commercial
depression, and notwithstanding the number of purchasers of gems must
have been lessened by the ruin of the thousands of persons who, when
making, according to their idea, a solid investment, were in fact only
purchasing an unlimited liability. Notwithstanding this commercial
crisis and depression, the value of diamonds has steadily augmented.
The
Author has incurred considerable animosity in some quarters from '
having disclosed the secrets of the trade,' but he considered at the
time, and still thinks, that to an honest dealer, knowledge on the part
of the public is a benefit instead of an evil; and against those who
bring a stigma on an honourable profession by unfair means, he is only
too delighted to put the public on their guard. As stated in the first
edition, this work has been written with no view to benefit the Author
in any manner.
H. E.
Clarence Terrace, Regent's Park. June 1867.
