The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-06-07
Iron the London Observer, May II


i he collection is complete epitome Of the mines
of Golconda and the Brazils. Foremost stands the
great hoh-i-noor, the Mountain of Light" the
weight, dimensions, and appear Of which, in its
yildod cage, we have already described. The posi-
tion chosen for it is happy one; il is nearly in the
centre of the building, and placed in tho full blaze
81 the midday sun, which throws its unobstructed
light upon this part of the interior. II is the first
object which all the vsiters rush to have peep AT;
and after having feasted their eyes and iinagina-
tons upon its sparkling splendor they turn away
disappointed ut the apparently inSignihcant size OF
a piece Of crystal, variolsly estimated, al FROM
II ,J0O,Ooo to f30OO,OO0. Nevertheless, at every
succeeding VISIT owing 70 some taiismanic influence
again sought out; and thus it has continued, since
The day the Exhibition opened, tho central sun
round which crowd Of worshippng satellites re-
volye Next to this, in point Of value and beauty,
is the Derria- noor Sea Of Light" the great La
horo diamonds which is beautifully cut and Of the
purest water. Ii stands the centre orna men, Of
an armlet, among mass of smaller gems, in the
Indian collection, and is jealousy guarded by q
triple protection of iron and brass Rulings and plate
glass; the value of this gem is said to be E3OO0OO
NearIt are enormous pearls, separately and strung
together-a bunch Of the latter, thrown carelessly
on the counter, is valued mt six thousand guineas
There 10 also a very magnificent display Of emer-
aids, which fetch high price III India, and
some OF them, which have maxims from the
korsn engraved on them, nestmable in the
eyes OF the Indian princes. dozen OF the largest
cmcralds, surrounded by pearls, form girdle of
great magnfcenee. A state coat, richly embroidered
pearls and emeralds in the form Of epauets is Of
the msrvels of Oriental magniacsnce. Among the
trophies Of Indian conquest are some housings and
brides for horses also gitterng with gems, and the
state trappings for elephants and cames, which
a mass OF gold embroidery The great bulk of this
collection, which includes also the Of the late
King Of Dude, is the property of the East India
Company, and displays an extent Of barbarc pomp
and splendor such as has before been revealed
to the eyes Of England. AS our business to day ia
chiefly with gems, We shall pass over the state UNI
brellas, with massive carved silver handles; the
"e-ous Indian cashmere shaws, each Of which takes
nanny native hands seven years TO manufacture, and
any one ofwhich is worth the ransom Of province;
the "mul mul," peculiarly exquisite Indian tissue,
smallest ring II is valued at EQ per yard Next to
the Mountain and the Sea of Light, is Mr.. Hopes
great diamond, which weighs one hundred and Sc
Nentseyen carats 1t is 10 the south central gallery
among the British jewelry, enclosed in a massive
caskct, the top Of which is secured with plate glass
and bars Of brass. II has delicate blush tinge,
ike the sapphire, is cut in small facets in the
shape Of medallion, surrounded by twenty large
diamonds Of tho purost water, and from its size and
color is said to be unique. The fourth great gem
OF the collection must be sought for in one of the
most remote corners of the Exhibition on the
ground floor near the western entrance. 1t is in
Mr.. Tenants well arranged collect on Of minerals
and gems, and is q large crystal of pure emerald,
only partly cut the property OF the Duke Of Devon
SHIRE who without regarding the risk placed il in
Mr.. Tenants case. To those who curious in
neurological spe linens this little visited corner will
prove rich treat. Mr.. Tenant has s'me large
specimens Of Oriental ruby, cylindrical crystals Of
berry, from Siberia, crystals of topaz, onyx, and
opal. There is also here small mountain Of crys
tails Of Brazilian amethysts and many specimens
of gems in the rough state.
We shall now ask readers to return with us
again across the transept to the foreign depart
mcnt. Here is huge lump OF native silver,
weighing " lbs from OF the Peruvian mines,
lying in our path, which we cannot stop to notice,
eager arc VIC to form one Of the pushing, pant
ing, gaping crowd, who fret and toll around M.
Limonicrc's Partisan glass Here are dis
played the jewels OF the Queen Of SPAIN and we
scarce know which to admire most, the sire and
beauty Of the gems or the exquisite taste with
which thoy have been arranged. In the centre i a
bouquet Of large diamonds arranged ms flowers on
elastic sprigs; the buds are enor nous pc irls and
the green foliage which surrounds and sets OF their
beauty Is o mass Of emeralds. Above this, and
only exhibited for the first time to-day, is tiara of
sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, and graceful
festoons Of diamonds and pearls depend from il
the hair. There is also a circlet chaplet Of da-
monds, 10 be worn on the head: necklaces, and
bracelets, and stomachers studded with brilhsnts;
and brooch and pendant. the central ornaments OF
which are two enormous rubes. The value OF this
magnificent collection must be something astound-
ing. Eouycnat, another French jcweler, has Just
opened this display Of wells prepared for
the Emperor Of Hayt ofgreat beauty, and models OF
the crown sceptrcs state swords &c. are also oxhi-
bitcd The Ieheet Of much of the jewelry dis
played in the French departments Is impaired by
the light color aud highly FURNISHED surface OF the
novel, and some earrings, IN which seed pearls are
worked in upon dead gold, arc not open to the OBJ
lection VIC have stated. These latter are intended
Tor Porto Rico. On the other side Of the nave, in
The spanish compartment, stands a tabernacle in
tcndt d for the Cathedral of Madrid, aud designed
10y Moratilli IL i upwards Of six feet high, and Is
II massive gold, with silver ornaments aud figures.
At the base four ncelng angels Of large size, in
dead silver, and above the four evangelists. Tho
central conn artment at the top, in which the host
i displayed, is surrounded with large diam onds
.he rays and stars diycrgng from u IRE also stud led
with diamond. aud surrounding the entire u
cross, composed Of amehysts snarent setting
cacircled with diamonds. As piece OF artistv
workman hip. arnr. from its value, which i said
% be G1,0Oo, II Is we'll worth the inspection OF all
who admire judicious arrangement aud grouping,
and exquisite chasing. Holland displays very
elegant Jarnre of large damon H. intended TO be
worn ~ stomachcr, with q medallion partrait oil
The Queen in the centre In the German coiiec-
ton Hanau Is the largest contributor OF Jewelry
one q tho most elaborate prcductions - a set
# chessmcn and board, ia silver and gold, IN
The rruisn style; the board is ornamen,ed
enamel, precious stones, and pearls: the chief
figures arc portraits Of the Emperor Charles :,
his daughter, Margarctha of Parma, n Stakeholder
of the Netherlands, Francis l. Of France, and his
lister, Marguerite Of Nalois. The chess board !
nother-ofp pearl, and the hglres are carved with
Nth great minutencss Of detail. Hover. com
posed Il rul les and briants. With leaves Of enc
raid III enamel aud set in golden vase, has too
crowded an appearance. Inc Jewels m,go,r, oy
Effectively displayed The brooches, bracelets. and
rings arc, IN many cases, made more ornamental
Is the ntroauction Of colorcd enamel.
In the British department, among the gorgeous
and costly display Of jewelry aud gold aud silver
plate there is a small case which attracts consider
able attention. IL contains limitations in crystal,
f all the largest diamonds in the world. he
largest and most valuable u these Is the nslicsl
and mos; uninvitng in it, appearance y u one 81
the Portuguese crown jewels, and from ~ asound-
ing value, which Is set down at I3.bilOOO, u has
cut or polish. In size il resembles large turkey
egg, with iece notchcd out e the side u Is
omitransrarcnt on the surface, and weighs $50
carats. The great Russian sccptre diamond u
next In point Of size and value IL weight Is I'D
carats and it, value, being without flaw. aud Of
very fnc water, Ei,sjiOOO. lite great Mogul
rosc diamond Is estimated at .I652 600, aud the
Portuguese round brilliant ut Gat'0OO. Russia
IL ah.rl.