The
foregoing figures do not give an absolutely exact statement of the
importations of diamond in all its forms, but it is very close to
facts. The items are from data furnished by the customs authorities who
tabÂulate the dutiable and nondutiable items without regard to the
precise nature of the articles, and as there have been several changes
in the tariff, the various kinds have been shifted and differently
combined. Uncut diamonds of the jewel class were first specified by our
customs in 1885. From 1890, " rough " includes miners, glaziers and
engravers diamonds, and also jewels for watches and clocks up to 1897.
Under the same heading all other uncut precious stones not specified,
were included prior to 1895. Under " Cut," all precious stones
inÂcluding pearls, and imitation stones were included until 1897.
(Imitation stones were included until 1899.) By that time the demand
for pearls and what are termed " fancy stones," had grown to be an item
of importance. The importations of that class amounted in 1897 to
$686,789. Uncut diamonds for jewels were tabulated
