On a $5 base this would represent a value of $49,946.30 and one of $24,973.15 on a base of $2.50. The different grouping of the pearls accounts for the slight reduction in value.

A system of estimating the value of pearls which has recently been introduced into Germany, is an adaptation of the ordinary method of squaring the number of grains and then multiplying the result by a certain base figure. The pearls are first grouped according to quality and size, and a figure is agreed upon as the multiplicator of each class. In Germany the carat is employed as the weight unit for pearls as well as for diamonds, and in this new system the total weight of a given number of pearls of the same class is first reduced to grains; the number of grains is then multiplied by four and the quotient is multiplied by the figure agreed upon. The resulting sum, after being divided by the number of pearls, gives the carat value of such pearls. For example, if the base figure agreed upon is 5, and we wish to find the carat worth of 4 pearls of similar size, weighing together 314⁄64 carats, the sum would be as follows:

206 × 4 × 4 × 5
= 64.37
64 × 4

At this rate per carat, reckoning in marks, the value of the 314⁄64 carats would be 207.20 marks. This result is identical with that obtained by the ordinary method, but the calculation is perhaps a trifle simplified.[[383]]

A curious Hindu treatise on gems has been preserved for us in the Brhatsamhitâ of Varâhamihira (505–587 A.D.). It is the earliest work of this kind that we have in Sanskrit, and M. Louis Finot,[[384]] who has published it, together with several other similar treatises, believes that it was based upon an original composed at a much earlier period. In his introduction M. Finot says: “It would be an error to regard the ratnaçastra [treatise on gems] as a simple manual for the use of jewelers. Without doubt this subject formed one of the principal branches of commercial instruction, ... but it was also taught to princes and it is for their use that the ratnaçastras we publish seem to have been composed.”

This treatise only describes four gems, although a larger number are enumerated. These gems are the diamond, the pearl, the ruby, and the emerald. One of the most interesting portions is that treating of the valuation of pearls. The system described is peculiar, and, unfortunately, there is some difficulty in finding an absolutely correct equivalent for the values expressed.

A price is first placed upon a pearl weighing 4 mâsakas (about 45 grains). This is estimated at 5300 kârsâpanas (about $1600). As the weight diminishes the valuation decreases as follows:

4mâsakas5300 kârsâpanas
3½mâsakas3200 kârsâpanas
3mâsakas2000 kârsâpanas
2½mâsakas1300 kârsâpanas
2mâsakas800 kârsâpanas
1½mâsakas353 kârsâpanas
1mâsakas135 kârsâpanas
4guñjas[[385]]90 kârsâpanas
3guñjas50 kârsâpanas
2½guñjas35 kârsâpanas

Smaller pearls were grouped together in dharanas (one dharana = about 72 grains). If there were thirteen fine pearls in a dharana, they were valued at 325 rûpakas (about $100); the other values were as follows:

16 pearls in a dharana were worth200 rûpakas
20 pearls in a dharana were worth170 rûpakas
25 pearls in a dharana were worth130 rûpakas
30 pearls in a dharana were worth70 rûpakas
40 pearls in a dharana were worth50 rûpakas
55–60 pearls in a dharana were worth40 rûpakas
80 pearls in a dharana were worth30 rûpakas
100 pearls in a dharana were worth25 rûpakas
200 pearls in a dharana were worth12 rûpakas
300 pearls in a dharana were worth6 rûpakas
400 pearls in a dharana were worth5 rûpakas
500 pearls in a dharana were worth3 rûpakas