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Sec. I, Ch. 6: Precious Stones as Objects of Commerce

Sec. I, Ch. 6: Precious Stones as Objects of Commerce Page of 366 Sec. I, Ch. 6: Precious Stones as Objects of Commerce Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
Precious Stones as Objects of Commerce.            41
The position of the people of Saffragam is so much improved of late years that they are able to retain for themselves any stones they find of great worth. Now and then they are induced to exchange them for Dia­monds or gold, which they can equally well conceal. The artificers who cut and polish the stones on the spot are generally Malays. Their work was formerly very imperfect, and their knowledge of the art faulty, but of late years they have much improved in the art of cutting gems. Stones of inferior value, such as Cinna­mon-stone and Tourmaline, are cut and polished by ordinary workmen in Kandy, Matura and Galle, while artistic and experienced workmen, who cut Sapphires, Cats' Eyes and Rubies, live chiefly in Kalutara, and Colombo.
The rare gems are cheaper in London than in Colombo. Precious Stones are brought from all parts of the world, both in the rough arid native-cut to be re-cut by London lapidaries. In Ceylon the stock is so uncertain, that the price is largely determined at the moment by the rank and wealth of the buyers. The small Malay dealers do not purchase rare and fine jewels, knowing quite well that the best and finest speci­mens are carefully held back by the rich traders, or travellers, who consign them to England, or obtain from the native princes of India, who have an ardent passion for gems, such remuneration as keeps up the prices of high-class jewels.
It is quite impossible to judge accurately by the Customs' Register in Ceylon of the worth of the Precious Stones which are sent out of the island. Only a small part is directly consigned to England ; the remainder is bought up by private hands, but, for the most part
Sec. I, Ch. 6: Precious Stones as Objects of Commerce Page of 366 Sec. I, Ch. 6: Precious Stones as Objects of Commerce
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Streeter: Precious Stones and Gems
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