200                    A POPULAR TREATISE ON GEMS.
	Spread diamonds, meaning flat stones, so as to display a large surface, whereby the collet is shorter than the crown, are generally sold much cheaper ; they do not, however, display their elements with the brilliancy of a diamond having two thirds of the collet and one third of the crown in size. At a most extensive sale of diamonds, which took place in the summer- of 1837, at the auction of Rundell & Bridges, London, there were twenty-four lots put up, which produced the sum of forty-five thousand eight hundred and eighteen pounds, nearly two hundred and twenty-nine thousand dollars ! Some of the prices were as follows r The celebrated Nassak Diamond, which weighs three hundred and fifty-seven and a half grains, and is of the purest water, was purchased for thirty-six thousand dollars. It is considered to have been sold at a price con­siderably under its value. A magnificent pair of brilliant ear-rings, weighing two hundred twenty-three and a half grains, formerly the property of Queen Charlotte, were bought for fifty-five thousand' dollars, a price infinitely be­low their usually estimated value. A sapphire, seventy-five and a half carats, set with brilliants for a brooch, two thou­sand four hundred and sixtyJive dollars. Brilliant ear­rings, three thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars. A brilliant necklace, four thousand three hundred dollars. Drop emerald ear-rings, two thousand three hundred and twenty-five dollars. Brilliant ear-rings, four thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. A Turkish dagger, mounted with briUiants and rubies, four thousand dollars. A single