352 NATURAL HISTORY OF PRECIOUS STONES, &c.
for
fine stones ; the pale, of either species, having never any definite
value in the trade. But since that date, whilst the Diamond has only
doubled its value, the Sapphire is worth four times what it then sold
for; and as for the Emerald, it has become the rarest of all gems, and
when perfect exceeds the Diamond in the same proportion as Cellini
fixes.
The
Spinel and the Balais are usually put upon the same footing as the
Sapphire ; they are in little demand in Europe, though as highly prized
as ever by the Orientals.
For
the Pearl, De Boot gives the same set of tables as for the Opal, fixing
3 thalers (9s.) for the first carat, and then as the weight squared up
to 11 car. ; but for higher weights multiplying the square by 4
thalers. Jeffries, in 1750, lays down the same rule for the Pearl, but
substitutes for the multiplier the astonishingly low figure of 8«.,
which, considering the difference in the value of money between the two
dates, is less than the fourth of De Boot's estimation. The present
selling price in Paris is given by Barbot as 50 fr. per carat,
multiplied by the simple weight.
The
Turquois resembles the Diamond in the rapidity with which its value
mounts up as the magnitude of the stone increases. The smallest, those
of the size of a millet-seed, used for incrusting jewelry, sell for no
more than sixpence the dozen ; whereas a good one half an inch in
diameter, is worth 10Z. ; and Emanuel mentions one as large as a
shilling recently sold for 400l. !
It
is impossible to fix the selling price of the Jacinth, Chrysolite,
Brazilian Topaz, Amethyst, or indeed of any gem that has gone out of
fashion. Such things the dealers buy at mere nominal prices, charging
for them, when set, according to their conscience. To give an idea of this depreciation, Barbot states 100 fr. (41.) as the highest limit per kilo. (2 lbs.) for Brazilian Topazes in the rough. And yet
