Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-11-30

DIAMONDS AND PEARLs-rHE GREAT POPULARITY
OF THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RINss-BoN-
NET AND HAIR PINs-THE PREVAILING RAGE
FOR NOTICES.
1t is curious to watch the changes which
fashion dictates in precious stones which are
in themselves unchanging and reliable.
From the sapphire we may expect the same
blue light whether it is in or out of style,
and the emerald has the same brilliant green
now when it was so desirable some years ago.
An emerald surrounded with diamonds used to
be something to be longed for as a setting for
a ring. Diamonds and pearls are both always
in favor. the former especially. Pearls vary
somewhat in popularity, the seed pearls being
sonnet mes very much sought after, and again
entirely by-gone as to use in ornaments. The
beautiful white pearls of large size, and espe-
ciaily pear shaped, are always expensive and
preferred by many to diamonds. The colored
pearls have their variations in public regard.
| Just now in lace and scarf pins they are much
| in favor, often two or three colors-
pink, black, and yellow for instance
being set in combination. The opal. notwith-
| standing the superstition with which many
| people regard Ii, is again favorte for rings
| and lace pins. 1t is always much prettier when
surrounded with diamonds and therefore more
| "Pt w NC oes Al tilut way tAHu any OtHtf ~ It
! considered to be most Gnlacky TO have an opal
| set IN an engagement ring or bracelet For the
| latter trlnhet. which many betrothed maldens
| prefer To the old time ring-an idea Is to have
| a band OF single rubies or sapphires, with oiia-
| monds between. These bracelets are made 20
| come of with some difficulty. while those of
gold, with paddock fastening. have been pop
| puiaF Tor some years past. Another fancy Is to
| have two large moonStones-which are lucky
stones-cut INTO heart shapes. surrounded by
| sat- IN al p1a h9n
MooNsroNEs.
| The moonstone, while not precious stone,
is i'll high favor at present. Like opals they
I are at their best when set with diamonds,
| though sometimes other gems are chosen to
| combine with them. The carving of the stone
| detracts from its transparency. which Is It's
] greatest charm; still many found thus en-
| belilshed. or distigured, one looks at it, The
| man III the moon is the favorite subject-one
| more often seen than others Pearls and moon
| stones are set together and make Il peculiarly
! soft and pleasing combination. NJOnstOnes
with fiIigree gold settings are effective ana
| pretty also. An UNUSUALLY large moOnstone
was set in Il lace pin that was very taking. The
stone was cut heart shaped and highly polished.
| This heart was surrounded with small pink
/ pearls, each perfect as to form. Still another
| one was in crescent shape. set about with dla-
| mdnds A perfectly round moonstone is con-
| Sdered more desirable than one OF Halter
| shape. ana is much more rare. The heart
| shape is a favorite device in cutting moon
| stones, IT seems. Here is bonnet pin, the
foundation OF which is two small hearts
| set around with fine pearls, and
| above them a love knot of pearls.
| A single heart of moonstone has the love knot
above and tiny dove of pearls on each SIDE
| This Is intended for bashful lovers gift and
| modesty expresses hope. not confidence, as the
| bolder union of two hearts might imply. The
| fact OF moonstones having a reputation of being
| lucky makes them especially suitable for
| presents on all occasions. and is good reason
| for their popularity. India is the source of
most of the moonstones in the market, but
| they have been found on the seashore in this
part of the world. The girls at Narragansett
| used to hunt for them and the finder as
| sured as to her future good fortune. A jew
| eler in the little town would polish and set
| them and forth they would go to be a cherished
souvenir of a summers pleasure.