A Treatise on Diamonds, and Precious Stones/Chapter 2/Section 4
SECT. IV.
On the Emerald and Aquamarine.
In public estimation, the Emerald ranks next to the Ruby. It is distinguished from all other gems by its color, which is a pure unmixed green, which varies in intensity from the palest possible tinge, to a full and pure body of color, than which nothing can be more beautiful. After beholding the dazzling splendor of the preceding gems, exquisite as they are in beauty and brilliancy, with what quiet pleasure does the sight turn to, and dwell upon the refreshing green of the emerald, calling up in the mind the full verdure of spring, with all the delightful associations connected with the youth of the year, the spring of life!
It appears from Pliny, that the true emerald was certainly known to the ancients, although many other stones, having a green color, were popularly confounded with that gem.
For the last two centuries and more, the only country known to yield Emeralds is Peru, where they occur in Santa Fé,and in the Valley of Tunca. Several large stones have appeared in Europe: about two years ago I cut one, exceeding two ounces in weight, for the Emperor of Morocco, but it was full of imperfections. The largest specimen known is an hexagonal crystal, nearly six inches long, and above two in diameter.
This gem, however small, is so rarely seen perfect, that "an Emerald without a flaw" has passed into a proverb. A fine stone of four carats may be valued at £40 or £50, or even more if very pure. Inferior stones of one or two carats, are sold at from forty to seventy shillings per carat; and if smaller and defective, at ten or fifteen shillings per carat.
The emerald is so highly esteemed in Europe, that it merits the best workmanship. It ought to be cut in planes or steps, larger or smaller, according to the intensity of its color, with a low bizel, and large table, and set on black. With this work it appears to the greatest advantage, especially if also surrounded by brilliants, the lustre of which contrasts agreeably with the softened hue of the gem.
Fine emeralds are rare, and in such demand, that a particular suit has been known to have passed into the possession of a series of purchasers, and to have made the tour of Europe in the course of half a century.
THE AQUAMARINE
Is, as its name implies, a stone of a sea green color, of different shades; sometimes it is greenish yellow, bluish green, and greenish blue. In hardnes it is inferior to the blue topaz, which some varieties resemble, but they may be distinguished by not possessing electricity. The finest stones are from Ceylon and Brazil.
This substance was formerly, and indeed only a few years ago, of considerable value, but it has been found in such abundance in Brazil, Siberia, and latterly in India, from whence vast quantities have been imported, as scarcely to allow it to retain its former rank.
Those only which are of a good color and sufficient depth are manufactured; they have a pretty, lively effect, if in good proportion and well polished. Large stones from one to three or four ounces, are not uncommon, but from their bulk are only in request as specimens for the cabinet[1]; smaller stones, suitable for necklaces, may be bought at low prices, within the reach of every description of purchasers: ring stones may be had at a few shillings each, and larger for brooches or seals from £1 to £5, and often lower. They appear to the greatest advantage when proportioned with a high bizel, table not large, and full of work,
Aquamarines of inferior quality are generally offered for sale in lots, at lower prices than they would have cost in cutting a few years ago.
- ↑ His Excellency Lord Strangford, on his return from Brazil, presented his Majesty with one of the finest hitherto seen.