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COLOR AND FLAWS
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139
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tion of the yellow ray which reaches the brains of some, could not be conducted by the optic nerve of others.
Experts
are slow to pass judgment on the high grades of diamonds in a poor
light or unfamiliar surroundings and for one to say positively that the
color of a very fine stone, is better or poorer than that of a similar
one, without comparison, is rash, and good evidence that he is not
familiar with that kind of material. One's physical condition also
influences the perception of color. Experience teaches many dealers
that there are days when they are not in good condition to buy
diamonds. There are few but wonder at times, as they become better
acquainted with their purchases, how they could have paid as much as
they did for certain lots.
Surrounding
buildings, the color of the walls and ceilings of a room, association,
the kind of mounting it is in, all affect the apparent color of a
diamond. Jewelers frequently hurt their diamond trade by papering the
walls and ceilings of their stores with yellow, brown, or crushed
strawberry, for which many seem to have a predilection, or are damaged
by a neighbor across the street painting the front of his building with
some vivid tint. The light is thereby tainted and the adulteration is
reflected in the diamond.
The
quality of the light under which a stone is viewed has much to do with
the apparent color. A cloudy day will darken the color of some and
neutralize that of others. Dealers sometimes take advantage of such
conditions; they are frequently embarrassed and lose sales by them.
The best light in which to judge fine shades of color is an unimpeded
north light.
It will be understood by the foregoing that for a per-
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