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PRECIOUS STONES.
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reckoned in proportion to the square of its weight ; or the
value was the square of the weight in carats multiplied by eight ; * as, for example, a diamond of one carat being forty dollars, according to this computation, one of two carats would be one hundred and sixty dollars, and one of ten carats four thousand dollars. This method of valuation, which is not now used, could be applied only to stones of moderate size, since those of great weight, sold in this way, would cost a fabulous price. For more than a century, the value of the diamond has been based upon the form of the brilliant, while that of the table, rose, and other styles of cutting depends upon other circumstances. The tint, the water, and the skill displayed in cutting and polishing are considerations to be taken into account, when purchasing this gem. Perfectly colorless diamonds, entirely free from all impurities, resembling a drop of the clearest water, and exhibiting
the highest lustre, are said to be of the "first water," those of inferior grade of the second, etc. * At the present date, a diamond of one carat, and of perfect form, is worth
from one hundred to two hundred dollars. |
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