When
sapphires are of inferior quality they are worth much less, but as the
value entirely depends on the degree of colour, which requires an
experienced eye to distinguish, it would be useless to give any
valuation; but it must be remembered, that when a stone is too thick in
proportion to its surface, its value must not be estimated by the
weight it possesses, but by the weight it should have were it properly
proportioned.
The
treasuries and regalias of Europe possess sapphires of very large
size. In the green vaults at Dresden are, or were, several of
remarkable size and beauty. In the Russian treasury are some of an
enormous size, amongst them one of a light-blue tint, which formerly
was in the possession of the late Mr. Hope.
In the Vienna Kronenschatze, there is one of marvellous beauty and great size.
A
noble lady in diis country formerly possessed one, which is perhaps the
finest known. This lady, however, sold it during her lifetime, and
replaced it by an imitation so skilfully made, as to deceive even the
jeweller who valued it for probate duty; and it was estimated at the
sum of £ 10,000, and the legacy duty paid on it by the legatee, who was
doubtless chagrined when he discovered the deception. At the last Paris
exhibition there might have been seen a collection belonging to a lady,
distinguished alike for her magnificent charity and her wealth; also an
oval sapphire and a drop of enormous size and great purity, belonging
to a Russian countess.
1
