pearls as used in ornaments and decoration; famous pearls and collections; and the aboriginal use of pearls, and their discovery in mounds and graves. The chapter on treatment and care of pearls is abstracted separately herein.