New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-08
an EXPERT IN GEMS.
SIR EDWIN ARNOLD's VERSATILITY:
lie HAS DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF PRECIOUS
STONES AND THE FOLK LORE ABOUT THEM.

lie HAS DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF PRECIOUS
STONES AND THE FOLKLORE ABOUT THEM.
"Paint me as I ami" is what Oliver Cromwell is
reported to have said upon a memorable occasion
when he gave the opportunity to an artist to FIX
upon canvas his rugged and stern features. IL was
not exactly these words that Sir Edwin Arnold used
when he sat for his portrait the other day, tor upon
that placid and Intellectual face there is no disgure
ment to emphasize the lines as was the with the
vsage Of the great Protector but his instructions to
Mr. Sarony, to whom he gave sitting meant never
teless tho thing. lie did not want any touch
ing up CLOSING over said Mr.. Sarony to Tribune
reporter, "as You see from this negative
Sir Edwin has much knowledge concerning the value and
variety OF gems and precious stones and Ii was not
far from the artists studio to Tlranys, he went ther
on Friday afternoon and cordially greeted by
George Frederick Kunz after formal introduction BY
his manager Mr.. Kunz who is the gem expert in this
welknown house and who made up the statistics In
precious stones and cutting in this country for the
Census Bureau, sat down and had long and
interesting talk the subject alike to the hearts
Of both III n, gems and precious stones
He Is wonderful man, said Mr.. Kunz, "but
should deem ii improper to say anything for publication
about what passed between during the visit without
his express permission
al am fortified in that respect, Mr.. Kunz, said the
reporter.
You arel" Sald MI. kunZ.e GOod. NOW sit
down. In the first place, let tell you that this
great Englishman showed during his talk with me
remarkable knowledge Of all these minerals, Of their
history, their composition their formation I
really astonished. lie is himself an expert Beyond
doubt, before met who knew more
about gems and precious stones, and few II any,
much does he. . There IS in his manner ndc
scrbable charm, that indefinite something which
call personal magnetism. This quality alone IN
OF average intelligence makes hosts OF friends but
when silied, as in this case, with knowledge pro-
found and aembraclng that possessed by Sir Edwin
Arnold you have found, in my humble judgment, the
real man,
What precious stones does he favor mostfn
al do not know" replied Mr.. Kunz, that he
pressed opinion definite that; or, II he did
have forgotten. Most OF the time absorbed listen
ing to him, he talked interestingly and with such
rare appreciation of the subject. cannot however,
recall all that he said lie is true lover Of precious
Zones, and has quick and apprecative eye for their
many and varied beauties. valuing them not only as
minerals but also on account Of the legends and
supersttions which make up the gem lore of the
Orient"
EasXe embodied anything in book form on the sub
ject of gems7'
"Oh, yes,s said Mr. Kunz, with considerable warmth
" His studies and researches I'm Oriental lands In that
field have led TO his remarkable volume entitled In Ny
Ladys Praise copy of which he very kindly gave me
when he was here. Look at his autograph, ard he
turned the cover Of the handsomely bound book
1t IS collection of poems which he published in the
memory and to the honor OF his wife, who IS dead
They ell eXquisite'
1t is an octave volume Of more than 14O pages
That portion Of 1t which he entitled Casket OF Gems
fills more than 100 pages These pages are made I'D
OF collection of poems regarding the different gems Of
which gorgeous and dazzling ring was made that Sir
Edwin pres snted to bis wife, The initial letter I'm
the name Of each gem forms part OF her name which
Fanny Maria Adelaide This is the order in which
they were arranged: