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42 A Book of Precious Stones
stones.
The higher classes of these are subdivided into six or seven shades
and each colour is again subdivided into from eight to twelve sizes.
When
the diamonds arrive in London, they are once more reassorted according
to the requirements of the trade. The purchasers are dealers in rough
diamonds, dealers in brilliants who have their purchases cut and
polished for sale, and manufacturers who cut and polish the goods for
their own trade, not depending upon the regular diamond-cutting
industry.
The
selling methods of the famous London Syndicate are peculiar. The
different interests present, or represented by experts in the London
market, are notified that a " sight" of the goods ready to be disposed
of will be afforded on a certain date. The man who contemplates buying
for himself or as a representative is compelled by the regulations of
this strange market to declare his intentions and to make application
to the absolute powers in control of the situation, weeks in advance of
the time when a " sight" of the merchandise is expected, for the
precious opportunity to buy.
When the favoured business man is admitted to a view of the goods, if he does not buy, he is
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