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Ch. 17: Prices of Gemstones

Ch. 16: Famous Diamonds, &c Page of 377 Ch. 17: Prices of Gemstones Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
     
     
 
350 NATURAL HISTORY OF PRECIOUS STONES, &c.
  
 
 
  
 
FORMER AND PRESENT SELLING PRICES OF PRECIOUS STONES.
Cellini (Orificeria) estimates the comparative values of the four species to which he restricts the honourable title of " Precious " as follows, for stones of the best quality :—
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
The gold scudo (8 to the ounce Roman) equals nine shil­lings in intrinsic value, and its current was at that date (1560) not much more in Italy, then the richest country in the world. This point, as regards the preceding century, has been satisfactorily established by Carli (Zecche Italiane).
In De Boot's age, the next generation, the jewellers valued the Ruby at half the price of a Diamond of the same size (not weight), but if it exceeded 10 carats, then by the same rule as he lays down for the latter stone. The Balais he fixes at 10 ducats for the first carat, afterwards to be multiplied by the simple weight ; the Spinel at half the price of the Diamond, which last, for table-cut, he puts at 30 ducats (15l.). The Sapphire of one carat, at 2 thalers (6s.), for higher weights as their square multiplied by one thaler. The Emerald had then become so plentiful that he thinks quarter the value of the Diamond rather above than below the mark for its selling price.
  
 
 
  
     
Ch. 16: Famous Diamonds, &c Page of 377 Ch. 17: Prices of Gemstones
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