of
the former. But transparent stones accord well with all those which
interrupt the passage of light by such internal reflections. The
diamond, on this account, combines admirably with the cat's-eye and the
pearl, but it affords too strong a contrast, especially when of large
size, with the turquoise, to associate pleasantly with this nearly
opaque stone. From amongst the qualities pertaining to the colour of
stones, examples of the utility of the table may be cited. When a stone
has much " fire " in it- that is, when its refractive and dispersive
actions upon light are high—and it shows prismatic hues, then it looks
best if associated with gems in which this property is less developed.
Again, monochroic stones, which in all directions transmit beams of the
same colour, should be associated with pleochroic stones, which exhibit
two or more hues, while the latter should not be mixed together.
We
are led from the study of these examples of associations of gem-stones
to inquire into the principles which underlie artistic combinations.
Probably we are satisfied with arrangements of precious stones in which
the leading motif is either identity, or seriation, or
contrast. When stones match, when they are graduated, or when they
offer a distinct but not startling contrast, the resulting effect is at
least capable of being made satisfactory. When we speak of identity,
seriation, and contrast, as expressing the elements of-decorative
association in the mounting of precious stones, we use words into which
we are compelled to import special meanings. By identity, we mean that
very close resemblance which selected specimens of choice stones of the
same kind will exhibit; seriation expresses the orderly sequence of
tones or colours with the presence of a pervading and dominant element;
contrast implies an effect of change rather than of passage , and may
include contrast of tone and of lustre as well as contrast of colour.
Instead of further discussing the question of the artistic employment
of precious stones in precise accordance with the three principles of
association before laid down, a more useful and
8445.
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