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124 THE FRENCH BLUE.
amongst the Crown Jewels of France at the same moment.
However
this may be, suddenly, in 1830, the small world of diamond-worshipers
was startled by the appearance in the market of a unique stone. A deep
blue diamond, forty-four and one fourth carats, which Mr. Daniel
Eliason had for sale and about which he could give no details. It
sprang suddenly upon the world without a history, unless indeed it be
the same as that mentioned by Mane some eighteen years before — and yet
it was a cut and polished brilliant. Its form was irregular, for it had
one very flat side. Mr. Henry Philip Hope bought it for ninety thousand
dollars; and it henceforward became known as the " Hope Blue."
As
a notable gem in a famous private collection the Hope Blue enjoyed for
years a quiet distinction. It was set round about with pearls and white
diamonds to enhance its azure and had a beautiful pearl-drop for
pendant. Altogether it was a neat and delightful trinket; price
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