Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 December 1895 — PEARLS WITHOUT PRICE. [ARTICLE]

PEARLS WITHOUT PRICE.

Two Strings Ownsd by tho Duchess of Marlborough. Casual mention has been made of the beautiful pearls which Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt gave her daughter, Miss Consuelo, when she became Duchess of Marlborough, but nothing like justice has ever been done to a collection which is undoubtedly the finest and most costly in the world. The pearls originally consisted of two strings, one of these being historic and a part of the once glorious strand of Catharine of Russia. This string was about two yards long, and while the pearls are well matched, of great size and of good “skin” or brilliancy, they are nothing to be compared to the second string, which Mr. William K. Vanderbilt began to collect for his wife soon after their marriage. This now comprises the first loop, one designed to be close to the throat, the second and third coils being long enough to hang down over the bodice of a dress, the whole string going thre'e times around the neck. These larger pearls are without equals in the world, and measure fully a half inch in diameter. There are about fifty of them and a conservative valuation has recently fixed them worth at from $15,000 to $20,000 each, making the group cost nearly a million dollars.

Many years were occupied in the search for these beautiful gems, and Europe and the Orient were ransacked in an endeavor to procure the finest pearls in the world. Many of these larger pearls have also an historic interest apart from their great purity and value, being the choicest specimens of several great collections, the pride of many a harem, the despair of many an owner, who only parted with such treasures through necessity or greed. These pearls will undoubtedly make a sensation when worn abroad by the young Duchess of Marlborough, whose graceful throat seems just designed to be so adorned. As they pass into the keeping of the Marlboroughs these pearls may become an heirloom in that family, to be passed on from one generation to another, until the great string is once more broken up and dispersed, and some other millionaire sets out to make another collection so his wife.

An Euglisman'claims to have invented a safety purse for ladies. It has two straps, one of which is attached to a ring that slips over the finger, while the other ends in a narrow band of leather that clasps round the waist. It is impossible to drop it or have it wrenched away.