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Ch. 3: Diamond

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48 A Book of Precious Stones
mond brokers of Amsterdam receive a commis sion from both the seller and buyer.
In Antwerp the principal diamond dealers have their offices in their homes and usually the business is transacted there, or, in some cases, the buyers take the goods with them to their hotels " on memorandum" for leisurely examination before deciding upon their pur­chases.
The major event of gem history in the year 1908 was the cutting at Amsterdam of the great Cullinan diamond, destined to become the brightest jewel in the British crown. In this connection it may be here mentioned that said crown was already of great weight—thirty-nine ounces and five pennyweights—a handicap that His Majesty King Edward VII. probably does not relish on the rare state occasions when he must submit to having it rest upon his head, as, for example, when it becomes his annual royal duty and prerogative to formally open Parliament. The crown, which usually rests in the Tower of London, contained, prior to ad­ditions from the Cullinan Diamond, two thou­sand eight hundred and eighteen diamonds and two hundred and ninety-seven pearls, besides many other rare and exquisite jewels. Before
Ch. 3: Diamond Page of 451 Ch. 3: Diamond
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