FEW GEMS possess the histo-
ry and romance of pearls.
Symbols of virtue, chastity,
wisdom and purity, they have
been treasured for centuries.
w, A favorite gift from father to
daughter and a traditional feature of

the wedding costume, pearls are a

popular addition to any woman's
jewelry wardrobe,

To aid customers in their pur-
chasing of these ueasured gems,
Tiffany & Co. has published A
Guide to Tiffany Pearls, This free
pocket-size booklet, available at
Tiffany's in Holt Renfrew, Pacific
Centre, contains information on
pearl selection and identification. lt

Photo submitted

GOOD QUALITY. pearls will
fast hundreds of years if prop-
erly cared for.

also lists the following frequently

asked questions about pearls:

How much should | expect to
spend?

Considering how often pearls
can be worn, you should not com-
promise on. quality.: Purchase the
best pearls you can afford within
your budget. Good quality strands
need not cost a fortune. Tiffany’s

cultured pearl chokers are priced”

from $1,250. Stud earrings start at
$1,325,
How do I care for my pears?
Fine pearls with thick nacre lay-

ers. will last hundreds. of years if :

cared for properly. Pearls should be
kept free of perfumes, cosmetics,
perspiration and dirt. Look for
pearls strung on pure’ silk, with
knots between each pearl. Over time
the string will stretch, weaken and
become soiled. So have your pearls
cleaned and restrung regularly. —

o-. =e Why are two different strands of +

the same length priced differently?.
There are many criteria applied

to judging pearl quality, and all of

them can affect price. All other fac-

tors being equal, however, it is the
size of the pearls that determtines the
price of a strand, Larger pearls are

‘rarer and far more difficult to match

than smaller ones.

Unlike diamonds, pearls are not
evaluated by in industry-wide grad-
ing system. However, some mer-
chants have developed their own
grading scales for comparative pur-

“MARTHA STURDY DESIGNS

Is there a grading system? poses.

10-50% OFF

ALL JEWELLERY &
HOME ACCESSORIES

| \ DEC. 27 - JAN. 7
TN

3065 GRANVILLE ST 775 BURRARD ST.

WINTER SALE!
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ON ALL WINTER CLOTHING

STARTS FRIDAY, DEC. 30
10:00 AM

CHILDREN’S WEAR

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922-0613

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am Expert Alterations & Repairs
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OPEN MON.-FRI. 7am-7prn; SAT. 8-6; SUN. 11-5

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Selected Merchandise
Sale Starts December 26/94

Jaxe Ano Josh Suage ENTHUSIASM,
Ano Gymsonce puays it Up!

GYMBOREE is the world leader in’
parent/child play programs, featuring five

At GYMBOREE, your first experience of
FUN if FREE! Come to our OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, Jan. 4th and try out over 40 age-appropriate levels for children 3 mos.
pieces of specially-built play equipment, through 4 years old. Come play it up!

meet the teacher Your Can Gers Mone Our Gr Caunoop Ar OPEN HOUSE

“and play with ‘J Wed., Jan. 4th

Gymbo the Clown. Join Us!
©1992 Gymboree Corporvtion
GPEN HOUSE TIMES
Wednesday, Jan. 4th

MORNING EVENING
3 mos. fo prewalkers 91S am —~—- Imos. to pre-walkers
Walkers to 24 mos. 10:15 am Walkers t0 24 mos.
25 mos. to 4 yrs. * 1:00am =. 25 mos. to 4 yrs.

Call now for more information or to register

924-2370

Held at 1525 Taylor Way, (St. David's United Church)
WEST VANCOUVER Toe,
Classes start Jan. {ith and run for 12 weeks.

ate sf Seam th ay

5:45 pe
6:45 pm
7:30 pm