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CHAPTER II
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CLASSIFICATIONS OF PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES
T
HERE seems to be a
considerable difference of opinion among writers on the subject of gems
as to those stones which should be classed as precious and those which
should be classed as semi-precious. The more scientific writers, from
their inclination to treat the matter from the view-point of the
mineralogist, appear to be little influenced in their classifications
by the inexorable law of demand and supply, or the fickleness of
fashion and popular favour. This book, being for the many, will present
a classification of the principal gems as handled at the period of its
publication by the jewelry trade in America, and classified according
to present standards of popularity, or what the authors believe to be
such. The arrangement of the scale of popularity is based upon
personal experience and observation, and upon the opinions of leading
American business concerns
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