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SECULAR USES OF PRECIOUS STONES. 93
convulsion ; the Revolution arrested this reckless prodigality,
to be revived, however, at a later date, with still greater vehemence. The era of classical styles followed, and costumes were elaborately trimmed with precious stones, and all kinds of jewelry were modelled after the antique. The number of fingers were too few to display all the rings considered necessary to set off personal charms ; therefore, the toes were brought into requisition. But here was another difficulty : how could these glittering ornaments be displayed with the feet covered ? Fashion is very inventive ; so the feet must be dressed in oriental sandals, in order to exhibit their fine jewels. The noble families exiled by the new government had taken their hereditary jewels with them, which left only the less valuable gems ; but these served the purposes of carnei, hence carnei were greatly admired until the banished diamonds and pearls re-appeared in the circles of rank and wealth. The English princes and aristocracy adopted the habits
of their continental neighbors in the display of personal ornaments, especially during the Norman period, when kings, nobles, and prelates were conspicuous for their lavish use of precious stones. Henry III. and his queen possessed magnificent jewels and other decorations richly garnished with them. The wedding gifts of this royal bride included nine chaplets for her hair, formed of gold filagree and clusters of gems, great carnei brilliant with costly stones, a silver peacock with the train made of pearls, sapphires, and other rare stones, used for sweet waters which flowed from the beak into a silver basin, and eleven garlands enriched with pearls, emeralds, sapphires, and garnets, a present from the bridegroom. The royal crowns and girdles of this princess were all garnished with a profusion of the richest gems the mineral kingdom could afford. Edward III. was very liberal in his gifts, bestowing them upon his favor- |
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