that
the article which he purchases contains a sapphire, emerald, or
diamond, representing so much intrinsic value, without considering
whether the best use of it, from an artistic point of view, has been
made; or whether for the same outlay much more pleasing effects might
not have been obtained from other stones. In the grouping of gems, with
regard to effects of colour, lustre, texture, etc. certain
combinations often seen are far from ideal, while others rarely seen
would be admirable. Thus a combination of the diamond and turquoise is
not a proper one, since the opacity of the latter stone deadens the
lustre of the former. The cat's-eye and diamond make a better
combination, and so do the more familiar diamond and pearl. Colourless
stones, such as the diamond or topaz, associate well with deep-coloured
ones, such as amethyst and tourmaline, each serving to give light and
tone to the other. Diamond and opal as a rule detract from each other
when in combination, since each depends upon " fire" for its
attractiveness.
While
there are variations innumerable of design and device in mounting gems,
there are practically but two basic methods, the mount d jour (two French words, meaning to the light) and
the encased mount. The ordinary manner of setting gems in rings, the
stone held by a circlet of claws, permitting a view of it, or through
it, from all points, illustrates the
