The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1863-05-13
THE DIAMOND MARKET.


monds of the " first water" are not to be
bought wholesale. The commencement
of the present war found diamonds abun-
dant and comparatively cheap. As the
trade knows, however, diamonds in point
of value are only second to coin. If Of
first water, free from defect, diamond Of
a given size represents at all times a cor
responding equivalent in coin. A tour
among extensive dealers in and manufac-
turers of jewelry now shows minimum
stock, from which all the best have been
culled, with great difficulty in filling their
places, though prices have advanced fully
seventy per cent. The duty is dd valo-
rem ten per cent, but the cost of exchange
brings up the price. During the last three
years the demand for diamonds, we learn,
has been quickened in the European capi-
tails to a large extent. They were cheap
or during the Crimean war than before or
since. Wealthy Turks placed thousands
of them in the market, and desire to re-
alize upon long-hoarded gems seized the
minds Of Christians as well as Mussul-
men. Now matters arc in different po-
stion, and diamonds are diamonds in the
strictest Interpretation of the phrase. A
new class of purchasers have sprung up.
People who two years ago could not tell
the difference between tiara of gems in
purest ray serene, and the gingerbread af-
fairs sportcd by queens in tragedy, have
of late been the best customers to the
lapidaries. A case in point, narrated to
us yesterday by a jeweler, is worth pub
fishing.
An Irishman, dressed in fine clothes
TO his very apparent discomfort), entered
tho store. His face was bronzed, his
hands horny, his nose was an unmitigated
pug, and his teeth were indeIibly stained
bv secoud d-class "Cavendish." A tailor
had clothed him like a gentleman to the
manor born, but his garments were an ev-
ident incumbrance.
al want to look at some dimons," he
said, as he entered the doorway. A jun
ior clerk showed him to tho "dimons
counter. He here repeated his request to
a senior clerk. The latter took a quick
glance at his customer, and made up his
mind that the man had come to the wrong
place.
"You wish to see diamond jewelry!"
al do"
The clerk produced tray filled with
imitation gems, and submitted them for
inspection.
The man fingered several of the articles
without speaking, and as silently laid
them down. "Thim isn't what I'm af-
ther. | want the rale kind. Show me
somethin' wid the rale SPARKLE"
Thinking to get rid of a proftless GUS
toner the clerk produced velvet case, in
which reposod, in gorgeous efulgence, a
bracelet, brcastpin and earrings, in the
finest diamonds.
How do those suit you!" asked the
clerk
The man looked at them. "Ah!
thim's the beauties. What's the price o
thim9'
"The set is seven thousand dollars"
said the clerk, preparing to return them to
the case, not dreaming Of its purchase.
"Well, I'll take thim," was the quiet
and prompt reply. The clerk was some
what astonished. In his experience the
purchase slightly exceeded all former pre-
cedents.
Word was quietly passed TO one of the
firm that seven-thousaud dollar custom
er was at the diamond counter, and the
head of tho house very briskly came for.
ward. The result was the further pur-
chase of single.stone diamond ring al
eight hundred dollars. The purchaser
gave his check in payment for the lot