Page:A treatise on diamonds and precious stones including their history Natural and commercial.djvu/40

 as may best suit his purpose; these being weighed, are sold to him at such prices, and on such terms of payment, as may be agreed upon. He then commences the operations belonging to his department or art; which is to arrange, display, and set the gems so as to produce the best effect, and present the most striking and captivating appearance, according to the nature of the ornament required: whether it be an elegant groupe, richly combined, a necklace, an ear-drop, a ring, or a pin. The setting should be as little shewn as possible, for it is by concealing his art that the jeweller displays the gem to the greatest advantage.

shewn the source from whence the trade is supplied with diamonds, it may not be improper to notice the state in which they are generally offered for sale to the public, and give some idea of the manner in which jewellers dispose of them.