Page:A treatise on diamonds and precious stones including their history Natural and commercial.djvu/53

 chasers impossible, and prevents the article from obtaining its true value. In this sort of confidential bargain, it is to be lamented that the seller is almost compelled to accept such terms as may be offered.

time ago, a person was obliged, or perhaps persuaded to dispose of a brilliant necklace that had been received as a gift. The lady applied to ___, in whom she had implicit confidence. The result of the interview was, that they purchased the article for a sum under £300. Being themselves in want of money, they took the stones from the setting, and sold them by weight for nearly double the purchase-money.

instance is within our knowledge of a lady having purchased a pair of ear-ornaments (tops and drops) for £250; after a lapse of some time she determined to sell them, and was only offered £60! She afterwards