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 buyers; consequently some lots of brilliants, in the hands of needy sellers, may be bought at ten per cent. below the present average price; observing, generally, that diamonds were considerably higher a few years ago.

diamonds are often brought from India of considerable size and brilliancy, but they rarely sell for their cost: indeed, cloudy and bad brilliants, or roses, have scarcely any commercial value, although, however, they may often be highly estimated by the possessor.

brilliants may be bought very low; I have now a lot before me, in which are some of two grains, for which I would not give four guineas per carat, and roses of the same denomination may be bought at forty or fifty shillings.

discolord diamonds are sold to break into powder, and may be said to have a more