Portal logo
APPENDIX.
505
stones bring from sixpence to 20s. stg. each, while a fine Ring stone will realize from £10 stg. to £40 stg. Large Turquoise, of good quality and fine color, are extremely rare, and realize extrava­gant prices.
Opal.—The value of the precious Opal depends entirely on the brilliancy and play of its colors ; large, fine gems, of extraordinary beauty, have brought fabulous prices. They are not sold by the carat, but by the piece.
Coral.—The red Coral, which formerly was the most valuable, is now worth far less than the color which was formerly worthless. The pale, delicate pink, similar to that of the inside of the pale rose leaf, is sought after, but very scarce; a Coral of this tint is very valuable. £48 stg. per ounce has lately been paid in London. A large bead or drop will readily realize from £30 stg. to £40 stg. ; small pieces, however, may be had for $4 to $6 per ounce.
Pearls.—The value for perfectly pure round Pearls, of a smooth and lustrous skin, perfectly free from specks or discoloration of any
sort, of small size, is from......................$ 1 to $2 a grain.
4 grain Pearls,.................. 2 to 3 "
6 "         " .................. 5 to 6
10 "         " .................. 8 to 10
The following is Mr. Emanuel's table of prices of Pearls, viz. :
Round Pearls above the latter weight are of such rare occurrence and command such exceptional prices, that it woUlrl Tie tjseleas to attempt any scale of valuation.