Fancies: Emerald-green, red, sapphire-blue, pink, orange, tints of violet-blue and blue, canary, black, and brown.
In
what are termed white stones: Blue, snow-white rivers, jagers,
wesseltons, crystals, silver-capes, very light brown, very light green,
capes, yellow (by-waters) according to depth of tint, and browns.
The
flaws which occur in the diamond consist mainly of so-called carbon
spots, and fissures or " glasses" (glessen) as they are sometimes
termed in the trade. There are comparatively few stones which are
absolutely flawless, though many of the faults are almost
imperceptible to the naked eye and are of such a character that they
do not hurt the brilliancy or beauty of the stone. Formerly, absolute
perfection was not demanded to the same extent as now. Then, diamonds
were used almost entirely by a class of wealth and leisure in whom the
keen trading instinct was not developed. Accustomed to jewels, if one
pleased the eye, they did not enter into a close inquisition of
details. This class appreciated observable qualities. If the ruby was
a fine red, the sapphire a beautiful blue, and the deep rich green of
the grass distinguished the emerald, offered to them, they did not stop
to consider the effect of flaws upon a possible sale later. So also
with the diamond. If it was brilliant and the color was good, that
sufficed. But as people unaccustomed to diamonds became large
purchasers, the trading instinct of generations manifested itself.
These in buying, never lost sight of market value and anything which
might affect it. They could not reach in a lifetime or a generation or
two, the careless prodigality which bought with no regard whatever
