Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-08-09
FHEAcu cRoN'N JEWELS.


Gorgeous 1aubJe9 ~ k3nEs ana EmPrsoS
The seven Maxnrin Diamonds.
Tho Paris Gasiois.l
Just now, when the crown OF diamonds
Of France are scattered, II may be interest.
ing TO know what parts they have played
In the toilet Of queens and empresses. We
have, therefore, questioned several ladies'
who formerly moved In court circles, and
the Jewellers especially attached TO the
court. and the following Is the result OF
these Inquiries. According 10 these COM
netept authorities, the sale will be not only
a crime, but also mistake, for certain
stones have acquired great value by their
connection with their fellow-geins. Here
IL an example Of this:
The seven historical stones kno as the
"Mayarin" diamonds, which arc among
the first stones cut into brilllants. which
were bought In Italy by hazarin and
formed part Of the ornaments OF Louis
Xv.,s crown, may be estimated to be
worth, the whole seven, about 100000
francs. Our refined rulers have decided
10 keep one {" Mazarin as . sample and to
sell the others. Which one will they
keepY win Il be the pink "Mszsfin or
the one so pure that gazing ut II steadily
for little wbiIe gives you q sort OF verti-
pof We do not know. What Is certain IL
that the reserved Mazarin" will be Of no
historical value without It's brothers, and,
besides, the six latter will not sell well
without H.
These considerations are the same for
each lot into which the stones may be di-
yided. But let us pass TO the notes and re-
collections Of The court ladies. Queen
Marie Antoirette wore the crown dia-
noEds only in big tassel-kuots or In rows,
set round or square, which sac formed into
necklaces or bracelets or wore around
her waist. The wonderful tassel-knots
which she fancied she used sometimes
a. trimmings for her corsage, sometimes az
fringe tips. She had splendid aigrettes
which sbe wore in her hair. and magnificent
clasps. More diamond pins 10 pin up her
train and large number OF diamond bou-
ouets. which were sewn to her robes; but
these latter ornaments, as also the magnifi-
cent earrings she always wore, were her
own property, and q portion OF them pass
ed to the Duchess d'Angoulem the other
portIen was distributed as souvenirs OF az
lection and gratitude.
The Queen did not like Sle shape OF a
diadem, and frequently contentcd herself
With coronct-fhat is 10 say, the little
crown which soyereigns wear on the back
Of their heads. Empress Josephine pre-
ferred tinted stones. She asserted that
diamonds darkened her complexion. As
many OF The ceremonies under the Empire
took place in the daytime, she wore mostly
snpphires and rubies. She used to say
that rubics we're the rouge for brunettes.
Nevertheless, the head-dreSs which En-.
press Josephine oftenest wore was rows OF
flat pearls on her forehead, head-dress
which Princess Borghese, Napoleon's beau
tiful sister, also wore. Empress Marie
Ieuise. who had not the same reason n
her predecessor, since she was white
skinned and blonde in complexion, cour-
aseously wore many diamonds and slp-
phircs.
Tie magnificent diadem Of sapDhiros just
now On exhibition, and which contains
stones incompatible in size and tint. was
worn by Empress Marie Louise, and the
corcnet which completes the head. dress is
Of exquisite workmanship. Empress Eu-
genie was, without contradiction, the soy
oreien who most frequently nsed the crown
jewels. Sue had completed that matchleSs
string OF pearls which contains unique
pearls. This fourfold string formed am1g.
WI anu HNhts
The Empress, who for long time did not
want towear ornaments which heightened
The forehead. had that pretty Russian dia-
dem made. which il comparatively low,
and which open forms charming necklace.
SIZE had pearl and diamond combs. Oae OF
these combs contains apink diamond
which, /, is said, has not its equal.
She afterwards wore in her hair diamond
stars and crosses, aud finally, viewing with
favor ornaments reared on the forehead,
,he put Oh the diadems. to which she
now took definite liking. She most
frequently wore the one 81 diamonds and
iurquoisos, which is on exhibition nm
der q glass case: often. also, dI'
dem Of emeralds aud bri!iauts, which, be.
ng her own private property has been sold
by her. as also the string of pearls called
pigcon-eggs, on account OF their size. and
which was bought by the late Nine. de
Paiva.
Go in peace, jewels OF France. since You
ire 10 longer appreciated! You will not
ind more sanity, brave, pious, and chart
liable soyereigns than those whom you have
adorned.