Quantcast
  Due to a new server, slow response may occur for which we apologize Portal logo
Login/Register
Bactrian Gold Treasure from Afghanistan, coming soon....
/gemstones/burnham-precious-stones/page_100 - 2
 

Ch. 5: Secular Uses of Gems

Ch. 5: Secular Uses of Gems Page of 401 Ch. 5: Secular Uses of Gems Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
     
     
 
SECULAR USES OF PRECIOUS STONES. 99
  
     
 
which he carried with him on his military campaigns, to be
studied and admired during his leisure moments.
The Esterhazy gems " have passed into history," and fill
many a page with their glittering illustrations. Prince
Nicholas, one of this ancient Hungarian family, who flourished
at the close of the eighteenth and the beginning of the nineteenth century, revived the mediaeval practice of decorating
military uniforms and weapons with precious stones. All his
armor worn at the coronation of Francis II. as King of Hungary was covered with valuable gems ; his sword and scabbard
sparkled with brilliants ; a shoulder-band and belt presented a
galaxy of diamonds and pearls ; while his numerous Orders
enhanced the splendor of his equipments. The uniform of the
prince as a Hungarian general was ornamented with fifty thousand diamonds, besides many fine specimens of rubies, topazes,
emeralds, and other varieties of precious stones. The cap was
encircled by a band of pearls, and bore a plume composed of
five thousand diamonds of different colors. With all his magâ– " nificence, Nicholas Esterhazy was excelled in the display of
splendid jewelry, by his successor, Prince Paul, who died a bankrupt, in 1866. His large collection was sold at his death, to liquidate his debts, and the celebrated Esterhazy gems were scattered
over the world. They included, among others, more than fifty
thousand brilliants, an aigrette of diamonds for the prince's military cap, a loop of diamonds and pearls, and a sword, sheath,
and belt, most elaborately ornamented with precious stones.
The question naturally arises : Where did all the gems
come from ? Mr. Jones, in his work on precious stones,
says the Crusaders introduced vast quantities into Europe,
jalong with many other luxuries. It is related that one hunidred and fifty mules were needed to transport the spoils of
|Tancred, including gold, silver, and precious stones ; while an
  
     
     
Ch. 5: Secular Uses of Gems Page of 401 Ch. 5: Secular Uses of Gems
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page