The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1879-01-23
Concerning Rubies.

The ruby is so called from the redness
which commonly characterizes this ex-
quisite gem. Like the sapphire and the
oriental topaz, it belongs to the class
styled corundum, the members of which
are alike in composition, though differ
ent in color and quality. The true ruby,
or red sapphire, is said to be the most
valuable of gems when of large size,
good color, and free from fault, so that
it exceeds even the diamond in value.
1t is harder than any other known sub
stance except the diamond, which alone
among precious stones it will not cut.
1t is susceptible of electricity by friction,
and retains it for some hours; it also
possesses double refraciion in a slight
degree. Occasionally specimens are
asteriated, as in the case of what are
known as star sapphires. Though it
can not be fused by itself, in combina-
ton with fiux it may be melted into a
clear glass. Mr.. Streeter describes its
color as carmine, cochineal, or pigeons
blood, and rosebud, often with play of
violet.
The finest rubies are found in Ava,
Siam, and Pegu; others are found in
India, Ceylon, Brazil, Australia, Borneo,
Samatra, and some places on the conti-
nent of Europe. The Burmese mines
have long been famous; the working of
them is royal monopoly, and the King
has, among other titles, that of lord of
the rubies. The Brazilian ruby is de-
elared to be pink topaz, inferior to
the true ruby, yellow in its natural state,
and colored artifcially. 1t is, unfor-
tunately, beyond the power of ordinary
chasers to pronounce any critical opin-
ion upon rubies, except as regards their
appearance, size and color, the best be-
ing that known as pigeons blood, which
is pure, deep, rich red, quite free from
blue or yellow.
Speaking of the value of the ruby, Mr.
Emanuel observes that the rare occur
renee of the desired vivid pigeons
blood color in a ruby of any size causes
| the prices to increase in an even greater
proportion than the diamond. For
stones of the finest quality he supplies
the following valuations: One carat is
worth f14 to f20; one and half, f25
to f35; two, f7O to ESQ; and three,
E200 to f250; four, f400 to f450. Un-
der one carat, the price ranges from f2
to f8 per carat, and over four carats what
is called fancy price is commanded.
After all, perhaps it may be said of ru-
bies in general, that when they exceed
one carat in weight no definite price
can be given as guide to the pur-
chasee.
Mr.. Streeter states that when per
feet ruby of five carats is brought into
the market, sum several times as great
as that offered for diamond of the
same weight will be bid for it; if it
able
Yet rubies of much greater size arein
existence. An Indian prince had one
of near "a carats, and it was bought for
156 pounds weight in gold. Catharine
of Russia had in her crown ruby as
large as pigeons egg; and there is
said to have been one in Paris which
weighed 1861 carats. That of Catharine
appears to be still in the Russian treasu-
ry. Others might be mentioned, especi-
ally that among the French crown jewels,
which is cut into the form of a dragon
with outstretched wings. The first
specimens, of course, are the monopoly
of princes and persons with princely
fortunes Even these may, neverthe-
less, be sometimes deceived, for we are
told that two large stones shown as ru
bies among her Majesty's jewels at the
exhibition of 1862 are simply spinels,
and therefore neither rare nor precious.
Rubies may be faulty, in other words,
may have flaws, specs, a silky or milky
appea earance, or tint which is too dark,
or too light. But fashion goes for some
thing, and violet or pale colored rubies
may sometimes rise very much in value.
The least liable to ductuation are those
of the renowned pigeons blood hue.
} The best rubies are usually cut in the
mixed or half brilliant style, but when
, silky, imperfect, or asteriated, they will
be met with en- caboche,s, or with 8
, rounded top, like carbuncles.
limitations of the rubles are made, an6
, for time look well, and even real ru
bies of small size have been produced
artifcially.
t The ruby may be set either alone o.
in groups, or in junction with othel
precious stones. Few Jewels have /:
t more admirable appearance than thos'
in which a large ruby is surrounded b.
/ diamonds. When set round with pearl
of fine quality the effect is also admira
BILE though some object to it, as they sa,
: the red of the rubies detracts from tn
: more quiet luster of the pearls. We d.
not think they look so well in connec
ton with the emerald, the sapphire, 0
: other colored gems.-London Con-
: Journal. @l
Nor for many years has snow falle