THE DIAMOND MARKET 153
smaller
number of shade divisions is noted. It may be perceived that the
minute distinctions of this separation can only be made by the trained
eyes of experts. No magnifying glasses are used by the sorters, all
being able to make the distinctions with the naked eye. Ten sorters are
employed, all Europeans, two women and eight men. To replace any who
leave, apprentices are trained to the work at Kimberley. The sorters
determine the quality of diamonds with notable accuracy and speed.
De
Beers mine is noted for yielding an exceptionally large percentage of
ordinary " yellows," a very small percentage of very " dark yellows," a
limited number of brilliant " silver Capes," and considerable "
light-brown cleavage " of a delicate shade. The very " dark yellows "
are ranked as " fancies " and highly valued, and the " silver Capes "
are also rated highly, as they have great lustre when cut as
brilliants, but absolutely white or colorless stones are rarely found
in this mine.
Kimberley
mine yields a fair proportion of " white crystals," a good percentage
of " white cleavage," and quite a remarkable percentage of large "
maacles." It also produces a fairly large proportion of " yellows,"
generally somewhat lighter in color than those from De Beers.
Dutoitspan
mine yields some very fine blue-white stones, " silver Capes " and
ordinary " white " stones and " cleavage " of comparatively fine
quality, together with large " yellows," showing an exceptional
proportion of large stones, and a comparatively small percentage of
very minute crystals.
Bultfontein's
product is very largely composed of white stones, but many of these are
spotted more or less; its diamonds are also comparatively small,
usually ranging from two to three carats downwards.
The
diamonds from Premier mine are mostly octahedron crystals, or fragments
of these, with a large percentage of rubbish and boart. Beautiful,
deep-orange colored diamonds are frequently found, and blue-white
stones are not uncommon.
When the sorting has been completed, the diamonds are
