Omaha daily bee., 1884-08-07
THE FRENCH GROWN JEWELS.
How II Is Proposed To Divide These
Famous Historical Treasures.


New York Times.
While there is no absolute decision
concerug the immediate sale Of the crown
diamonds, it is hrrdly probable that the
present government will lose sight of the
golden opportunity. Moreover, to the
popular imagination that sale conveys
the pleasant idea of che complete de-
struction by such simple and II
tive Q of the odious monarchy now
and forevermore. No more Jewels, no
more crowned heads, is the idea sug-
gested to the ignorant masses, and to no
other cast do the powers that be appear
to cater. The proposed division of
certain portions of these treasures
is, to say the least, amusing. The seven =
stone diamonds, called Mazarins, because
they were purchased in Italy by Mazarin,
are, presumably, the most valuable.
They ornameuced the crown of Louis
Nv, and are estimated att 250, 900 francs.
The government has decided to keep one
of the stones as a specimen and to sell
the others. This lop sided resolution is
dit-on, to be the ruler in the separation
of the other jewels, thus destroying botn
intrinsic and historical value. \ few
interesting details concerning the peculiar
fancies of the noble DANES whose posi-.
ton allowed them the privilege of choos.
ing their ornaments amid such splendors
have thus been brought to
light in the pros and cons Of
animated discussion. Marie Antoinette ia
said to have favored only tho bow.kno,s
aud ~tassels. These latter abe fastens to
the points of her corsage or to the ends of
her ribbon.bows. Around her neck she
liked only the square stones placed close.
ly together. Beside the crown jewels,
IS her W property the queen possessed
wondrous sigrette fasteners and mum.
berless diamond Plus and flowers, which
she had sewn here and there on her
gala dresses. The Duchesse d'Angou
leme inherited them, and they formed an
exceptionally large collection. Marie
A~ntoinette always worn the thy crown
placed far back in the couture instead of
the diadem. The Empress Josephine
disliked diamonds because of their brill
liant whiteness. which abe said darkened
her complexion. She preferred almost ex-
clusively sapphires and rubies, the latter
on account of their ruddy color being her
special pets. She oftea wore strings of
pearls in her hair, as her portraits show,
but these were only placed in contrast to
her black t%resses. Maria Louise, being
\ light blonde, with a particularly fair
skin, delicately colored, wore almost
constantly diamonds in profusion. The
magnificent set of sapphires, with the
same setting as seen in the present ex.
hibit, was also one of the priced Jewels OF
che empress. All the princesses of the
Orleans family received at their marriage
which it was their invariable Gus.
tom to wear at their presentation at
court. The duchess of Montpensiet
made an exception in favor of a remark.
able set of emeralds, which now belong
to the countess of Paris. 1t is said that
the Empress Eugene was among all the
sisters of the throne Of France, the
sovereign who most delighted in the
changing and wearing of the crown
jewels. The completion of the wondrous
set of Oriental pearls was due to her in
i~tiative. The four necklaces she wore as
an o~rnamentation to her dress. She
dico iihSu tuo ldulOub SeU Vi ulauOnQb
and turquoise. The parure of
emeralds which were wont to
sparkle SO brilliantly in con.
trast to her golden hair, being her own
private property, were sold after the fall
of the empire; also the necklace of pig
eon-egg pearls, so styled on account Of
their perfect shape and size. These be.
came the property of the late Nine. de
Paiva, who purchased them ut the pub
lie sale. 1t was the empress who origi-
mated the supple mounting Of precious
stones to initiate flexible garlands of
fruits and flowers, with which she orna-
mented a volonte, her gowns and couture.
She had currants ana meters of vine
leaves made in this manner, which style
at once became, as it still continues to
be, the rare desideratum of the ele.
gantes of the day. Even now the en-
press however severe her own crepe
dress may r~emain-dislikes to see SON.
Der OF careless attire around her. Her
circle of intimate friends, comprising tn,
Murats and Aguados-both favorit ,s-
understand her wishes and their toilets
turing their prolonged visits at he,
English home, show as much though
md as much taste as if they were t, b,
displayed during a soiree at Compeign,
N Oldeu timPs