60 A Book of Precious Stones
conspicuous
gem of the crown jewels of France. It now quietly rests to meet the
wondering eyes of the world's tourists in the Galerie d'Apollon in the
Louvre, Paris.
Though
a rich and valuable treasure, the " Pitt" or " Regent" has
unquestionably been the cause of more misery than joy. It sent the
first dishonest holder to a watery grave, the second to the rope, and
the third, which consisted of several, to the guillotine; though it
also restored the fortunes of an ancient English family, which
subsequently gave to England her most distinguished statesman, and is
said to have helped in the creation of an empire and in the making of
one of the world's most famous characters.
The
most recently discovered, diamond field that holds forth promise of an
output sufficient to affect the world's market for diamonds is in
Germany's colonial possessions in southwest Africa, and if it results
in great wealth for the Fatherland it will be warmly welcomed as a
compensation in part for the millions that Germany's exploitation of
the region has cost, chiefly because of intractable warring natives.
The new field is near Luderitz Bay, and a remarkable feature is that
the diamonds are found separately in a coarse sand. Twelve of the best
stones among the first found were sent as a gift to Emperor William by
his loyal sub-
