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Ch. 4: Artistic Employment of Precious Stones

Ch. 3: Cutting and Fashioning of Precious Stones Page of 149 Ch. 4: Artistic Employment of Precious Stones Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
CHAPTER IV.
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
Ch. 3: Cutting and Fashioning of Precious Stones Page of 149 Ch. 4: Artistic Employment of Precious Stones
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