ARTISTIC EMPLOYMENT OF PRECIOUS STONES.
Some acquaintance
with the less obvious characters and qualities of precious stones, and
especially with the distinctive properties of those kinds which remain
practically unrecognised and unappreciated, may serve more than one
good purpose. Not only may the jeweller's art receive new impetus and
suggestion, but the buyers and connoisseurs of bijouterie may learn to
appreciate more highly well-conceived design, new combinations, and
exquisite workmanship. Most admirable and pleasant
colour-combinations may be attained by the aid of materials which in
many instances are now by no means costly. Curious and delicate hues of
luminous and refined quality, preserved in enduring substance, may be
arranged and grouped in forms of endless beauty and variety. Neither
silks, nor paints, nor even enamels can ever equal the colours of
precious stones in durability, or in brilliancy and pulsating variety
of hue. And it cannot be doubted that when knowledge of the true nature
of any art material (such as precious stones) becomes more intimate,
exact, and diffused, a more intelligent and lively interest will be
created in examples of good work wrought in the substance in question.
Every connoisseur or collector of artistic objects must have shared in
experiences of this kind. He may have been once quite dead to the
peculiar merits of certain works, say in bronze, not even glancing at
any specimens falling in his way. Then some casual circumstance,
perhaps an exciting contest for a fine piece of work at a sale
