RELIGIOUS USES OF PRECIOUS STONES 261
gazed
with veneration upon this quaint and curious work of art, has found
expression in the bestowal of a wealth of gems and jewels, including
necklaces, brooches, rings, etc., with which the silken dress of the
image is studded. A crown of gold adorned with precious stones rests
upon the head of the olive-wood figure, which is jealously guarded by
the priests and only shown to the faithful as a particular favor,
except on the occasion of certain religious festivals.
One
of the most renowned emeralds in the world surmounted the elaborately
jewelled imperial crown that was placed upon the head of the venerated
image of the Virgen del Sagrario in the Cathedral of Toledo. This
emerald, of a rich green color, was cut as a perfect sphere and
measured about 40 millimetres, or 1 1/2 inches, in diameter. The
crown itself was the work of the Toledan goldsmith, Don Diego Alejo de
Montoya, who began his task in 1574 and devoted twelve years to its
completion. It is described as being of almost pure gold and executed
in the Eenaissance style. Curiously chased in arabesque designs and
enamelled in various colors, the framework of the crown served as a
magnificent background for the gems constituting its adornment, which
comprised rubies, emeralds, and Oriental pearls; a row of angels and
cherubs sustained the arches which bore at their summit the allegorical
figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity; upon that representing Faith
rested the splendid emerald. This precious ornament was still
preserved in the Cathedral in 1865, but was so carelessly guarded that
it was stolen in 1869.54
If we are to believe the following anecdote, the em-
" José Ignacio Mirò, " Estudio de las piedras preciosas," Madrid, 1870, pp. 135,136.
