A selection of Tahitian, Australian and Akoya fresh and sea water pearls are on exhibit this week at the Classic Jewellers outlet in Republic Street, Valletta. The exhibits form part of this year's Pearl Week, which was inaugurated last Saturday and will remain open until Sunday.

The pearls on exhibit come in various sizes, shapes and colour. This is mainly due to their origin, especially the environment and the way they have been cultured. Also on exhibit are some pearls which are still in their formation stage - in fact they are being exhibited together with their oyster base. These prestigious collections have been brought over courtesy of Nimei and Miluna Pearls.

Steve Fenech, director of Classic Jewellers said that "apart from promoting a pearl culture we wanted to educate our customers and help them to understand the beauty and extreme care involved in the cultivation of pearls. Today Pearl Week is an integral part of our yearly calendar of events which our customers look forward to and we are happy to organise it for them.

"For this year's Pearl Week we have also brought over a showcase stylist from overseas who has helped us to decorate our showcases in an effort to make them more appealing and attractive."

Throughout the week customers spending Lm350 or over on any pearl jewellery will be entitled to a free weekend break for two persons at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Hotel. The outlet will be open all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.