Passion overtook Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall during the November meeting.
‘A Passion for Pearls’ was the subject for the humorous and eloquent speaker Frances Benton, who spoke of her love and fascination for pearls of every size, shape and colour. Bringing her vast collection of pearls for members to view, and some also to purchase, the jewels filled the front of the stage and dazzled with shine and beauty.
Frances, who lives in France but travels seven months of the year as a music organiser, uses her love of pearls to raise money to help the street children of South Africa, a charity started with her son. She is also a ‘pearl knotter.’ A knot is tied in silk after each pearl for safety as they are expensive, and also to flow beautifully when worn.
There are pearls from the oyster which are real and natural although a few can be found in some types of clams or mussels. Then there is a cultured pearl, which although real is not natural as man assists the oyster to produce it. Then lastly there are faux pearls which tend to be glass with a coating.
Talking also of the history of pearls Frances said that pearls had been worn for more than 3000 years and Cleopatra had seduced Mark Anthony with her splendid rows of pearls. Elizabeth I was known to wear Medici pearls covering her robes displaying a fortune.
An X-ray is taken to determine if a pearl is real as the value would be in the region of £600,000, it is the rarest gem on the planet and the only one which is ‘animal.’
Frances explained that the cultured pearl began its life in Japan as a Mr Moto experimented successfully to help produce one pearl per 10,000 oysters.
Frances ended her talk with a fable which explained why pearls are known as ‘Tears of the Dragon’ and was given tumultuous applause and thanks.
Treasurer Sara Honor gave a report on her attendance at the WWI Annual Council meeting in Salisbury City Hall and said September 2015 was the WI Centenary Celebration.
Liz Lee
