Page:A treatise on diamonds and precious stones including their history Natural and commercial.djvu/60

 a large fragment of diamond, weighing above 12 carats: one end was foul and full of flaws; I split it off, and discovered the foul was owing to a triangular hole, the sides of which were covered with black earth.

brilliants, if fine, are generally extremely lively, and suit the purposes of the jeweller in composing fancy articles. When of from one to two grains, they are usually from four to five pounds per carat; being inferior in value to the pure gem. I have known a yellow brilliant of 7½ carats, to sell publicly for £240,

tinged dull green or brown are much depreciated by such colors. Cloudy diamonds are also of little value; hut those of fine colors—pink, red, blue, or green, are eagerly sought for by connoisseurs,

at this time are considered very low, there are many offered for sale but few