The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1878-11-22
IMITATION D AMoNDs.
PERFECTION IN THE ART OF MAKING FALSE
GEMS.

Paris is the great center of this business,
which has been brought to the most aston
ishing perfection. The astounding trans
formation of grains of heavy-looking, dirty
sand into diamond of the finest water, is
the daily ayocation of large number of
persons who avowedly work with the inten-
ton of deceiving everybody but the buyer.
Everything in the operation depends upon
the quality of the sand and that used for
the purpose is brought from the forest of
Fontainebleau. Large quantities of it are
sent abroad, so high is the repute in which
it stands.
For initiating emeralds, sapphires and
rubies a coloring matter, entirely mineral
in its origin, is employed, and it has been
| brought to o high state of perfection. About
90 years ago the principal merchant in this
class of jewelry was M. Bourguiguon,
whese atelier was situated at the Barrier du
Trone. He was the Prince of his trade, and
surpassed all others in the excellence of his
productions. He employed nearly 100
workmen, besides number of women and
young girls, whose business it was to polish
the colored stones and line the'false pearls
with fish scales and wax. The scales of the
roach and dace are chiefly used for this pur-
pose and form considerable source of
profit to the fishermen of the Seine in the
environs of Corbeil, who bring them to
Paris in large quantities during the season.
They must be stripped from the fish while
living, or the glistening hue which we ad-
mire 50 much in the real pearl cannot be
initiated.
1t was, however, to the cultivation of the
diamond that NJ. Bourguignon devoted his
ingenuity, and, had he detailed the mystic
ries of his craft, some of the most singular
histories of g family diamonds and "heir-
looms' would have been brought to light.
Not only was domestic deception carried
on by means of M. BourguIgnon's artistic
skill, but he was often called upon to lend
his aid to diplomatic craft likewise. Num-
berless were the snuff ff-boxes, adorned |
with valuable diamonds which issued |
from his atelier in secret as the reward of |
public service Or skillful negotiation; innu-
merable portraits, "set in brilliants,"
which were mounted there to gladden. the
hearts of charge d. affaires, attaches and
vice consuls.
A visit to some of the workshops will in
spire the mind with wonder to behold the
perfection with which art eau be made to
initiate the most exquisite productions of
nature. The luster of the diamond, the
richness, the double reflection of the ruby,
even the caprice and deviation in the form
and color of the pearl, ceped not the cum
ming eye of the artist. Some of the parures
are valued as high as 5000 to 6,000 francs.
The workmanship, however, is as tasteful
and costly as any produced by the first jew
slers in The world. The setting is always
Of real gold and the fashion of the newest
Kind A tiara of these stones of the price
If 1000 francs will rival in effect and deli
,acy Of finish It's neighbor which may have
% handle it and breathe upon it and touch
t with the tongue and apply an acid to it.,
n order to see whether or not it becomes
arnished.