Page:The Galaxy, Volume 6.djvu/44

34 "paste." It is as well, perhaps, for the position of the wearer makes "paste" do. But among our ladies, almost no false gems are worn. It would not answer here, because the diamonds may make the wearer do, and not the wearer the "paste." Thus we are as yet more genuine than the lords and ladies of European courts.

By a sort of general consent, too, which few disregard, the diamond is attached to woman. Its sparkle and brilliancy seem to add to her charms, to illustrate or light them, perhaps—while her grace and beauty humanize the gem, which becomes blended in her personality. Diamonds become a part of woman, as they never do of man; and we look with some doubt and distrust upon him who seeks to add to his manliness by their adventitious aid. Gentlemen are and must be shy of wearing merely beautiful things; and when worn, they should be such as are peculiar or useful, rather than simply and solely ornamental.

Beauty is the birthright of every woman, though most of them are defrauded of it by their forefathers. There never was a woman, at least an intelligent one, who was insensible to the charms of beauty; who did not desire to possess these charms in her own person. Even the "strong minded," greatly as they value the "strong mind," do also value the charming person and the beautiful adornments which seem to set off that person, as the fine setting does the beautiful jewel. The setting does not detract from the jewel, nor does the gem detract from the woman; but the reverse. Jewels may, however, be worn absurdly, as any other tine thing may be abused; but worn appropriately, they do add a charm and heighten a grace. They are, therefore, a laudable desire, and a legitimate possession.

Now beauty is also the birthright of every man, of which he, too, is mostly defrauded by his forefathers; but strength is also his birthright, and this is the quality upon which man most prides himself. Therefore, it seems that mere adornment which heightens beauty, and does not increase strength, is not for him.

While, therefore, woman may legitimately indulge in diamonds and rubies, and emeralds and sapphires, man must be cautious; he may not wear these in his ears or on his hands, but he may indulge a pet fancy for a single carbuncle, or a moss-agate, or an onyx, or an Egyptian intaglio.

Woman, however, may bear it in mind, that a diamond may cost more than it comes to, and may never be worth its cost. There are no jewels like generosity, virtue, and truth; so it has always been told to me, and I believe it. If these go to pay for the diamonds, then the diamonds cost too much. It is best not to discover this too late.

But the fact that from the most eastern shores of the Yellow Sea to the western limits of the California Gulf, the diamond is recognized as the most valuable thing on earth, seems to be based upon something other than a mere whim. I confess I am unable altogether to explain the response which comes from every woman's heart, and from many a man's, when the wonderful light of this gem flashes into the brain; but it does come; and I never see a diamond of five carats, or even of one, that I do not thrill. It is not with pleasure; it does not provoke in me a desire to own it; but I experience a sensation. My blood moves, and I admit I am attracted, drawn to the wearer, if a woman. Then I look, I wonder, I speculate, and then if she be really beautiful and good, I enjoy the diamond more and more.

The diamond does seize the eye and hold it as no other gem does. I con-