1. Which 19th century royal personage is credited with popularizing the black pearl? Napoleon Princess Alexandra of Wales Empress Eugenie Queen Victoria

2. According to legend, pearls have the power to do all except which of these? Banish tears and ensure a happy life. Lose their luster and crumble when the wearer became ill. Protect the purity of the wearer. Become more lustrous when worn by a virtuous woman.

3. It is often said that a pearl deteriorates and dies in 100-150 years, yet many historic pearls are much older and remain superbly lustrous. Some reasons this may be observed do NOT include: Museums and vaults keep pearls in a silica-gel-lined wrapper to keep them as dry as possible. This prevents fungus damage. They tend to be very large, so they wear and deteriorate much more slowly than smaller pearls. Their rarity ensures they are well cared for. Some famous pearls have been described very differently over time, so the identity and true age of a particular pearl may be uncertain.

4. The famous pearl given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton is called La Pellegrina. True False

5. All of these have been the source of gem-quality natural pearls except mussel barnacle conch abalone

6. The finest American freshwater pearls are renowned for brilliant iridescent luster, fine color, and intriguing baroque shapes. Names given some commonly occurring shapes do not include dogtooth wing cat's paw turtleback

7. Followers of which religion reject the wearing of cultured pearls? Judaism Confucianism Greek orthodox Islam

8. The noted gemologist Dr. George F. Kunz of Tiffany's purchased an American freshwater pearl, which was later known as the Eugenie Pink after it was presented to the empress. In what state was it found? New Jersey Arkansas Tennessee Mississippi

9. The Duchess of Windsor, a passionate jewelry lover, possessed a pearl necklace given to her by Queen Mary. It was sold at auction after her death, along with the rest of her fabulous collection, and the proceeds given to AIDS research. True False

10. What color is the royal Pearl of the Palatinate? Black with greenish-bronze highlights Half black, half white, with a sharp contrast between the two halves. Fine silvery white Cream with pink highlights