, 1879-01-05

LO"utH to1F1 1ouFHH4
The ruby is SO called from the redness which
commonly characterizes this exquisite gem.
Like the sapphire aud the oriental topaz, it be.
longs to the class STYLED corundum, the mem
bers of which are alike in composition, though
different 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 thar ""v -*her
known substance except the diamond, h
alone among precious stones it will not cut. -
is susceptible Of electricity by friction, and re-
talns it for some hours; it also possesses double
refraction in q slight degree. Occasionally
specimens are asteriated. as in the case of what
are known as star Eapphircs. Though it cannot
be fused BY itself, in combination with tlux it
may be- melted into clear glass. Mr. Streeter
describes its color as carmiue, cochineal or
pigeons blood, and rosebud, often with play
of violet.
fegu; Others are found in india, Ceylon, Bra-
I'll, Australia, Borneo, Sumatra, and some places
on the Continent Of Europe. The Burmese
mines have long been famous; the working of
them is Royal monopoly, aud the King mas,
among other titles, that OF Lord OF the Rubies.
The Brazilian ruby is declared to be pink
topaz, inferior to tile true ruby, yellow IN its
natural state, and colored artifcialy. It is, uu-
fortunately beyond the power OF ordinary
chasers to pronounce any critical opinion upon
rublcs, except as regards their appearance size
anu color, the test being that known as pigeons
otood, 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 occurrence Of
the desired vivid pigeon's-blood color in ruby
OF any size causes the price to increase in an
even greater proportion than the diamond. For
stones OF the finest quality he supplies the fol-
lowing Vauntions:' One carat is worth E14 to
20; one and half, LIS to 41<s5; two, 80 to
~; three, 600 to 442250; four, E4e0 to ESQ
Under one carat the price ranges from e. to Is
per carat, and over four carats what is called
fancy price is commanded. After all, perhaps it
may be said OF rubies in general, that when they
exceed one carat in weight no definite price can
be given as guide To the purchaser.
Air. Streeter states that when perfect ruby
OF i've carats is brought into the market, sum
several times as great as that offered for u
diamond OF the same WEIGHT will be bid for it'll
it reaches seven carats it is almost Invaluable
let rubes Of q much greater size are in exist
ence. An Indian Prince had one Of near twen- |
ty-four carats, aud it was bought ior 15G pounds
weight Of gold. Catharine Of Russia had in her |
crown ruby as large rs pigeoo's egg; and |
there is said to have been one in Paris which |
weighed 1ot14 carats. That OF Catharine ap- |
pears to be still in the Russian Treasury. Others
might be mentioned, especially that among the |
French crown jewels, which is cut into the form |
u d1agoa WILL 0uLSpreau wings The first |
specimens, Of course, are the monopoly OF |
.rinces and persons with princely fortunes.
sven these may, nevertheless, be sometimes I
leccsyed. for we are told that two large stones
hown IS rubles among ner Maiesty's Jewels at |
he Exhibition Of 1867 are simply spinels, and
herelore neither rare ror precious.
Rubies may be fauity,-in other words, nav
ave flaws, specks, a silky or milk; appearance,
r tint which is too dark or too light. But
ashton goes for something, and vo!iet or pale
olored rubies msy sometimes rise very much in
aiue. The least liable to ductuate are those OF
he renowned p1geon's-blood hue.
The best ruD1es are usually cut in the mixed !
+ half brilliant style. but when silky, ituper-
:ct, or asteriatcu, they will be met with ea
tboehen, or with rounded top, like carbuucles. |
limitations OF the ruoies are made, and for q
me look WE'LL and eVoa real rubies of small
ze have been produced artiic;ally
The ruby may bc set either alone or in groups,
; in conjunction with other precious stones. ! :
ew jewels have Il more admirable appearance !!
ian those in which large ruby is surrounded :
diamonds. When set round with pearls of T.
,e quality the effect is also admirable, though
me object to it, Us t,,ey say tEat the red of tie
bies detracts from the more qnier lustrc Of
e pearls. We do not think they look SO well J
connection with the emerald, the sapphire, or :
her colored gems.