The Russellville Democrat. [volume] (Russellville, Ark.) 1875-1898, 1885-09-17
MRS. Mackey's Jewels.

Mrs. Mackey's Jewels.
I Irecently had the pleasure of exam
lining one of the finest collections OF
Jewels outside of royal treasury that
exists in Europe, and Which belongs to
an American lady, 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 tbs
gems. Foremost in the collection shows
resplendent the famous set OF sapphires
which attracted so much attention
when exhibited by the jeweler Bouch-
eron at the Partisan Universal Exhibi-
ton of 1878. 1t is valued at 100000,
and comprises the diadem, bracelets,
ring, earrings and necklace, with q
large pendant The necklace Is double,
the upper row being band of large,
square diamonds and sapphires, hitting
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. ut.transversely,
a perfect oval in shape, and is valued at
$4,000
Next in bea Ity and in value come the
pearls, the set including the necklace,
bracelets and diadem. The necklace
has five rows, the pearls in the lowest
row being of the size of the largest
huckleberry, and those in the uppermost
one being bigger than large pea. Each
pearl is perfect in color and In shape,
the strings having been composed with
the greatest care The clasp is sap
phire set in diamonds. The diadem is
of an arabesque pattern in diamonds,
surmounted with five graduated pear
shaped pearls, the central and largest
one being an inch and half in length
The bracelets are formed each of five
rows of pearls held in place by narrow
bands diamonds. The set of turquoises,
like that of sapphires, is unique in char
acter, so large and fine In color are the
gems whereof it is composed. 1t in
cludes the diadem, bracelet, ring, neck
lace and heart-shaped pendant, ear
rings and brooch, the latter being a
Prince of Wales plume in diamonds,
held at the base with a single enormous
turquois. The necklace is peculiarly
magnificent, being broad band of
arabesques in diamonds, studded with
large turquoses. 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 dia-
monds is remarkable for it's workman.
ship, the broad patterned
necklace sustaining a pendant shaped
like lotus flower.
Another necklace is of Egyptian pat
tern, being composed of three rows of
pointed diamond leaves. For the hair
there is long garland of small fern
leaves in diamonds, studded with dia-
mond dew-drops, most graceful and
poetic-looking ornament. 1t is also ar
ranged to be worn as n necklace or to
ornament the corsage of ball dress. A
broad collar-shaped ornament in dia-
monds, bordered with single stones, can
be worn either as necklace or diadem.
The brooch is large cluster of slender
willow-shaped leaves. The bracelet is
a diamond serpent, that encircles the
arm above the elbow five times; it is
formed of single row of very large
The earrings and ring are very fine
soltaires. A pair of wide band brace
lets, composed OF diamonds and sap
phires. go with this set.
In black pearls Mrs. Mackey possesses
a necklace and pair Of earrings, the
latter being composed each of a single
round pearl rs large as cherry, and
she owns pair of white pearls of SINH
lar size and beauty and a pair of large
pink oval pearls. Three fine rubies are
set, two as earrings and the third as
ring. The set of pink coral is remark
able even amid 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.
tits very large, comprising full suite
of ornaments. A parure in antique
filigree, set with cat's-eyes and small
diamonds, is noticeable for its artistic
workmanship. Among the minor orna-
ments are a brooch, representing pea
cock standing on globe of polished
pink coral, the plumage of the birds
monds, sapphires and emeralds; an
edSie WIFI tAtcuutu WHY'S III uit-
monds, slender diamond serpent
with large pear-shaped black
pearl pendant from its mouth, (this or
nament is to be worn as u necklace,)
and other beautiful and artistic jewels.
The sapphire set has been photographed
at M. Boucheron's request, and an en-
craving of it will figure in work that
is shortly to be published in Paris, en-
titled "The Famous Jewels of Eu-
rope" These treasures are not kept in
the hotel of Mrs. Mackey, as they would
constitute Il far too potent attraction
for burglars, but are deposited in the
bank. They are inclosed in a small
Ghost of metal closed with secret
spring. The interior of this chest is
lined with red velvet, and is divided into
three compartments, each fitted with
series of numbered trays. have new
er heard the value of the contents of
this chest estimated, yet it can not be
far from Sl,000,000, and yet, 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 does Mrs. Mackey.-