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344
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THE DIAMOND
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as
I represent them. It is the best I can do." The man was not satisfied,
but left, and went into the other store, where he bought what appeared
to him to be a finer stone than any he had seen in the first store, for
a little less per carat. The fact is, the first man had nothing as poor
in his stock, and did not ask as large a profit as the buyer paid, but
the stone that was bought was so much better than most of the diamonds
in the second stock, that the buyer unconsciously rated it as much
better than it was.
Many
persons have a large amount of misplaced faith in their ability to "
carry color in their eye." They think that they can accurately gauge
the comparative color and quality of two stones seen at different times
and places. Dealers are not so confident, especially those of large
experience. One constantly handling gems, will arrive at a definite
conclusion about its value after carefully examining a stone, but he
will be slow to form an opinion about the comparative color of two
stones, unless he can see them side by side, or there is a very decided
difference.
Surroundings
and prejudices influence judgment much more than people think. A finely
made mounting will incline most persons to think that the stone in it
must also be fine. It is very difficult for some to believe that poor
stones exist in fine and expensive stores, but they do. Good clothes
cover much vulgarity. By the same process of subconscious reasoning, a
really fine gem is rarely recognized if it is in the hands of a small
dealer, or in an obscure store. The general public is apt to buy on
impressions made by conditions and to be quite
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