on
account of their lying much longer in the possession of jewellers than
those of the smaller sort; and therefore all jewellers supposing the
probability of this, never give so near the value of them as for
smaller stones, they being always more marketable.
As
this is the case, persons of rank and fortune, that need not regard any
reasonable loss, or the interest of money, are the proper purchasers
of jewels; and the money laid out by such persons, can no more be
deemed luxury in them, than that which is expended in equipping and
furnishing sideboards and cabinets, and on all other costly personal
equipments in gold and silver. But it may be said, that the latter are
more useful and necessary than the former. To which it may be answered,
that their uses may be supplied at a much cheaper rate; so the
appearance and credit must be the remaining motive for laying out
money that way, which is the same in respect to jewels; and if the
losses attending the purchasing these be an objection, it will be found
to lie as strong against the other, in respect to fashionable elegant
things; the workmanship of which,
