Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-02-02

THE FINEST COLLECTION OF STONES AND
ORNAMENTS OUTSIDE OF ROYAL TREAS
CKEs.-DEsCRfPTroS OF THE FAMOUS
SEToF SAPPHIREs WHICH COsT $3.50, 900.
recently had the pleasure Of exarnin-
ing one of the finest collections of jewels
outside of royal treasury that exists IN
Europe, and which belongs to an Ameri-
can lady. namely, the jewelry OF Mrs. j.
w. Mackey. Many of the stones are
unique. and the ornaments in general are
characterized as much by the artistic
beauty of their workmanship as by the
splendor Of the gems whereof they are
composed. Foremost in the collection
shows resplendent the famous set Of sap
phires which attracted so much attention
when exhibited by the jeweler Boucheron
at the Partisan Universal Exhibition of
1878. IL is valued at 500, 900, and COM
prises the diadem, bracelets, ring, ear-rlngs-
and necklace, with large pendant The
necklace is double. the upper row being
band of large. square diamonds and sap
phIres fitting the throat closely. while the
lower row, wide arabesque of the same
stones, supports the pendant. This last
is composed of one enormous sapphire,
peerless in color and in water. and set In
large diamonds This stone is OF the size
of a pigeons egg, cut transyersely,
but a perfect oval in shape. and IS
valued at 10000. Next in beauty and
in value come the pearls, the set includ-
ing the necklace, bracelets, aud dladem.
Inc necklace has five rows. the pearls in
the lowest row being of the size of the
largest huckleberry, and those in the up
permost one being bigger than large
pea, Each pearl is perfect in color and
shape. the strings having been composed
with the greatest care. The clasp Is
sapphire set in diamonds. The diadem Is
oil an arabesgue pattern in diadems sur
mounted with five graduated pear-shaped
pearls. the central and largest one being
an inch and q half in length. The brace
lets are formed each of five rows of
pearls held in place by narrow bands of
diamonds. The set of turquoises, like
that OF sapphires, is unique in character,
so large and fine in color are the gems
whereof il is composed. 1t includes the
diadem, bracelet, ring, necklace, and
heart-shaped pendant, earrings, and
brooch, the latter being Prince of Wales
plume in diamonds, held at the base with
lace Is peculiarly magnificent. being a
broad band OF arabesqdes in diamonds.
Studded with large turqueises. This set
is said to surpass the parure of the same
stones belonging to the Empress OF Russia,
the earrings being especially beautiful in
shape and hue. The parure of diamonds
is remarkable for its workmanship, the
broad arabesque- patterned neck lace sus-
tanning pendant shaped like lotus-fow
er. Another necklace is of an Egyptian
pattern. beng composed of three rows of
pointed diamond leaves. For the hair
there is "A long garland of small fern leaves
in diamonds, studded with diamond dew
drops, most graceful and poetic-looking
ornament. 1t Is also arranged to be worn
as necklace or to ornament the corsage
OF ball dress. a broad collar-shaped
ornament in diamonds, bordered with
large single stones, can be worn either as
q necklace or diadem. The brooch is
large cluster of slender willow-shaped
leaves. The bracelet is q diamond ser
pent that encircles the arm above the ell
bow five times it is formed of IL single
row OF very large diamonds, 800 in num-
Der. The earrings and ring are very fine
solitalres. A pair of wide-band bracelets
composed OF diamonds and sapphires, 90
with this set. In black pearls, Mrs.
Mackey possesses a necklace and pair of
earrings, the latter being composed each
oil single round pearl as large as a
cherry'and she owns pair of white pearls
OF similar size and beauty and pair of
large pink oval pearls. Three fine rubies
are SET two rs earrings and the third as
a ring. The set of pink coral is remark
able even amidst its brilliant surround
ings. The coral is of the palest and
most delicate rose tinge. and is
cut in oval bean-shaped pieces. which are
linked together with small diamonds. 1t
Is very large. comprising iull suite of
ornaments. A parure in antique filagree,
set with cat's-eyes and small diamonds.
Is noticeable for its artistic workmanship.
Among the minor ornaments are a brooch,
representing peacock standing on a
globe of polished pink coral. the plumage
OF the birds outs pread tail being COM
posed of diamonds. sapphires. and emer-
aids; an eagle with extended wings in
diamonds. slender diamond serpent
with large pear-shaped black pearl PEN
dant from its mouth (this ornament is to
be worn rs a necklace,) and other beauti-
full and artistic jewels. The sapphire set
has been photographed at NJ. Boucheron' S
request. and an engraving of it will figure
in work that is shortly to be published in
Paris, entitled 1.-The Famous Jewels eff
Europe"
these treasures are not kept in the hotel
of Mrs. Mackey. as they would constitute
tar too potent attraction tor burglars,
ont are deposited in the bank. They are
Enclosed in a small chest of metal closed
with secret spring. The interior of this
chest is lined with red velvet. and is divid-
ed into three compartments. each fitted
with series of numbered trays. 1 have
never heard the value of the contents of
this chest estimated, yet it cannot be far
from $1,000. 200, aud vet. withal. there is
probably scarcely another wealthy lady
IN Paris who does not wear more jewelry
at balls or dinner parties or the opera than