such
exceptional occurrence as to command fancy prices. Again, a Ruby of
four carats, but of a pale color, may not be worth £12 stg.
The Emerald is
so rarely found perfect that the saying, " An Emerald without a flaw,"
has passed into a proverb. A good Emerald is at the present day worth
more than a Ruby, on account of the pleasing effect it has both by day
and candle-light, and is a very favorite gem; stands high in value; but
the Emeralds found lat-terly and brought into market are far inferior
to those formerly found. A good Emerald is worth in this country $40 to
$50 per carat. In England the price ranges from 5s. to £15 stg. per
carat; but one of deep, rich grass-green color, clear and free from
flaws, may bring from £20 to £40 stg. per carat.
Sapphire.—A
fine, perfect, evenly colored spread Sapphire, weighing one carat, of
a deep rich blue color, by night as well as by day, is worth £20 stg.;
it does not, however, increase so much in value in proportion to its
size.
The
Spinel or Balais-Ruby, if of good quality, is sold from 10s. to £8 stg.
per carat. The value is extremely uncertain and variable; it depends
entirely on caprice and fashion.
The Topaz.—The
commercial nature of the Topaz as a jewel is entirely fictitious. A
very fine stone can now be bought for a few shillings sterling, while,
it would have brought a great deal more when in fashion. Pink Topaz
brings from £2 stg. to £20 stg. per ounce, the price depending on the
depth of the pink color.
Beryl or Aquamarine.—The commercial value of this stone is trifling, and is used mostly for imitation jewelry. Zircon, Hyacinth or Jacinth, are also called Jargoon, These stones are identically the same, but differ in color; the red varieties are sometimes sold for inferior Rubies. The Jargoon is
frequently cut in the form of a Rose Diamond, which is flat at the
bottom and pointed at the top. The price is purelyTirbitrary.
The Garnet, Essonite, Pyrope and Almandine.—The
color of the Syrian Garnet, being of deep crimson, is at present much
in vogue, and commands a fair price, say from $1 to $2 per carat.
The Bohemian Garnets are worth from $15 to $25 per ounce.
Amethyst.—A
fine deep-colored stone, of the size of a twenty-five cent piece, is
worth, from $80 to $100 per ounce; smaller sizes and inferior qualities
are sold for 50 cents to $10 apiece.
Peridote, Chrysolite.—The value of both stones is but small; fan-specimens of good size may be bought at from 25c. to $5 per carat.
Turquoise.—The Persian is much used in jewelry; small, clear
